Which aspect of music does a "time signature" primarily indicate?

A time signature is a crucial aspect of musical notation that primarily indicates the rhythmic structure of a piece of music. It consists of two numbers, where the top number signifies how many beats are in each measure (or bar), and the bottom number indicates what kind of note gets one beat (for example, a quarter note, eighth note, etc.). This framework helps musicians understand the rhythm and flow of the music, guiding them in how to interpret the beats and subdivisions within each measure.

The significance of a time signature extends to how a piece develops rhythmically, creating patterns and emphasizing beats in a specific way. This foundational understanding of rhythm is essential for performers, as it influences how they maintain tempo and coordinate with other musicians in ensemble settings.