What is Music? Understand the history of music and the characteristics of music with examples. Learn about the elements of music and how music is made.
Updated: 11/21/2023
Music | Definition, Description & Characteristics
Table of Contents
- Definition of Music
- Description of Music
- Characteristics of Music
- How Music is Made
- Sociological Aspects
- Role of the Internet in Music
- Lesson Summary
- FAQs
- Activities
Understanding Music
This lesson explained many important terms and concepts surrounding music. It's a concept that most people in the world can relate to. Now it's your turn to think about what you've just learned in new ways using the following activities.
Music Around the World
As this lesson mentioned, all human cultures have musical traditions. Choose just one musical tradition and write a paragraph about it. What does this kind of music sound like? What terms from this lesson can you apply to it? What is the history of this musical tradition? Make sure you listen to examples of whatever music you choose!
Examples: You can write about any music, but here are some ideas to get you started: Inuit throat singing; Chinese opera; Yoruba drumming; Indian Raga music; Cape Jazz from South Africa.
Thinking Outside the Box
This lesson gave you several elements that make up what we typically think of as music. But can music go beyond these definitions? Look at the examples below and write a journal response explaining which, if any, you consider to be music. If they are not music, what are they?
Examples: Birds singing; 4'33" by John Cage; As Slow As Possible by John Cage; the Zadar Sea Organ; the Singing Ringing Tree.
Your Musical Traditions
What kinds of music are popular where you live? When did those kinds of music originate? What kinds of music are associated with your culture and history? And what vocabulary words that you learned in this lesson can you apply to your favourite kinds of music today? Write your answers to some or all of these questions in a paragraph or essay.
How do you explain music?
Music can be explained as a combination of predetermined sounds. The process of making music involves organizing sounds, and tones in a specific order and combining them into a unified music composition. Musicians use ingenuity and creativity to organize sounds for a specific result.
What is the purpose of music?
The purpose of music is to provide expression and control moods in humans and animals alike. Music can provide a soothing technique for crying babies, and calm animals when they are frightened. Music is an antidote for emotion when words fail.
What are the five characteristics of music?
The five characteristics of music are sound (overtone, duration, amplitude, pitch, timbre), melody, rhythm, structure or form, expression, texture, and melody.
How do you define music?
Music is the instrumental or vocal sounds, sometimes both, that produce a form, harmony, and expression of human emotion in an art form.
Table of Contents
- Definition of Music
- Description of Music
- Characteristics of Music
- How Music is Made
- Sociological Aspects
- Role of the Internet in Music
- Lesson Summary
What is music? Music is an art form that combines either vocal or instrumental sounds, sometimes both, using form, harmony, and expression of emotion to convey an idea. Music represents many different forms that play key factors in cultures around the world. A description of music, when asked by musicians, is quite challenging for them to put into a words. There is something unique, unto each artist, which music makes people feel a specific way in the world. John Coltrane described his music as, ''My music is the spiritual expression of what I am my faith, my knowledge, my being. When you begin to see the possibilities of music, your desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hang ups. I want to speak to their souls.''
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
You must cCreate an account to continue watching
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Create Your Account To Continue Watching
As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. Plus, get practice tests, quizzes, and personalized coaching to help you succeed.
Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons.
Try it now
It only takes a few minutes to setup and you can cancel any time.
Already registered? Log in here for access
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
Over 30,000 video lessons
& teaching resources‐all
in one place.
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.
Jennifer B.
Teacher
Back
Your next lesson will play in
10 seconds
Music is the art form that combines rhythm and sound to form a functional melodic line. Music itself transcends time, space, and cultures. Music can carry a mood without speaking any specific words. It can also be captured and recorded in a written universal language unique unto any other art form.
The history of music is a lengthy topic which requires much depth and time. Music is an ancient art form that began during prehistoric times. It carries with it a history for each human culture throughout time. Although there are many varied definitions of music, it is a cultural universal because every culture throughout time and history has made music a primary component of life. For ages, music was passed down through oral tradition on a fundamental level; but for formal purposes, recorded music began with the written tradition by medieval monks during 500 AD to 1400.
