What is beat in music?

Answer 1

The beat of Music is the number and type of counts per bar, this keeps the music in a consistent speed (unless directions given). In a orchestra, the conductor keeps the beat in order to keep all the instruments playing in time with each other.

Answer 2

It is the rhythmic pulse of the music, usually but not always in some repetitive, recognizable pattern, and usually contributed by (or strongly supported by) percussion instruments. Even without a single percussion instrument, music can have a beat. The pulse of the music is in the fabric of the music itself, as you can tell from waltzes (one two three one two three) and other common forms. In popular musics a recognizable and catchy beat is a must. In many of the modern or experimental musics, you sometimes have to put some effort into uncovering the rhythmic patterns. In older classical musics, there is often extensive use of something called "rubato", an idea that most young people today are probably not very familiar with. This is where rhythm and beat are deliberately bent, giving a little extra time here, and taking it back there, to produce some exquisite effects of mood and tension. Most music that is heard in various media and that targets young listeners has very strong complex and fascinating beats, but is for the most part very rigid in performance.