No semantics. Music is an art form and cultural activity whose medium is timely organized and regular sound waves (a type of mechanical wave). Its basic elements include strength, tonality, duration, timbre, etc. These basic elements are combined with each other to form the commonly used "formal elements" of music, such as rhythm, melody, harmony, intensity, speed, mode, musical form, texture, etc. The formal elements that constitute music are the means of expression of music.

Different types of music may emphasize or ignore certain elements. Music is performed with a variety of instruments and vocal techniques, and is divided into instrumental music, vocal music (such as songs without instrumental accompaniment), and works that combine singing and instruments. In its most general form, music is described as an art form or cultural activity that includes the creation of musical works (songs, tunes, symphonies, etc.), performance, evaluation of music, study of music history, and teaching of music. Ancient Greek and Indian philosophers defined music as tones arranged horizontally as melody and vertically as harmony. Sayings such as "Harmony in all realms" and "That's music to my ears" point to the idea that music is generally ordered and pleasant to listen to.

But the 20th century composer John Cage believed that any sound can be music. For example, he said: "There is no noise, only sound." The creation, performance, meaning and even definition of music are all Varies depending on cultural and social context. Indeed, throughout history, some new musical forms or styles have been criticized as "unmusical," including Beethoven's Grosse Fugue in 1825, early jazz in the early 1900s, and hardcore punk in the 1980s.