Music education generally involves the study of a chosen instrument (or many chosen instruments), along with the learning of notation, music theory, some historical background, and the development of aural skills.
Many developing musicians do not recognize the value of traditional music education, and choose to educate themselves. Others look to private instructors or universities for a formal education.
In schools, programs exist to teach music pedagogy, performance, conducting, recording, composition, business, etc... in hopes that the student will gain a working knowledge of music, and how to earn a living at it.