Completing an eight-bar melody: motif development, implied harmony and cadence

What this note covers

1. The task and what markers have rewarded each year
2. Diagnosing the opening before you write a note
3. Phrase architecture: a reliable plan for bars 5 to 8
4. Developing the motifs: practical techniques
5. Worked example in a major key (original, text-notated)
6. Minor keys and compound time: the 2025 trap and how to avoid it
7. Final checks in the last minute, and practising efficiently

7 sections · 11 key terms & formulas · 6 common mistakes