harmonymelody

Harmonymelody is a term used in music theory and composition to describe an integrated approach to the relationship between harmony and melody. In this framework, melodic design is guided by the underlying harmonic structure, and chord progressions are chosen to support melodic contour rather than to serve as a separate, static backdrop.

The term blends "harmony" and "melody" and is commonly used in analytical writings and instructional contexts to discuss how a melodic line interacts with chord progressions, voice-leading, and harmonic rhythm. It is not uniformly standardized across all theory traditions, but appears in contemporary textbooks and scholarly articles as a way to describe cohesive musical discourse.

Key characteristics include alignment of important melodic tones with chord tones, the use of arpeggiated or chord-tone-based motifs, and melodic motion that respects the cadence and rhythm of the harmony. Melodies often write on the strong beats of each harmony, with stepwise motion, tension tones, and strategic leaps that foreground chord function. The concept is applicable to tonal, modal, and more experimental repertoires.

Applications of harmonymelody include compositional analysis, pedagogy, and algorithmic or software-assisted music creation. Analysts may trace how a melody derives its shape from the harmonic progression, while composers use the approach to craft melodies that clearly articulate harmonic changes. It is also used as a guiding principle in some jazz and popular music practices.