**Voice leading** (or **part writing**) refers to the linear progression of individual melodic lines, whose combination results in [[harmony]]. While related to counterpoint, voice leading generally refers to the treatment of melodic voices in a homophonic texture. Voice leading in the [[common practice]] is characterized by smooth and independent melodic lines that move primarily by conjunct motion, with the exception of the bass. Additionally, composers almost universally avoided parallel perfect consonances between voices. While voice leading may concern any number of voices and styles, there has traditionally been a heavy focus on [[SATB style]], especially in introductory [[music theory]] courses.