Education Reforms Risk Stifling Creativity

The speaker in this article, English singer Billy Bragg, brings up an interesting point about schools eliminating classes like music, drama and art from the curriculum.  He states that schools immediately look to eliminate classes in the arts area as a first option over any other subjects.  There have been many studies that have shown that kids who participate in music achieve higher scores academically, particularly in math.  Art and drama students also tend to be more creative and are able to "think outside the box." These students are critical to our future.  Additionally, you find children who look forward to their art class.  It gives them a mental break from the classes that have been considered core classes. 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2012/nov/12/billy-bragg-education-reforms-stifle-creativity?INTCMP=ILCNETTXT3487