The incorporation of music training from preschool to post secondary
education is common in North America and Europe.
Involvement in music is thought to teach basic skills such as concentration,
counting, listening, and cooperation while also promoting understanding of language,
improving the ability to recall information, and creating an environment more
conducive to learning in other areas.
In elementary schools, children often learn to play instruments such as the
recorder, sing in small choirs, and learn about the history of Western art music.
In secondary schools students may have the opportunity to perform some
type of musical ensembles, such as choirs, marching bands, concert bands, jazz bands,
or orchestras, and in some school systems, music classes may be available.
Some students also take private music lessons with a teacher.
Amateur musicians typically take lessons to learn musical rudiments
and beginner- to intermediate-level musical techniques.