Final answer:
A part of a melody in music is called a phrase, similar to phrases in a sentence. A phrase is a complete musical thought, often concluded with a cadence, and can be a component of a larger musical structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
A part of a melody in music is called a phrase. This is much like how sentences are formed with phrases in the English language. In music, a phrase is a complete musical thought, typically consisting of four measures, that expresses a sense of completeness but is not entirely independent. Think of it as a component of a larger musical sentence. On the other hand, a cadence is a sequence of chords that brings a phrase to a close, giving listeners a sense of resolution.
For example, in vocal music, a phrase might conclude with a cadence that feels like a natural pause or stopping point. When learning instruments, such as the piano, you might encounter phrases that incorporate melodies with specific rhythms and harmonies. A sequence is a repetition of a phrase at different pitches, while a step refers to the movement from one note to the next where the notes are adjacent in scale.