Then systems theory and complexity science are things to check out, they're really cool. I won't insult you by linking to a wikipedia article. IMHO complexity

Then systems theory and complexity science are things to check out, they're really cool. I won't insult you by linking to a wikipedia article. IMHO complexity boils down to the number of connections in an objects internal parts. But, like most complex things there's lots of discussion. Those two different models you proposed to understand music are two different objects hence two different conceptualizations of the same phenomenon, two different perspectives. So, the old "If all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail." and "There's more than one way to skin a cat." kinda things.