Melody

Defined as the succession of single tones in musical compositions, as distinguished from harmony and rhythm.

Melodic Line:

• Defined as a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence. 

In this piece: The melodic line is seen in the treble clef in C major, starting on the E. 

• The melodic line is usually the main melody in a piece and typically in the treble clef but not always. 

Motif:

•  a short musical idea, a salient recurring figure, musical fragment or succession of notes that has some special importance in or is characteristic of a composition

In this piece: The very fist measure of the song Minuet by Bach starts with an 8 note motif. This motif is then seen progressing in the following measures shown.

• Very important to the development of the songs
• Can be long or short
• Usually pretty rememberable