lola Wrote:
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> hi desperately need help-can you approach leading
> notes by step or do they have to be approached
> from the note above or below?
You're talking about counterpoint rules, right?
I don't think there are any rules specifically about how you can *get* to a leading tone -- by leap or by step is allowed -- as long as you follow the other rules. For example, if you're at cadence, the leading tone must next go to the tonic. If you do have a leap to that leading tone, there are various rules about what kinds of leaps are allowed, and what the *other* voice(s) can be doing (and sometimes what you can do after the leap).
Does this help? Let me know also if I'm using terms you don't know... specific terminology can vary.
-Rob