Monks used a written number system based on neumes which is a predecessor for modern musical notation today. This was also the time period when polyphony was developed, which means the usage of multiple sounds coming together to form a melody and harmony. The birth of music, as it is today, truly emerged out of the Renaissance time period. In the sixteenth century, a time period known as the golden age, began. The art of vocal polyphony in both sacred and secular music began to emerge and the theories on music were formulated. Gioseffo Zarlino was the Master of the Chapel at St. Marks in Venice, Italy. His work on proportion in voice and music formulated a harmony on the whole. The idea of balance in both the world and in music gave way to writing music with balance in mind. The word music is derived from a word in the Greek language, "mousike" which translates to, ''art of the muses.''
 |
There are millions of human beings around the world. As such, humans have formed culture groups within society and each one expresses characteristics through a form of music. On a whole, there are roughly fourteen basic genres of music that are recorded widely from around the world. These include but are not limited to: Classical, Country, EDM or Electronic Dance Music, Jazz, Indie-Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Rap, Oldies, Metal, K-pop, R&B or Rhythm and Blues, and Rock. It would be impossible to note every single type of music that is known and recorded around the world, however there are many ways in which to investigate this in terms of each Earth's continents basic cultures and their music.
In Africa, there are common instruments that include drum, musical bow, xylophone, and rattles. A list of genres in Africa would include but not be limited to: Afrobeats, Benga, Chimurenga, Ethio-jazz, Gnawa/Ethno-pop/Gwani Blues, Highlife, Hiplife, Inkiranya, Juju, Majika, Mbalax, Ndombolo, Palm Wine, Rababah, Shaabi, Somali Jazz, Soukou/Congolese Rumba, Ubongo, Zilin, and Zouglou.
In traditional Asian culture, the instruments used were flutes and pipes, stringed instruments, and drums. The traditional approach towards music in Asia was through a methodological or mathematical terms of approach to writing and recording music. Throughout the passage of time, with the evolution of K-Pop music, this approach is still utilized in a more modern way. Some of the genres of Asian music include but are not limited to: Chinese traditional opera, C-Pop, Dangdut, Gagaku court music, Goa trance, Hindustani, Baila, Bollywood, Carnatic, Chinese folk, V-pop, Rafi, Raga rock, Punjabi, K-trot, J-pop, and Japanese folk music.
In regards to the music of the Caribbean, it is a mixture of African and European styles combined. The music of the Caribbean is a combination of music and dance because they work together simultaneously for this culture, which is why drums and percussion instruments are an essential part of the music. Some of the genres of the Caribbean music include: Calypso, Reggae, Merengue, Mento, Dancehall, and Mambo. Zouk, Soca, Ska, Salsa, Rocksteady, and Steel band music/Pan music.
Moving into European music, it is best demonstrated through classical music as a genre. Many notable classical musicians were from Europe and as such, the influences of their work penetrated into the culture. Music of Europe today is greatly influenced by it's peoples who have brought and appreciate music from around the world. Genres of European music include, but are not limited to: A capella, Celtic chant, Drum and Bass, Flamenco, Euro-disco, Trance, Polka, Grime, Opera, and Glitch pop.
Latin and South American music is often referred to as Latin music overall. However, there are many influences upon the music that influenced its melodies, rhythmic bass and rhythms. Some of the genres of Latin music include: Cumbia, Compas, Balada, Bachata, Bossa nova, Mariachi, Vallenatto, Samba, Tango, Reggaeton, Mesitzo, Mexian, and Ranchera.
Music of North American incorporates traditional American music and Canadian music. There are a wide variety of cultures that have influenced the music genres of this region. These genres include: Blues, Canadian folk, Gospel, Bluegrass, American folk, Industrial, Zydeco, Tejano, and Swing.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Music is made up of many components. These components could be classified as characteristics of the concept itself. The characteristics of music can be explained by organizing them into categories.
- Sound (timbre, pitch, duration, amplitude, overtone): Sound itself is defined as the ability to hear or feel a vibration of movement from a voice or instrument. The sounds heard can be articulated by high or low pitches; how long they are played for, meaning the duration; the volume at which they are played or amplitude; the way in which they are played and distinguished, meaning the timbre; and the layers of sound or overtones that can occur when multiple tones are played at once.
- Melody: Melody is the line in which a musical piece is defined by. A melody is the central theme that is played in a piece of music and that is repeated throughout the song.
- Harmony: Harmony provides music as a secondary line of music that compliments the melody. It is what provides the song with: color or enhancement.
- Rhythm: Rhythm is the driving beat or pulse of a song that defines the movement of the piece of music.
- Structure or Form: Structure or form in music means the order of each part or section within the piece of music itself. The structure of a piece of music communicates which section is played, how many times, and where music is repeated.
- Texture: Texture in music refers to the melody, rhythm, and harmony that are combined in a piece which demonstrates the sound and quality of the individual work.
- Expression (dynamics, tempo, articulation): Expression in music is the way that a piece is conveyed through playing it completely. It could be classically defined as the specific notes, the markings above each note or stanza of notes telling the singer or instrumentalist exactly how fast, slow, loud, soft, bright, or flat something should be played.
