This subverse may interest you: MusicForProgrammers

I disagree with this assessment. I would put basic programming in the same category as an algebra I class. As far as it taking too much time to learn, it doesn't take too long to pick up enough basics to follow some simple demonstrations (things which can be used to solidify a student's understanding of basic logic and mathematics).

It is true professional level programming isn't for everyone. But people who learn basic mathematics aren't expected to become professional mathematicians. If a school awarded diplomas to students who weren't taught the basics of algebra, I would consider the education from that school to be unsatisfactory; likewise, if a school never touches on the basics of programming, I would say they are doing a severe disservice to their students.

While reading and writing are valuable and important skills; one could make the same argument that they do require more time and effort to learn than is practical for everybody. If someone can take care of their-self and they're happy to go through life not being able to read or write; I won't put them down. But make no mistake, reading and writing are of supreme importance when it comes to quality of education. One can argue about the importance of programming, and what priority it should be given; but to say it could be left out entirely, is like saying algebra can be skipped. Even if you can get by without it, I'd say that means you're getting by without a decent education.

What kind of interest do you have? What would you want your programs to do? What platform do you want to work with? I'm not familiar with Pascal; it's been largely replaced with C right?