Can I be real a second? For just a millisecond? Let down my guard and tell the people how I feel a second?

My apologies to Lin-Manuel Miranda, but that’s what popped into my head when I started to write this, and, if I’m learning anything about this new blogging habit, it’s that when good words come to mind, you write them down. Even if they’re someone else’s.

Anyway, I didn’t come here today to toss “Hamilton” lyrics at you; I came here to talk about something that, to be honest, drives me a little bit insane. Even worse than people who misspell my name.

I am a musician and a music educator. You know this, you can see it on my profile. Just look up and to the right. I’m currently in my 20th year of teaching music in the public schools, and I could write a half-dozen posts right now on the challenges that teachers of the arts face. And two dozen more on the rewards of doing what I do.

But a thing that constantly troubles me is something that, frankly, a lot of people see as giving support to what I do. We are always hearing about how great arts education is when it comes to improving student scores in math, reading, science, you name it. And it’s 100% true. And I’m glad people know it.

But why is that the big selling point? We don’t hear people pushing for math education because it improves understanding of science. We don’t hear people demanding that students study English so that it helps them comprehend and discuss what they learn in their social studies classes. These subjects (“core subjects,” to use a phrase that sets my teeth on edge whenever I hear it) are non-negotiables, because society understands their intrinsic value. As do I.

(Forgive me, I’m about to shout.)

THE ARTS ARE INTRINSICALLY VALUABLE AS WELL.