Sequence
The repetition of a musical pattern at successively higher or lower pitch levels.
Category
composition
Pronunciation
SEE-kwens
Origin
Latin (sequentia, following)
Length
144 words · 1 min read
About Sequence
A sequence takes a melodic or harmonic fragment and repeats it at a different pitch, usually ascending or descending by step. Tonal sequences adjust intervals to stay within the key; real sequences transpose exactly, potentially moving through multiple keys.
More composition terms
Twelve-Tone Technique
View all compositionterms →A method of composition that treats all twelve chromatic pitches as equal, ordering them into a fixed row that governs the entire work.
CompositionThe art and craft of creating original music by organising sounds, rhythms, and harmonies into a structured work.
OrchestrationThe art of assigning musical material to specific instruments within an orchestra to create desired timbres
CanonA contrapuntal composition in which a melody is imitated exactly by one or more voices entering in succession.
ArrangementAn adaptation of a musical composition for different instruments or voices than originally intended
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v1 · 10/04/2026Browse all terms →