A rite of passage for a student in a conservatory or other music school. For undergraduates, there are usually two recitals, a Junior Recital and a Senior Recital, corresponding with the last two years of their study.

For music performance majors, the recital will usually include a range of music to show the breadth and depth of their education. Typical for classical musicians is a program with Baroque Music, Classical Music, Romantic Music, and 20th Century Music. Most recitals include solo music and chamber music.

Composers produce a concert of their own music, often trying to incorporate an element of thematic connection or smooth production. Some composers prefer to conduct or perform their music, while others like to leave it up to other musicians to put their own spin on it.