A range of paleolithic sites have yielded bones in which lateral holes have been pierced: these are above all identified as flutes, blown at one end like the Japanese shakuhachi. The earliest written roll of musical expression are to be found in the Samaveda of India Royalty Free Music and in 4,000 financial year inactive cuneiform from Ur. Instruments, such as the seven-holed flute and various types of stringed instruments have been recovered from the Indus Valley Civilization archaeological sites.

• When a piece appears to have a changing time-feel, it is mediated to be in rubato time, an Italian expression that indicates that the tempo of the piece changes to suit the expressive intent of the performer

• Even incidental placement of random sounds, which occurs in musical montage, occurs within some amicable of time, and thus employs time as a musical element.