Emily Vicente

Long before I joined the team at TMSA, I drove past the building every day on my commute. Something about it always caught my eye, whether it was the unmistakable "Music Lessons" sign, the steady flow of families, or the energy you could almost feel from the parking lot. I remember wondering what kind of place it was, thinking it must be something special to have that kind of buzz every afternoon. Without realizing it then, I had found home.

When I later joined the team, I started at the front desk, the very front line of the student and family experience. It was often hectic, full of surprises, and always rewarding. I was the first smile people saw when they walked in and the last voice they heard as they left. I quickly saw how powerful a warm welcome, a quick response, or a well-timed follow-up could be. Most of all, I realized the little things weren’t little at all. They were the moments that made students feel valued, parents feel supported, and teachers feel empowered.

When my husband later landed an exciting job in Chicago, the Studio didn’t just send me off with a “good luck” wave. They made space for me to stay on the team remotely. I was thrilled to continue being part of the team, and it was a clear reminder that we’re not just about music, but about supporting our community, whether it's students or staff.

What I learned in those early days at the front desk has shaped everything I do as the Studio’s Operations Manager. Now, I get to focus on curating the small things that quietly make a big difference, like making sure the right message lands at the right time. Whether I’m streamlining communication, simplifying how families engage with us, or supporting teachers behind the scenes, my goal is to create meaningful experiences through seamless processes that reflect the heart behind everything we do, even if it’s from 700 miles away.

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