In Italy, the music grew out of a different and more spiritual tradition, particularly the lay confraternities in Florence during the 12th and 13th centuries. These were groups which were formed under the Dominican, Franciscan and mendicant orders who devoted themselves to God and doing good deeds. Several different types of confraternities formed but the one that stood out was the laudesi company. These companies organized their own services and also met each evening to sing laude. The "laude" was very essential during the Italian Renaissance because it was a sacred song. Since the laude was sung by members of the company, they were originally monophonic. However, in the beginning of the 14th and early 15th centuries, things have changed. Singers were paid for their services, instrumentalists were hired and the number of singers increased. By 1470 and the 16th century, companies had established choirs of around five to eleven singers who could perform three or four-part polyphony.
Also, most countries (including Italy) had wealthy families who would teach their daughters numerous instruments and they were required to perform for them in the evenings. For major events, such as balls, people would gather around and listen to the orchestra being performed. Music was used for either religious purposes or entertainment purposes. Since singing was mostly performed in churches, people would sing and listen to each other.
Since the printing press was invented during the Renaissance, this allowed music to be printed in a quicker way. Since books were expensive during that time, the printing press changed things. It made the manuscripts cheaper and more people bought sheet music. This way, music was taught and transferred from generation to generation. The printing press made it easier for people to learn how to play certain instruments and they used these sheets to perform in choirs, orchestras, etc.
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