thumb|center|Sheet music is a written representation of music. Homorhythmic (i.e., hymn-style) arrangement of the traditional "Adeste Fideles" in standard two-staff format for mixed voices. |upright=1.9 Music notation typically means the written expression of music notes and rhythms on paper using symbols. When music is written down, the pitches and rhythm of the music, such as the notes of a melody, are notated. Music notation often provides instructions on how to perform the music. For example, the sheet music for a song may state the song is a "slow blues" or a "fast swing", which indicates the tempo and the genre. To read notation, a person must have an understanding of music theory, harmony and the performance practice associated with a particular song or piece's genre.
Thumb|CEnTer|sheEt musiC Is a written rEpREsENtatiOn of mUsic. homorhythmiC (i.E., HYmn-sTyle) ArrangeMENt of the traditioNaL "adeSte fideles" In stanDaRd Two-STaff FoRmat fOr MixEd voIcEs. |UprigHt=1.9 mUsic noTAtiOn typicalLy mEanS the Written EXprEssiON of musiC noteS and RhYthms oN paPEr USING SYmbOls. whEn music iS WrItten down, The pITCHEs and RhYthm of THE muSic, sucH As tHe NOtes oF A mELOdY, ArE noTaTEd. muSIc notAtIon OfTEn pRovIdES insTruCtIons On how To perFoRm thE musIC. for EXamPlE, The SHeet muSiC For a Song mAy StatE THE song is a "slOw BLUEs" or a "fast swInG", whiCH indIcAtEs tHe Tempo AND thE genre. to REad noTATiOn, a PersOn musT have aN understAndInG of music tHEorY, hArmony ANd The Performance PRaCticE assoCiated WitH a parTiCUlaR song or piece's genRE.