 Music education is a field of study associated with the teaching and learning of music  The incorporation of music training from preschool to postsecondary education is common in most nations because involvement in music is considered a fundamental component of human culture and behavior

 In elementary schools, children often learn to play instruments such as keyboards or recorders, sing in small choirs, and learn about the elements of musical sound and history of music  In primary and secondary schools, students may often have the opportunity to perform in some type of musical ensemble, such as a choir, orchestra, or school band: concert band, marching band, or jazz band

 At the university level, students in most arts and humanities programs may receive academic credit for taking music courses, which typically take the form of an overview course on the history of music, or a music appreciation course that focuses on listening to music and learning about different musical styles  Many universities also offer degree programs in the field of music education, allowing their students to become certified educators of primary and secondary school ensembles as well as beginner music classes.

 After the preaching of Reverend Thomas Symmes, the first singing school was created in 1717 in Boston, Massachusetts for the purposes of improving singing and music reading in the church  These singing schools gradually spread throughout the colonies

From , the Boston School Committee allowed Lowell Mason to teach music in the Hawes School as a demonstration This is regarded as the first time music education was introduced to public schools in the United States Music methodology for teachers as a course was first introduced in the Normal School The concept of classroom teachers in a school that taught music under the direction of a music supervisor was the standard model for public school music education during this century