Melody and phrasing

Lines you remember.

What makes a melody work

Mostly stepwise motion with a few leaps, a clear high point, and phrases that breathe like sentences. Repetition with small variation is what makes it memorable.

Call and response structures appear across most traditions.
A hook is usually short, rhythmic and easily sung back.

Phrasing

Where a performer breathes, pushes or holds back turns notation into music. Two players reading identical notes can sound entirely different.