lFor most children in our culture, there is little
further musical development
after the school years begin unless
they exhibit unusual musical talent or have exceptional opportunities.
lMusical repertoire may expand, skill in performance may improve, and knowledge about music may increase, but creative development is minimal.
lGardner states that this may be because "music occupies a relatively low niche in our culture, musical illiteracy is acceptable"
lOur society does not have high musical expectations for the average individual, in contract to expectations for the mastery of verbal or mathematical skills.