Q: restoring my music

My iPad crashed recently and my laptop went wild.  I was told to uninstall iTunes and then re-install it.  Also was told that my music can be restored and I would not lose any of my downloads and other recordings.  Please can someone tell me how to retrieve my music to both my windows lap-top and my iPad where they were both working happily.

I am severely geriatric(!) and struggle with technology but manage to stay afloat with help.  I would be extremely grateful for advice