What is music?
Just as Art is hard to define, so is Music. Its presence is universal amongst all races and all cultures. However, an excellent definition comes from the Oxford English Dictionary, where music is defined as "that one of the fine arts which is concerned with the combination of sounds with a view to beauty of form and the experience of emotion; also, the science of the laws or principles (of melody, harmony, rhythm, etc.) by which this art is regulated."
What do musicians do?
Young people who dream about becoming professional musicians may think only about the magic of being on stage. However, a musician’s career is about more than just performing. It also involves a tremendous amount of work. Many of them continue studying music even after they have become professional musicians. They also practice and rehearse on a regular basis. Those who tour spend hours traveling from one place to another. Sometimes musicians have so much to do that their lives are unbelievably hectic.
Musicians who write their own music spend a great deal of time creating it. No two musicians follow exactly the same steps because there is no “right” way to compose music. Some musicians start by writing their ideas on paper. They create scores, which are musical charts that show the different parts of the music. Other musicians create music on electronic instruments called synthesizers. No matter what process they use, most musicians say it starts with an inspiration.
One activity that musicians share in common is regular practice. Practicing helps them play music more smoothly so they are less apt to make errors while performing. Also, those who play instruments depend on certain muscles, and practice helps keep their muscles in shape. Singers practice to exercise their vocal muscles. The times they spend practicing, and the methods they use, often vary. Some play or sing music scales, while others just run through their songs over and over again. Some practice by themselves, while those who play as part of a group may rehearse along with other musicians. Types of music: instrumental, vocal, and electronic.