Musical notation is a system used to visually represent aurally perceived music through written symbols. These symbols denote the elements of a musical piece, including pitch, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics, enabling musicians to perform compositions as intended by the composer. A familiar example is a score containing lines and spaces representing pitches and various symbols indicating duration and expression.
The ability to interpret musical notation is fundamental to musical education and performance practice. It allows for accurate reproduction of existing compositions, facilitates collaboration between musicians, and preserves musical heritage across time and geographical boundaries. Understanding this notation provides a crucial foundation for composition, analysis, and a deeper appreciation of music.