Art music is a type of music that requires a certain level of technical skill and often serves a cultural or intellectual purpose. This genre of music has many different synonyms, including classical music, serious music, formal music, and experimental music. Classical music refers to music of the classical era, which spans from the mid-18th to the early 19th century. Serious music emphasizes the more somber and complex aspects of music. Formal music refers to the structure and composition of the music and often includes a strict set of rules. Experimental music is music that explores new and unconventional sounds and techniques. Regardless of the name, art music remains a vital part of the music world and continues to inspire generations of musicians and music lovers alike.