Half notes are a type of musical note that lasts for two beats in a measure. They are represented by a hollow oval shape with a stem, and they help musicians understand how long to hold a sound. In sheet music, half notes are often used to create a steady rhythm and can be found in various styles of music, from classical to pop. When playing a piano or any other instrument, recognizing half notes is essential for maintaining the correct timing. Musicians count "1-2" for each half note, ensuring that the music flows smoothly. Understanding half notes is a fundamental skill for anyone learning to read music.