What does 'notation' refer to in music?

Notation in music refers specifically to a system of writing music using symbols. This system provides a visual representation of musical ideas, allowing composers and musicians to communicate effectively about melodies, rhythms, and harmonies. Notation consists of various symbols, including notes, rests, clefs, and dynamics, which help convey how music should be performed.

This method is essential for preserving compositions and ensuring that they can be interpreted accurately by different musicians over time. By using standard notation, musicians can easily read and reproduce pieces of music, regardless of their own stylistic preferences or performance methods.

The other options do not encapsulate the concept of notation. A system of music theory focuses more on understanding the elements and structure of music rather than how to express it in written form. A way of composing lyrics pertains to the words in a song, rather than the musical structure itself. Lastly, a genre of musical performance categorizes styles of music rather than the method of recording or expressing them through written symbols. Thus, the emphasis on notation as a system of writing music using symbols makes it the most accurate choice.