What does it mean when someone studied there flute or any other instrument, is like they study for a test.

Essentially it means that they learned to play that instrument.
~Bilbo

OH

Usually it is used in the context of something like, " I studied the flute with so-and-so..(Fill in the greatest flute player/teacher)..." ...Trying to impress someone.

Later, you find that they only attended a master class with that person and sat in the back munching on a sandwich and txting on their cell.
~Bilbo -showing a bit of cynical sarcasm..

When I hear someone sue the term Studied I take it to mean they have had formal lessons with an experienced teacher of the specific instrument or subject (you can study composition, theory, and conducting as well).

It is usually a term that the uppity or snobby people like to use, such as one of my pals, Larry Krantz.

Hey, not all classical musicians are uppity and snobby.

No, I didn`t say that they all were. But there are some out there....

Correct me if I`m wrong Kara but didn`t you just name-drop Larry Kranz or were you giving an example?

~Bilbo

I was being rather factitious.