How does a musical sequence change a melodic figure?

In the context of musical composition, a sequence changes a melodic figure by repeating it at a new pitch level, a process known as transposition.1

By restating a motivic pattern at different pitches—typically two or three times—the sequence preserves the original melodic shape and relative motion of the figure while introducing tonal variety. This technique serves as a fundamental tool for musical development, allowing composers to unify and expand upon their musical material.1

Sequences are generally categorized into two types:
* Nonmodulating (tonal) sequence: The restatements remain within a single key.1
* Modulating sequence: The restatements traverse multiple keys, which is frequently utilized in the development sections of forms such as the sonata.1