Sheet music is the representation of music in standard notation that has been written or printed on paper. It typically provides all necessary information, including instrumentation, melody, chords, rhythm, dynamics, and lyrics, if any, for the work to performed consistently and as the composer intended.
Music has been represented in written form since ancient times, with symbols written by hand on papyrus, parchment and other materials. The first sheet music printed with a printing press was made around 1473. Although the use of electronic displays for showing scores has become widespread in recent years, sheet music still has an important role, including for use when studying music and for performance by orchestras.