Melodic structure: Theoretical and empirical descriptions

The structure of melody is a rich area for research at the interface between music theory and music psychology. What makes a melody coherent and memorable? What kinds of relationships between the sounded tones are perceived? What characteristics contribute to the shape of a phrase? How are tensions established and how are they resolved? What kinds of formal representations best describe the apprehended structure and how can theoretical proposals be tested empirically? What role is played by general perceptual principles which may be innate and universal? What is the contribution of learned, stylistically specific conventions to our perception of melodic patterns?