[quote=@Ypnosi]
So the difference between an inexperienced mage and an expert mage would be efficiency, if they were both casting the same spell? Like, a mana:result ratio would be much better on a good mage than a bad one. Outside of that, I assume that elements are the easiest, and the further you get into specific fields, thr harder new spells are to learn?
[/quote]

Yep, pretty much spot on, here. Elements are not always necessarily easier (though they can be), but they are quite popular, leading to there being more mages willing to teach Elemental Magic than other fields of magic.