music

Everyday

1. Music is sounds arranged in a pleasant or interesting way, made by singing or playing instruments. tree →
2. Music is the written notes that show how to play a piece: «sheet music». tree →
3. Music is a school subject where you learn to sing, play and listen. tree →

In the lessons

In science, music is sound made by vibrations; faster vibrations give higher notes. In school, music lessons teach rhythm, beat, melody, notes on the staff. In everyday life, music is for fun, dancing, feelings and celebrations; very loud music can hurt your ears, so keep headphones at a safe volume. Phrases: «listen to music», «play music», «face the music» (accept punishment), «music to my ears» (good news).

Examples

• I listen to music on the way to school. tree →
• We have music on Tuesdays. tree →
• She plays music on the violin. tree →
• Turn the music down a little. tree →
• Can you read music? tree →
• The music made everyone dance. tree →
• «No homework!» was music to my ears. tree →
• He broke the window and had to face the music. tree →
• Then she gave one last burst of music. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some music», «a piece of music», not «a music» or «musics». Adjective: «musical»; a person: «musician».

In Jewish tradition

In the Bible music is made with harps, lyres, pipes, drums and singing, and is used in worship, in joy and in prophecy.

Interpretation. Levites made music in the Temple. Tradition reads music as a way to praise God, and the Psalms were sung with instruments.

Examples

• For the Leader; with string-music; on the Sheminith. (Writings PSA.6.1, JPS 1917) tree →
• The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their music. (Writings LAM.5.14, JPS 1917) tree →
• That thrum on the psaltery, that devise for themselves instruments of music, like David; (Prophets AMO.6.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable: «some music», «a piece of music», not «a music» or «musics». Adjective: «musical»; a person: «musician».