A Tree grown from Dreams

A Tree grown from Dreams. Originally written on Medium: November 20, 2018

Dreams.

We all have them.

Whether they become real or remain imagined, we care about them.

I’ve always been interested in other people’s dreams. My favorite genre are the dreams about what people really want, but cannot currently have because it isn’t possible or doesn’t exist.

And knowing as many parents and kids as I do, I talk with them. I listen to them. I ask them.

“How’s it going? How’s life?”

And sometimes if I’m lucky, they actually tell me.

Usually it’s about piano, but not always. And when I get to hear parents actual complaints, concerns and wishes about their kids and piano — it’s wonderful.

I genuinely love hearing their problems, their fears and what their envisioned want or “dream” is.

My work as a child development expert and piano education reformer can be best imagined as a tree. I’m trying to grow this tree to be the strongest, tallest and most fruitful tree to serve all the parents and students who know of it.

And the dreams, fears and desires of these parents are water for my tree.

The fascinating thing about new trees is that you only need enough water and time for it to grow. Once its roots are strong enough, it will support itself.

In fact, trying to ask everyone to water this tree or help it grow is just silly. You only need enough. But you can bet that once the fruits of the tree appear, many more people will come.

They will want the fruits of this tree to nourish their family and themselves. This tree is an easy choice to pick from.

It’s the strongest, tallest and most fruitful tree around. And it’s fruits are wholesome and nourish you properly so you grow strong.

And these people will be happy to plant more trees just like it. Even though most people used to think a tree like this couldn’t be grown here.

But remember, all of this started as just a mere seed.

I’m so grateful to the people who keep watering this tree.

“All great things take time.” says my favorite shirt.

The tortoise always wins,
JT

oclef origin story a tree grown from dreams piano education vision planting seeds of change child development metaphor piano reform journey dreams of parents visionary education model nurturing student growth building something from nothing education as a tree growth mindset in education student and parent dreams piano as child development emotional roots of education reforming piano lessons founder reflections why we teach music oclef community story listening to families purpose-driven school water for the dream education inspired by parents planting piano roots growing educational impact fruits of meaningful education long-term vision in learning how education ideas grow cultivating potential in children transformational education journey