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 See more

Music is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an … See more

The philosophy of music is the study of fundamental questions regarding music and has connections with questions in metaphysics and aesthetics. Questions include:
• What is the definition of music? (What are the See more

Origins and prehistory
It is often debated to what extent the origins of music will ever be understood, and there are competing theories that aim to explain it. Many … See more

Composition
"Composition" is the act or practice of creating a song, an instrumental music piece, a work with both singing and instruments, or another type of music. In many cultures, including Western classical music, the act of … See more

Music has many different fundamentals or elements. Depending on the definition of "element" being used, these can include pitch, beat or pulse, … See more

Modern music psychology aims to explain and understand musical behavior and experience. Research in this field and its subfields are primarily empirical; their knowledge tends to … See more