How many beats of sound does a whole note represent?

A whole note represents four beats of sound in common time signatures, such as 4/4 time. In musical notation, the whole note is drawn as an open note head without a stem and holds its value for the duration of four beats. This concept is fundamental to understanding rhythm in music, as it helps musicians gauge how long to hold a note relative to others, like half notes (which represent two beats) or quarter notes (which represent one beat). Recognizing the value of a whole note is essential for reading music, composing, and performing, as it sets the foundation for phrasing and timing in a musical piece.