ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Program music

Program music is like having a musical storybook. Instead of just hearing melodies and rhythms, you can listen to music that tells a story or describes something specific, like a person or a place. It's like a soundtrack to a movie that you can't see.

For example, imagine you are listening to a piece of program music that tells the story of a battle. The music may start off slow, representing the armies getting ready for battle. As the music gets louder, faster and more chaotic, it represents the battle itself. The composer might use different instruments to represent different parts of the story. For example, a trumpet might represent a hero, while a drum might represent the sound of marching soldiers.

Program music can be used to describe any story or event, from a journey through space to a day in the countryside. It's a creative way for musicians to tell a story or paint a picture with their music.