Musical notation is a system used to visually represent music through symbols, allowing musicians to read and perform compositions. It includes various elements such as notes, rests, clefs, and dynamics, which convey pitch, rhythm, and expression. The most common form is Western Musical Notation, which uses a staff of five lines to indicate different pitches. This system has evolved over centuries, enabling composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven to communicate their musical ideas effectively. Understanding musical notation is essential for musicians, as it provides a universal language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.