Teach the Cast
Some of MotifLab’s cast are still learning. When you teach them, YOU learn it best — catch what they get wrong, then quiz them.
Teach Twine
You be the teacher — Twine is still learning. Helping Twine figure it out is the practice. (Only for you; nothing is saved.)
Teach the connections
Show how the composition ideas connect
You've helped them one at a time. The real understanding is how the ideas CONNECT — teach that next.
Trill (the motif — the main tune that develops) × Twine (counter-melody — a second tune woven against the main one)
Why can Twine's counter-melody not exist on its own, without Trill's motif?
Trill then says: “I'll write a counter-melody first, then add the main tune later if I feel like it.” — is that right?
The link: motif and counter-melody are a duet — Twine is a line drawn against Trill's.
A second line only counters when there's a first.
Nest (the key — the home note the song keeps returning to) × Wend (cadence — how a phrase comes to rest (the song's punctuation))
A phrase feels 'finished' at its cadence. What is it actually resolving TOWARD?
Nest then says: “A cadence sounds finished no matter what key you're in — the home note doesn't matter.” — is that right?
The link: a cadence is a return home — Wend rests on the note Nest keeps.
A phrase rests by coming home to the key.
Capstone — build one short piece together
Three layers, one little piece. Bring in the cast member for each.
A short, memorable tune that grows and develops. Who?
Who do you bring in?
Notes blooming underneath to support that tune. Who?
Who do you bring in?
How the phrase comes to rest — the song's punctuation. Who?
Who do you bring in?
The synthesis: a motif to remember, harmony to hold it up, and a cadence to land it — the bones of a piece.
Tune, support, and a place to rest — a piece takes shape.
Build it in the composition tools →
