I was asked an interesting question recently. "Do people still want to learn to play a musical instrument in this age of technology?" The suggestion was that there is so much music available at the touch of a finger perhaps learning to play it for yourself was too much of a nuisance. You would need to talk to people much smarter than me to get a proper answer, but the short answer is "Yes" folks want to learn for themselves.
Involvement in the arts is a human trait as old as the oldest cave paintings. People need to create and to express themselves. The best of our artists are able to express our thoughts and feelings through their art and we are, of course, drawn in. I may not be able to write a great song, but I can learn to play songs by others and express myself through them. That's why I learned to play.
Technology is a great tool, but that's all it is. I can access a vast library of music on my cell phone or tablet and enjoy that talents of hundreds. But it's not the same as doing it myself. Listening to music is a pleasant diversion but learning to play music is a lifelong investment in myself.
I'm saddened by recent government disregard of art education. I understand the need for fiscal responsibility but I'm unconvinced that this is the proper course. Others may, and do, disagree with me and no amount of debate or arguing is going to change minds at this time. But great civilizations are judged in part by their art and great art has always been subsidized.
People will continue to learn and create. However, there are some who will be denied the experience because of decisions made by people they've never met. Ironically the people making these decisions for one group of children will make another for their own.