"Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another."
G.K. Chesterton
Thistledown Academy of Performing Arts
This program consists of four integrated parts:
1. Private Lessons - This is the cornerstone of TAPA. Each student enrolls in at least one lesson per week.
2. Weekly Group Lessons - A signature component of a Suzuki-inspired program and paramount element of thorough music instruction.
3. Carefully-Structured Daily Practice - This vital part of music development depends upon the relationship of the student with his or her parents. At least one parent is present in each and every practice and is effectively the teacher at home.
4. Program Recitals and Public Performances - Each of these events is a wonderful opportunity for students to show their steady progress throughout the semester. It is also an essential part of TSAF's vision to serve and represent the Middle Tennessee community through the gift of music.
Thistledown Strings
TSAF is also home to the Thistledown String Ensemble, a performance group dedicated to serving and representing Middle Tennessee. The all-student group loves to perform classical music as well as fresh, original arrangements of familiar pop, Scottish and Irish fiddle, and country pieces.
About the Director
Frank Auer began taking Suzuki violin lessons in Franklin, Tennessee when he was five years old. Since then, the Suzuki philosophy has played an important role in his life and career.
He completed both his Bachelors degree at the University of Evansville and his Masters degree at the University of Maryland in Violin Performance with an emphasis on Suzuki Pedagogy. Mr. Auer has performed with the Owensboro Symphony in Kentucky, and has been a member of the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
He has registered training with the Suzuki Association of the Americas for violin books one through ten. He has received training from Ms. Ronda Cole, Dr. Carol Dallinger, Mr. Terry Durbin, and Ms. Christie Felsing.
Mr. Auer has taught extensively in Suzuki programs such as the University of Evansville Suzuki Program, the College Park Suzuki Violin Program, Music Kids Suzuki Violin, and Levine School of Music. He currently teaches in Franklin, Tennessee and is the Director of