What are the 7 music modes and how are they used in music composition and performance?

The 7 music modes are Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian, and Locrian. Each mode has a unique sound and character due to its specific arrangement of whole and half steps. Composers and performers use these modes to create different moods and emotions in their music. By selecting a specific mode, they can establish a particular tonal center and harmonic structure, influencing the overall feel of the composition. Modes are also used in improvisation, allowing musicians to explore different melodic possibilities within a piece of music.