Music is also clearly defined by elements of the sound itself. Music can be demonstrated through speed or tempo, the volume at which it is played, tempo modifiers, and instrumentation instructions. The Italian language is the language of choice when reading written musical markings. A handful of of these markings are helpful to know when looking at a piece of music. Some of these markings include the following, but are not limited to this list below. All of the words listed are written in the Italian language and defined in terms of musical meaning.
- Crescendo: This means to gradually increase the volume.
- Decrescendo: This means to gradually decrease the volume.
- Allegro: This means to gradually play fast, quickly, and with brightness.
- Forte: This means to play strongly and loud.
- Pianissimo: This means to play very softly.
- Adagio: This means slowly or to play at a slower speed or tempo.
- Andante: This means to play at a moderate slow tempo.
- Cadenza: This means a singer or instrumentalist plays solo or alone and may play with artistic liberty.
- Largo: This means large or to play at a large and slow moving pace when playing with an orchestra.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Music is made or created by using sound from human voices or instruments. Sounds are grouped together to form melody, harmony, and rhythm, in combination together and recorded they become a song that is composed. Some music is created spontaneously, and some music is composed over years or decades, depending upon which the composer chooses. The composition of music itself is made up of the vast grouping of notes, phrases, melodies, rhythms, harmonies, and lyrics, which all form a singular piece. The word, composition, often refers to instrumental music and the word, song, lends itself to be a musical piece that has lyrics or words that accompany the music.
The performance of music is a process much like other forms of art. A musical performance takes time, practice, and planning to share with an audience. Although, many musical performances today can take place as prerecorded opportunities that are shared virtually with audiences. A musical performance is seen in North American culture as an interpretive art, although that is not always the case. The instrumentalists and singers themselves always determine the degree a piece of music is played or interpreted. A large group of instrumentalists is known as an orchestra or band depending upon if stringed instruments are included. A small singular performer is known as a soloist, and a trio would be three performers, a quartet would be four performers, and a quintet would be five performers. The elements of music include sound, harmony, melody, rhythm, structure or form, texture and expression. These seven elements of music are essential when creating a piece of music or in the analysis it.
 |
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Throughout time, music has been a part of nearly every culture around the world. Music transcends time, supports human beings purposes, and explores the perils and triumphs of societies. Music has often been created by human beings when they were immersed in distress, as a means of communication. During slavery in North America, enslaved people formed a language and means for communication through song itself. This formation of song has been carried for generations and utilized in blues and jazz music today.
The definition of music can be both technical and emotionally driven for human beings, meaning it is the vocal or instrumental sounds combined with harmony to convey an emotion or a specific expression for a human being. The impact of music on the behavior or people is enormous. Music can be used as a tool for enhancing the health of human beings. It can also be utilized for sharing across cultures. The power of music transforms societies through an auditory and or visceral experience. When music is shared through oratory and singing as a collective whole, there is a form of collective experience that emerges. Human beings are social animals and as such, the need to share, is essential for human life. Fifteen members of a choir were assessed after singing together and it was found that they had synchronized breathing and heart rates. Furthermore, the phenomena known as, collective effervescence, is explained further by Adam Grant. The experience of collective singing demonstrates how joy emerges from humans when they work together for a shared experience.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
The realm of music drastically changed with the introduction of the internet. There are many positives and negatives that have affected the music industry and consumers alike. Independent musicians can share their music rapidly and more widespread than ever before. The 1990s and early 2000s saw a rise of music downloading via the internet which was both damaging to companies and artists alike. When music is not paid for, those involved in the process of recording are not paid royalties for their work. Music shared legally or streamed through paid platforms has allowed enormous accessibility for people in societies with access to technology. Music from across cultures has been widely shared and enormously distributed in the 2000s. Never was there a faster and constantly growing tool for sharing of music, than the internet. Both the music industry and independent musicians are constantly evolving to keep up with the rapidly changing world of the internet resource. Access to the internet's music availability provides healing when human emotion needs it most.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Music is an art form that combines either vocal or instrumental sounds, sometimes both, formed mainly for the beauty of a chosen form, harmony, and expression of emotion. Music represents many different forms that play key factors in cultures around the world. Music is an ancient art form that began during prehistoric times and carries with it a history for each human culture throughout the world. Characteristics of music include: sound, melody, harmony, rhythm or the driving beats in a measure or section of music, structure or form, texture, and expression. Music is made or created by using sound from human voices or instruments. Music can be demonstrated through speed or tempo, the volume at which it is played, tempo modifiers, and instrumentation instructions. One marking to note would be allegro which means to play quick and lively. A large group of musicians together is known as a symphony orchestra and a small singular player would be known as a soloist. Music sharing on the internet has both erected change and helped human beings feel closer in a rapidly changing world.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Video Transcript
What Is Music?
