More than one way to get to 4

2 + 2 = 4......... simple right? 
The boys overheard a conversation between adults regarding the teaching of music.  Actually they heard a conversation about a conversation.  One professional believed there were certain criteria that needed to be met to teach music properly.  More specifically he felt that in his business he wanted music taught one way. I presume a classical method though I am not familiar enough with how that works to say for sure.  I do know that it was a structured method.  In wanting his business to be run a specific way he chose to end a partnership with another teacher who used a different approach.  In this professional's explanation he stated that 2 + 2 = 4;  it cannot be anything else and it could not be argued. In essence he may have been saying that to teach music is methodical not liberal. Obviously or hopefully the professional understands there is more than one way but is arguing his desire for the one way to be taught in his school. It was not long or particularly heated discussion in fact I really didn't think the boys were listening.

Fast forward a day or so and the boys come to me after obviously having discussed something that bothered them.  They approached me asking if I remember the conversation and begin to offer their views which go as such:

"Mom, remember the thing about 2 + 2 = 4 and how there is only one way to teach music, well 2 + 2 = 4 but so does 1 + 3 and 4 + 0 and even 6 - 2."  I smiled (beamed would be a more accurate description) and agreed they made an interesting argument.  To take that further (2 + 2) = (1  + 3) or (2 + 2) = (6 - 2) which all equal 4 but approached in different ways.

I am grateful for the mentors who see beyond 2 + 2 = 4.  Thank you for your passion and creativity and inspiration.