A music genre is a category that groups together songs and artists based on similar characteristics, styles, or themes. Genres help listeners identify the type of music they enjoy and can include a wide range of styles, such as rock, jazz, hip-hop, and classical. Each genre often has its own unique instruments, rhythms, and cultural influences. Genres can also evolve over time, leading to the creation of subgenres. For example, rock music has subgenres like punk rock and alternative rock. Understanding music genres allows people to explore different sounds and discover new artists that fit their tastes.