What is indicated by notes that are moving by skip?

Notes that are moving by skip indicate a larger difference in pitch between the notes, typically spanning an interval greater than a step. In music theory, a step is defined as the movement between two consecutive notes in a scale, while a skip involves jumping over at least one note. This can mean moving from a note to one that is one full step above, or beyond, depending on the specific interval.

For example, if you are in the C major scale and you move from C to E, that is considered a skip because you are jumping over the note D. Skips are common in melodies and harmonizations, creating a more varied and interesting musical line compared to movements solely by steps.

Understanding this concept is essential for recognizing how different musical phrases are structured and how they can evoke different emotions and dynamics within a piece.