The hills are alive, with the sound of music.

The AP Stylebook is alive, with rules and terms reporters should keep in mind when writing about music.

musical genres Are lowercase

• “She loved listening to rap music.”
• “His mother never appreciated his love of country music.”

Muzak Trademarked term for recorded background music

composition title rules Apply for song titles

• “Edge of Seventeen” by Stevie Nicks

suite A collection of short musical pieces

rhythm and blues Genre of music is not hyphenated as a modifier. R&B is acceptable on second reference.

rock ‘n’ roll Genre of music