Motif v Phrase v Theme

A small collection of notes that contains a musical idea and is repeated throughout the song

A complete musical composition

A single note that stands out in a song

A type of musical instrument

Only 1

More than 20

Exactly 5

Between 2 and 10

A theme is usually made up of one or more phrases and carries special meaning

A motif and a theme are the same in music

A theme is a single note repeated throughout a song

A motif is a complete musical composition

Beethoven’s 'Symphony No. 5'

A four chord progression in a movie score

The first and second line of each verse in 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen

A melody that is played with different instruments

A motif that is not repeated in the song

A motif that is played by a single instrument

A motif used in association with a particular character, place, concept, or situation

A motif that appears only at the beginning of a song

Melodic

Harmonic

Rhythmic

Lyrical

By using only a single instrument to play the motif

By playing it once and never repeating it

By ensuring it is longer than 10 notes

By changing up some of the notes or playing it in a different octave

A longer duration

Structure and memorability

More instruments

Additional lyrics

To increase the number of instruments used

To reduce the complexity of the song

To make the song longer

To create captivating, engaging, and easily recognizable pieces

"Time" by Hans Zimmer

"Yesterday" by The Beatles

"Hallelujah" by Leonard Cohen

"Symphony No. 5" by Beethoven