Music that comes from Venezuela has had much influence from many different cultures and countries, however its most influential genres and styles come from Spain and Africa. Three distinct categories of Venezuelan music are indigenous, folk, and popular.

Indigenous music has been documented from the 1500's through the 1700's. The music is inclusive of supernatural and symbolic phenomena, and gendered vocal lyrics and songs written by men and women. One group, the Shamans, were key makers of music for the indigenous people. They were also responsible for the mental and physcial health of the people and for connecting them to the supernatural world.

Folk music is a popular genre that consists of both European and African based music. The music is heard mostly during the yearly fiestas. Venezuelan folk music also known as "Creole music," coined by the peasants who developed this genre, was comprised of Europeans and Africans experiences in the new land.

The instruments of Venezuelan music include rattles and wind instruments (Creole music), drums, and string instruments. These instruments are derived from the cultural influence of Spain and Africa. The Arpa, a harp, and the Cuatro, a four stringed lute were derived from Spain and are the most prominent instruments in Venezuelan music. Afro-Venezuelans are acclaimed for their knowledge and talent of drums and drumming, derived from Africa.

The history of the people, the music and the instrumentation of the music are interesting within themselves. Yet, the heritage, the acculturation, and adaptation of the music live because of a rich conglomerate of noted composers. These composers were nationalist and conduits for introducing the Venezuelan music to the world.

Composers