In music, sharps and flats are symbols that alter the pitch of a note. A sharp (♯) raises the pitch of a note by a half step, while a flat (♭) lowers it by a half step. For example, the note C becomes C♯ when sharped and B becomes B♭ when flatted. These alterations help create a wider range of sounds and are essential in various musical scales. Sharps and flats are commonly used in Western music notation, appearing in key signatures and alongside individual notes. They allow composers to express different emotions and styles in their music. Understanding these concepts is crucial for musicians when reading sheet music and performing.