What is a Motif in Music? - Music Theory

Learn all about the motif, what they are, famous examples and how to write your own. One way in which music is written is for it to be based on a motif or combination of motifs. So what is a motif and how would a composer work with a motif? All is revealed in this music theory lesson. A motif is a short musical idea - often a melodic motif but sometimes a rhythmic motif. This music theory lesson explores how to spot when a motif is being used in a piece you might be playing, or how to construct and develop a motif in a piece you might be writing. Really useful to performers, composers and analysts alike.

🕘 Timestamps
0:00 - Introduction to motifs in music
0:45 - Example of a motif using block chords
5:38 - Example of a motif using a single melody line
7:07 - Using motifs in music

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[Spinz]

What an incredible "ear" opener. Thank you. My musical world has changed. My favourite tunes and themes will never sound the same again. I know how to listen to them now :)

[abstract_note]

Thank you. This increased my knowledge in music theory.

[yangerlongchar]

The lesson was imparted with such clarity. Thank you sir.

[bargledargle]

5:53 - FINALLY someone talks about this fugue! It is very worthwhile to analyze

[donnat.]

I love this man! I feel like he breaks down music so simple.☺♥

[MyOwnWayMusic]

Gosh, brilliantly presented, thank you Gareth you’re a great teacher. 👍

[KGunasekhar]

Thank you sir, this helped me a lot, am working on a piece for quite long time but now i got an idea to improve it

[floojosephine]

Tomorrow i'll have theory music exam at my college and your explanation help me a lot, hope i'll get a good score tomorrow, thanks!!

[xxearth_angelxxmixes]

Ahhh everything just came right together in my head after watching this. Thank you!!

[nicolerawlings]

Thank you for the visual representation, super helpful:)

[andojuliusramahefahasiniri]

always an amazing course, thanks so much

[johnellison]

Yes, this has been very helpful. A short and to the point explanation of the concept. Thank you very much for posting this video. Cheers mate.

[youtubevideor]

Thanks for the valuable lesson. I am learning a lot from your lessons.

[wh]

Thanks a lot 👍
Such a amazing discription

[lawrencetaylor]

Another great lesson. Merci Alex and Gareth.

[sandhyagupta]

Wow! Thankyou so much! I finally got to understand what a motif is!

[chunsu]

thank you, you helped me very much for my music theory

[AbhiBass]

HELLO! I wanted to know what is the more "modern" term for motif with various pop and rock songs in the scene. What is a motif in that genre?

[veve]

Thank you teacher ♥
what is a melodic motif?