A
musical score references a tool used by
composers or
conductors in the act of musical creation. A musicologist or student of
music theory will also use a score to analyze a composition.
A score enables the reader to hear and understand what the
composition will sound like, provided the reader can and does read music with some skill. All musicians (regardless of
genre or
performance medium) should be able to read and prepare a
full score, although in some cases a
reduced or condensed score is more appropriate.