Dare to How
At Oclef, we believe that the path to excellence is paved with challenges. Our faculty members don't just teach music; they embody a philosophy of continuous growth and innovation that sets the tone for our entire organization. This approach isn't about being comfortable – it's about thriving in discomfort and using it as a catalyst for extraordinary achievement.

The Science of Productive Discomfort

Research consistently shows that stepping out of our comfort zones is essential for personal and professional growth. A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that people who regularly challenge themselves with new experiences show increased cognitive flexibility and creative problem-solving skills. This aligns perfectly with what we see in our faculty at Oclef – a group of educators who consistently push boundaries and redefine what's possible in piano education.

Jim Collins, in his seminal work "Good to Great," introduced the concept of Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs). These are visionary objectives that are so exciting and compelling that they energize entire organizations. At Oclef, our faculty embraces this concept, setting ambitious goals that stretch their capabilities and inspire our students to reach for the stars.

The Oclef Approach: Daring to "How"

One of the key phrases you'll often hear around Oclef is "Dare to How." This simple yet powerful concept encapsulates our approach to challenges. Instead of asking, "Can we do this?" we ask, "How can we do this?" This shift in perspective opens up a world of possibilities and encourages creative problem-solving.

This approach is reminiscent of the "Yes, and..." principle in improvisational theater. A study in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that teams using this approach in brainstorming sessions generated 20% more ideas than teams using traditional brainstorming methods. At Oclef, our faculty brings this spirit of open-minded collaboration to every project and lesson.

Learning from History's Bold Thinkers

Our philosophy at Oclef draws inspiration from some of history's most audacious achievers. Take, for example, the Apollo program. When President Kennedy declared the goal of landing a man on the moon within a decade, it seemed impossible. The technology didn't exist, the risks were enormous, and the challenges were unprecedented. But by focusing on "how" rather than "if," NASA achieved what many thought was unachievable.

In a similar vein, our faculty at Oclef approaches each challenge with the mindset of an innovator. Whether it's developing new teaching methodologies, creating cutting-edge curricula, or finding ways to engage students in the digital age, they're always pushing the boundaries of what's possible in piano education.

The Power of Productive Failure

At Oclef, we understand that not every attempt will be successful – and that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay; it's essential. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that students who were allowed to struggle with complex problems before receiving direct instruction showed better long-term learning outcomes than those who received immediate guidance.

This concept of "productive failure" is something our faculty embraces wholeheartedly. They understand that each setback is an opportunity for learning and growth. By modeling this approach, they teach our students not just about music, but about resilience, perseverance, and the value of embracing challenges.

Cultivating a Culture of Courage

Creating an environment where people feel safe taking risks is crucial. Research from Google's Project Aristotle (you will need to use Google translate from Japanese) found that psychological safety – the belief that one won't be punished for making a mistake – is the most important factor in building high-performing teams.

At Oclef, we've cultivated this sense of psychological safety among our faculty. We encourage them to take calculated risks, to experiment with new teaching methods, and to share both their successes and their failures. This culture of openness and support allows for rapid innovation and continuous improvement in our educational approach.

The Ripple Effect: From Faculty to Students

Perhaps the most beautiful aspect of our faculty's embrace of discomfort is how it influences our students. A study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that students who observed their teachers embracing challenges and persevering through difficulties were more likely to adopt similar attitudes themselves.

At Oclef, we see this play out every day. Our students, inspired by their teachers' courage and resilience, are more willing to take on challenging pieces, to perform even when they're nervous, and to view their mistakes as stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.

The Oclef Way

In embracing discomfort, our faculty at Oclef isn't just teaching music – they're shaping the next generation of resilient, creative, and courageous individuals. They understand that true growth happens at the edge of our abilities, where we're stretched and challenged.

So the next time you or your child faces a difficult passage in a piece of music, remember: that feeling of discomfort isn't a stop sign. It's a green light, urging you forward into new realms of possibility. At Oclef, that's where we love to be – and it's where the magic of true learning and growth happens. As Jim Collins would say, we're not just setting goals; we're embarking on a "Big Hairy Audacious Goal" to revolutionize piano education, one challenging note at a time.

The tortoise always wins,
JT