Most music is made of tones (symbolized by musical notes) with definite pitcheses. Different tones played one after the other constitute a melody, while different tones played simultaneously make chordss, and the succession of chords in time makes harmony. Unpitched sounds are often provided by percussion. The temporal organisation of these elements is rhythm.
Writing music
Music can be written in advance of a performance by a composer or songwriter. In such cases, the musician or musicians playing the piece (who may or may not also be the people who wrote it) broadly follow the instructions the composer has given them, which may be written down using musical notation in the form of sheet music. Alternatively the music may be, to a large degree and usually within more or less strict boundaries, made up by the performers as they go along (improvisation).
Performing music
Music can be performed by a single musician, or several may band together to form a musical ensemble such as a rock band or orchestra. The music they make can be heard through several media; the most traditional way is to hear it live, in the presence of the musicians. Live music can also be broadcast over the radio or television, although this experience is closer to playing back a sound recording or watching a music video. Sometimes, live performances incorporate prerecorded sounds; for example, a DJ uses records for scratching. Of course, you can also create music yourself, by singing, playing a musical instrument, or composing. Modern beginners usually try the guitar or the piano as a first instrument.
Deaf people can experience music by feeling the vibrations in their body; the most famous example of a deaf musician is the composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who composed many famous works even after he had completely lost his hearing. In more modern times, Evelyn Glennie, who has been deaf since the age of twelve, is a highly acclaimed percussionist.
Education
People take music lessons when they want to learn to play music. Musicology is a broad field charged with the historical and scientific study of music, including music theory and music history.
Genres
Since music is an ancient art, an extremely large number of musical genres have evolved. Among the larger genres are classical music, popular music (including rock and roll) and folk music. The term world music is applied to a wide range of music with an "ethnic" element. Ethnomusicology is the study of these genres in an anthropological context.
