Sentence Form

What Is It?

In music theory, sentence form refers to a specific phrase structure where a musical idea is presented, repeated, and then developed or extended. A typical sentence form consists of three parts:

1. Presentation: Introduces the main musical idea (often referred to as the "basic idea").
2. ‍Repetition: Restates the basic idea, either identically or with slight variation.‍
3. Continuation: Develops or extends the idea, leading to a conclusion or cadence.

Example: Think of it like a musical "sentence" where the first idea (presentation) is your subject, the repetition reinforces it, and the continuation is the conclusion.

How Does It Work?

Understanding how sentence form works in music theory can greatly enhance your compositional skills. The key to sentence form is balance—establish a musical idea, reinforce it, and then push it forward.

1. Presentation A

The first part of the sentence form is the presentation, where you introduce the main melodic or harmonic idea. This is usually a short phrase (2 measures) that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Pro Tip: Use a strong, memorable melody for the basic idea. In pop music, this is often the hook.

2. Repetition(A)

After the presentation, the basic idea is repeated. The repetition can be exact or slightly varied (e.g., different harmony or instrumentation), but the essential character of the idea remains the same. This can reinforce the idea and bring a sense of familiarity to the music.

Example: In classical music, this is often done with slight harmonic changes, while in jazz, the repeated idea might be varied rhythmically.

3. Continuation B

Finally, the continuation section develops and extends the basic idea, creating a sense of forward motion. This section usually includes quicker rhythms, modulation, or increased dynamics, and it leads to a cadence that concludes the phrase.

Pro Tip: Make sure the continuation section contrasts with the repetition to create tension and release, a crucial part of keeping listeners engaged.

Example of Sentence form:

From Ryan Leach’s Pillars of Composition Course!

Different Genres

Sentence form isn’t just for classical music. You can find it across many genres:

• Classical: Often used in sonata form, where the main theme is presented and developed.
• Jazz: A melody is often stated, then repeated with variations, before the continuation drives it forward into improvisation.
• Pop Music: The verse-chorus structure sometimes follows sentence form, where the melody is introduced, repeated, and developed into a catchy hook.

Sentence form in music theory is a powerful tool for composers, providing a clear structure to organize and develop musical ideas. Whether you're writing classical pieces, jazz solos, or catchy pop tunes, mastering sentence form can take your compositions to the next level.

Remember: if at first your melody doesn’t succeed, repeat it and then develop it.

If you want to learn more about how to build a melody and the fundamentals of music theory then check out Ryan Leach’s Pillars of Composition Course! You can learn all about melodies, how to build harmonies, and have exercises and to do with the teachers themselves!