Sounds are all around us, from birds chirping and waves lapping against a coastline to cars honking in traffic. But sometimes sounds are put together in purposeful ways to create a specific atmosphere or to express ideas or emotions. Such organized sounds are called music.
Music is a collection of coordinated sound or sounds. Making music is the process of putting sounds and tones in an order, often combining them to create a unified composition. People who make music creatively organize sounds for a desired result, like a Beethoven symphony or one of Duke Ellington's jazz songs. Music is made of sounds, vibrations, and silent moments, and it doesn't always have to be pleasant or pretty. It can be used to convey a whole range of experiences, environments, and emotions.
 |
Almost every human culture has a tradition of making music. Examples of early instruments like flutes and drums have been found dating back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used music in religious ceremonies. Many other African cultures have traditions related to drumming for important rituals. Today, rock and pop musicians tour and perform around the world, singing the songs that made them famous. All of these are examples of music.
Terms Related to Music
To better understand how music is made, let's discuss some important musical terms.
If you can sing the tune of a favorite song, you've experienced melody. Melody is the series of coordinated pitches that form the main line of a tune. Think about it as the primary voice in a musical work. When we speak of 'voice' in this way, it might be a human voice or an instrumental one.
 |
When you hear a work, the melody stands out, but sometimes other sounds or voices help support it and make the music more complex. Harmony refers to multiple lines of musical notes that are subordinate to the melody and complement it. You can hear the harmony, but it's not as prominent as the melody. Harmony is often formed by a series of chords, or three or more notes played at the same time.
Another important element of music is rhythm, or the repeated patterns of movement in sound. Basically, rhythm is the placement of sound in time. It involves specific units of sound arranged as beats. Also important to rhythm is the idea of tempo, or the speed at which the beats are performed.
Music also has many terms that describe how it should be played or sung. These include words like allegro, which means quick and lively, and largo, which means slow. Other terms give instructions for loud or soft or bold or calm, or even suggest how specific notes should be emphasized. All of this helps to create a desired end result.
Characteristics and Types
All music tends to share certain characteristics. Most includes the elements discussed, like melody, harmony, and rhythm. Music is also often collaborative, involving more than one person in its performance. It commonly builds in tempo, volume, and energy over the course of a piece. A good way to illustrate this is to think of your favorite song. Does it begin soft, low, or slow and build to a more dramatic finish? Or does it begin with a loud flourish all at once?
Music is made with endless combinations of instruments, voices, and sounds, often produced by bands or ensembles. For example, an orchestra is an instrumental group that includes large sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Instrumental music also includes small ensembles like brass quintets; jazz trios of piano, string bass, and drums; or percussion ensembles that include a range of percussion like drums, bells, and rattles.
 |
Music can also be made by the human voice. Large choral groups have a range of voices, including soprano (the highest voice) and alto, normally sung by women, as well as tenor and bass (the lowest voice), normally sung by men. Opera is an art form that combines vocal and instrumental music to tell dramatic stories in song. Rock and pop music today include many variations of vocal music, from solo artists to duos, trios, and large groups of singers.
 |
Music involves so many things. When you listen to a symphony orchestra or to your favorite rock group, think about all the parts that went into it. Elements like melody, harmony, and rhythm combine to create the organized sounds that speak to you.
Lesson Summary
Let's review. Music is the organization of sounds for a desired effect. It includes sounds and silent moments. Music has been around for thousands of years, and it's been made by cultures around the world. Important musical terms include melody, or the main voice or line in a piece of music, and harmony, or the lines of music that complement the melody but are subordinate to it. Harmony is often made of chords, or three or more notes played at the same time.
Also important is rhythm, which refers to repeated patterns of movement in sound. Rhythm involves elements like beats, or specific units of sounds played in tempo, which is the speed of the beats. Many terms in music describe how it should be performed, including allegro for fast and largo for slow. Types of musical ensembles include instrumental ones like orchestras, and vocal ensembles include choral groups. Arts like opera include both instrumental and vocal music.
To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member.
Create your account
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Unlock Your Education
See for yourself why 30 million people use Study.com
Become a Study.com member and start learning now.
Become a MemberAlready a member? Log In
BackResources created by teachers for teachers
Over 30,000 video lessons
& teaching resources‐all
in one place.
I would definitely recommend Study.com to my colleagues. It’s like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. I feel like it’s a lifeline.
Jennifer B.
Teacher
Back
Music | Definition, Description & Characteristics
Related Study Materials
Explore our library of over 88,000 lessons
Browse by subject