How Do I Delete/Disable iTunes?

I am running 10.9.1 on a MB Pro. Recently iTunes has taken on a life of it's own. It opens without any apparent provocation and closing it only encourages it to open again. Might open immediately, might take a few minutes. No amount of playing with preferences has had any effect. I could live with it opening, but it opens and starts playing music. Not OK.

Is there a way to get rid of iTunes without destroying my music folder? As long as the music remains intact, I can listen to it with Vox. Seriously, this is driving me to distraction. iTunes simply has to go.

Any thoughts?