This stimulating Very Short Introduction to music invites us to really think about music & the values & qualities we ascribe to it. The world teems with different kinds of music-traditional folk classical jazz rock pop-and each type of music tends to come with its own way of thinking. Drawing on a wealth of accessible examples ranging from Beethoven to Chinese zither music Nicholas Cook attempts to provide a framework for thinking about all music. By examining the personal social & cultural values that music embodies the book reveals the shortcomings of traditional conceptions of music & sketches a more inclusive approach emphasizing the role of performers & listeners.