In musical notation, what does a sharp symbol (♯) indicate?

In musical notation, a sharp symbol (♯) indicates that the pitch of a note should be raised by a half step. This means that if a note is originally a C, for example, placing a sharp next to it changes the pitch to a C♯, which is a half step higher. The sharp symbol is used to create accidents in music, allowing composers and musicians to explore a wider range of pitches and enhance harmonic relationships within the piece.

This understanding of the sharp symbol is fundamental in reading and interpreting music, as it plays a crucial role in the development of scales, melodies, and harmonies. It also helps musicians realize the intended mood and character of the music, as changing the pitch alters the notes' relationships and can evoke different emotions.