Music is generally defined as the art of arranging sound to create some combination of form,

[1][2][3]
harmony, melody, rhythm or otherwise expressive content. Exact definitions of music vary
[4] [5]
considerably around the world, though it is an aspect of all human societies, a cultural universal.
While scholars agree that music is defined by a few specific elements, there is no consensus on
[6]
their precise definitions. The creation of music is commonly divided into musical composition,
[7]
musical improvisation, and musical performance, though the topic itself extends into academic
disciplines, criticism, philosophy, and psychology. Music may be performed or improvised using a
vast range of instruments, including the human voice.
In some musical contexts, a performance or composition may be to some extent improvised. For
instance, in Hindustani classical music, the performer plays spontaneously while following a partially
defined structure and using characteristic motifs. In modal jazz the performers may take turns
leading and responding, while sharing a changing set of notes. In a free jazz context, there may be
no structure whatsoever, with each performer acting at their discretion. Music may be deliberately
composed to be unperformable, or agglomerated electronically from many performances. Music is
played in public and private areas, highlighted at events such as festivals, rock concerts, and
orchestra performance, and heard incidentally as part of a score or soundtrack to a film, TV show,
opera, or video game. Musical playback is the primary function of an MP3 player or CD player and a
universal feature of radios and smartphones.
Music often plays a key role in social activities, religious rituals, rite of passage ceremonies,
celebrations, and cultural activities. The music industry includes songwriters, performers, sound
engineers, producers, tour organizers, distributors of instruments, accessories, and sheet music.
Compositions, performances, and recordings are assessed and evaluated by music critics, music
journalists, and music scholars, as well as amateurs.

Etymology and terminology

In Greek mythology, the nine Muses were the inspiration for many creative endeavors, including the arts,
and eventually became closely aligned with music specifically.

[8]
The modern English word 'music' came into use in the 1630s. It is derived from a long line of
successive precursors: the Old English 'musike' of the mid-13th century; the Old French musique of
[9][10][n 1]
the 12th century; and the Latin mūsica. The Latin word itself derives from the Ancient Greek
 [9][n 2]
mousiké (technē)—μουσική (τέχνη)—literally meaning "(art) of the Muses". The Muses were
[13][14]
nine deities in Ancient Greek mythology who presided over the arts and sciences. They were
included in tales by the earliest Western aut