If one looks at the component motives of any melody, the successive repetition of the motives becomes apparent. Repetition is also used in chord progressions and in patterns of dynamics and timbre. Whole phrases and sections of music often repeat. The following illustration represents musical repetition. Variation means change of material and may be slight or extensive.
Variation is used to extend melodic, harmonic, dynamic and timbral material.
Contrast is the introduction of new material in the structure or pattern of a composition of music that contrasts with the original material. It is most often used in the latter areas of phrases or sections and becomes ineffective if introduced earlier. Basic Patterns of Repetition, Variation, and Contrast Repetition , variation and contrast may be seen in basic patterns. These patterns have been found to be effective at all levels of music structure, whether it be shorter melodic motives or extended musical compositions. These basic patterns of repetition, variation and contrast may be found not only in all world musics, but also in the other arts and in the basic patterns of nature.