It's in third grade, and it's the recorder, and the students don't have to be able to play at a concert level, but the idea is that they should all have learned how to read musical notation in a meaningful way. The students are given recorders and small music books to keep as their own. Some keep them past the time they must use them in school. Some don't.

Singing is also taught, using musical notation. The voice is considered an instrument as well.

Music history and appreciation are integrated into all music classes, which are taught in Kindergarten through Grade 5 to everybody. Instruction in other instruments is available to everyone who wants it, or whose parents want them to have it, but that's considered an elective. Time for their instrumental instruction comes out of the school day, once a week, and the teacher is paid by the school district. Children whose families can't afford to buy or rent an instrument may borrow one from the school. (Obviously, piano isn't one of the instruments offered.)

Recitals for students taking these instruments are held twice a year. There is never an all-third-grade formal recorder recital. To which I add, as a parent who has attended the "Music In Our Schools" classes to listen to my child and her classmates play two pieces "together" (each at his own tempo), thank God. The orchestra and concert band recitals are much, much better, and far less squeaky.

Exceptions to the universal instruction in recorder are made for students with manual dexterity limitations, which are noted in their Individual Education Plans. (In theory, every student is supposed to have an IEP; in reality, only students who have been identified with specialized educational needs -- including gifted students -- get one, and everyone else gets a "standard" IEP.) Similarly, every child is expected to sing, but the tone-deaf can't be required to carry a tune.

The difference is between the words "learn" and "master". A child can do the former without doing the latter.