Listening Between the Notes—Reflections from Your TSM Manager

Well, hiiiii! I’m Bonnie, and I’m the manager at Texas School of Music. I can’t express how much I’ve enjoyed working here. I love getting to know the students, parents, and teachers—the bonds I’ve made have truly changed me in so many ways. Honestly, the number of times I’ve cried saying goodbye to teachers and students is ridiculous 😢.

One of the coolest parts of my job is that I can often tell who’s playing just by listening. Some teachers play slowly with enthusiasm, and others bring a little extra spiciness 🌶️. Everyone has their own unique style and technique, and that’s what makes our school so special.

I also love listening to music and writing stories that go along with it. Music carries so much emotion—it can feel completely different depending on the day. One moment, it’s a joyful story; the next, it’s a struggle or even an argument. That’s the beauty of it: music speaks to us all in different ways.

If you’re interested in learning music, I’d love to help connect you with the best instructor. After more than four years here, I’ve learned that the right teacher-student fit is about more than skill—it’s about personalities that really jive.

When I look back on my time here, what stands out the most isn’t the day-to-day tasks—it’s the people, the laughter, the tears, and the little moments of connection. Music has a way of weaving us together, and I feel lucky every day to be a small part of those stories.