Problem with Syntax

[Monica]

To the crew at Lilypond. Hi. And first let me thank you for creating a program 
such as this. I am already finding so much use in it. However, yesterday was 
my first day using it and I'm having a bit of a problem with putting in a time 
signature and a clef. I followed the instructions on the site exactly but it 
doesn't work. Here's what I've been having a problem with.

I put in \time {2/4} but it keeps telling me error: syntax error, unexpected 
\time

\time {2/4} and error: errors found, ignoring music expression
\time 
      {2/4}

The same thing is happening with the clef. And the key signature. Am I missing 
a program that I need in order for these to work? I'm not sure what I'm doing 
wrong so hopefully someone will be able to help me. Thank you! 

Musically yours, Monica