SONOMADNESS iTunes 2024 Sonoma 14.41 MacBook Air M2 (Frozen, Crashes, Crash, Stalled, Broken, Unresponsive, Upgrade)

iTunes has been replaced by separate apps for different media types on macOS Catalina (version 10.15) and, later, macOS Sonoma (version 14).

• Music: Replaces the music management and playback functionality of iTunes.

However, since upgrading to Sonoma 14.4.1 Mac OS I have not been able to use iTunes.

I have tried:

1. Restarting my MacBook (Press and hold the power button until your MacBook shuts down, then press the power button again to turn it back on).
2. Checking for Software Updates: the MacBook's operating system is Sonoma 14.41 and up to date.
3. Close Unnecessary Applications: Closed unused or unnecessary apps to free up system resources.
4. Checking for Disk Space: The "About This Mac" section shows I do not need to free up space by deleting unnecessary files or applications.
5. Running Disk Utility: from the Utilities folder in the Applications folder.
6. Performing a Safe Boot: restarting the MacBook and holding the Shift key until the Apple logo.
7. Checking for iTunes Updates: Although iTunes has been replaced by separate apps for different media types on macOS Sonoma, I have checked the Mac App Store to see if there are any updates available for Apple Music.
8. Verifying iTunes Installation: Music app is properly installed on the MacBook Air M2 (and it won't let me uninstall it)
9. Resetting Music Preferences: Sometimes, corrupted preferences files can cause issues. I tried resetting the Apple Music preferences by deleting the "com.apple.iTunes.plist" file from the Library/Preferences folder in the user directory. After deleting the file, relaunching Apple Music to see if the issue is resolved.
10. Checking for Third-Party Software Compatibility: disabling or uninstalling any recently installed third-party software to see if that resolves the issue (nope).
11. Creating a New User Account: a new user account on the MacBook Air M2 to see if iTunes works properly in the new account. It does not. The issue may not be related to the user account settings or preferences.

I have not tried:

• Reset SMC and NVRAM/PRAM: Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC) and Non-Volatile Random-Access Memory (NVRAM) or Parameter RAM (PRAM) can sometimes resolve hardware-related issues. Instructions for resetting these components can be found on Apple's support website. (never learned of anyone trying this one, feeling pensive)
• Backing up and Reinstalling macOS: using Time Machine or another backup solution. ( I have too much invested in my Visual Studio Profile to reformat and start over)
• Contacting Apple Support: Visiting an Apple Authorized Service Provider for further assistance and possible repairs. (the MacBook just came out of warranty period)

Any help you can provide would be most appreciated.