In some cases, a songwriter may not use notation at all, and instead compose the song in her mind and then play or record it from memory. In classical music, the composer typically orchestrates his or her own compositions, but in musical theatre and in pop music, songwriters may hire an arranger to do the orchestration. In popular music and traditional music, the act of composing, which is typically called songwriting, may involve the creation of a basic outline of the song, called the lead sheet, which sets out the melody, lyrics and chord progression. In many cultures, including Western classical music, the act of composing also includes the creation of music notation, such as a sheet music 'score', which is then performed by the composer or by other singers or musicians. '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. an environment consisting solely of what is most ardently loved.' Some music lovers create mix tapes of their favorite songs, which serve as a 'self-portrait, a gesture of friendship, prescription for an ideal party. With the advent of home tape recorders in the 1980s and digital music in the 1990s, music lovers could make tapes or playlists of their favourite songs and take them with them on a portable cassette player or MP3 player.
With the advent of sound recording, records of popular songs, rather than sheet music became the dominant way that music lovers would enjoy their favourite songs.
When music was only available through sheet music scores, such as during the Classical and Romantic eras, music lovers would buy the sheet music of their favourite pieces and songs so that they could perform them at home on the piano. Music is composed and performed for many purposes, ranging from aesthetic pleasure, religious or ceremonial purposes, or as an entertainment product for the marketplace. The music industry includes the individuals who create new songs and musical pieces (such as songwriters and composers), individuals who perform music (which include orchestra, jazz band and rock band musicians, singers and conductors), individuals who record music (music producers and sound engineers), individuals who organize concert tours, and individuals who sell recordings, sheet music, and scores to customers. People may make music as a hobby, like a teen playing cello in a youth orchestra, or work as a professional musician or singer. In many cultures, music is an important part of people's way of life, as it plays a key role in religious rituals, rite of passage ceremonies (e.g., graduation and marriage), social activities (e.g., dancing) and cultural activities ranging from amateur karaoke singing to playing in an amateur funk band or singing in a community choir.