Many people assume that arts programs are only valuable for students who plan to become professional artists, musicians, or performers. But the truth is, arts education benefits all students—regardless of their career aspirations.
Real-World Lessons from the Arts
Having worked in education for 32 years, I’ve had countless conversations with parents. What has surprised me most is how many of them had in-depth experiences in the performing arts at a high level.
They may not have earned degrees in the performing arts, but many participated in professional and semi-professional productions. Some performed in drum and bugle corps competing for national championships, while others were regular performers in ballet productions of Swan Lake or The Nutcracker. Today, these same individuals hold leadership roles as VPs of Human Resources and Project Leaders for startups.
The one thing they all say? Their experiences in the performing arts, while not directly teaching technical job skills, heavily influenced their success. Let’s explore why arts education matters for everyone.
The Real-World Benefits of Arts Education
The skills gained through the arts—creativity, critical thinking, communication, and adaptability—are essential in every field.
A student who participates in theater builds confidence and public speaking skills that can help in law or business.
A musician hones discipline and perseverance, valuable in medicine or engineering.
A dancer develops spatial awareness and teamwork, which are useful in sports and sciences.
Music as a Language
When people learn that I’m a music teacher, they often mention the connection between music and math. Many cite studies showing a correlation between musical and mathematical thinking—often pointing to fractions as the common link. But when I ask, “What else?” I usually get a blank stare.
Instead, I offer a different perspective: music is a language.
Music connects emotion to sound.
Music has syntax and context, just like spoken or written language.
Understanding the impact of a chord requires recognizing what came before and anticipating what will come next—just like in storytelling.
The same applies to other art forms:
Literature connects emotions to words.
Dance connects emotions to movement.
Visual arts connect emotions to images.
Acting connects emotions to people.
Approaching the arts as languages rather than just skills increases engagement and deeper understanding.
The Role of Literacy in Arts and Math
I often ask students about their favorite subjects. Most say English or History, but very few choose Math. When I ask why, they simply say, “It’s hard.”
The truth is, all math boils down to four operations: adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing. The challenge isn’t the math itself—it’s understanding what to do in a given situation. In other words, it’s a math literacy issue, not a math skill issue.
The same applies to the arts. Many struggle with arts literacy because it takes time to develop. If we focus solely on skill acquisition instead of literacy, students may opt for more subjective disciplines like English or History, rather than embracing the creative problem-solving that the arts foster.
Applying Core Academic Concepts Through Art
Arts education is not separate from core academics—it enhances them.
Visual Art: Two-point perspective applies principles of science and architecture.
Literature: The arts bring language and storytelling to life.
Music & Science: Understanding sound allows for music creation, amplification, and archiving.
Culinary Arts & Coding: Both are deeply rooted in science, yet only one is delicious!
The arts take theoretical knowledge and make it real through creative application.
Partner with Spark to Support Arts Education
At Spark, we see firsthand how arts programs prepare students for a wide range of futures. The arts are not just about creating artists—they’re about developing innovative thinkers who contribute to their communities and society as a whole.
Join us in making the arts impactful for young creatives. Whether by attending an event, sharing this message, or advocating for arts education, your support makes a difference.
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