"Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another."
G.K. Chesterton
Mission Statement
Thistledown Academy of Performing Arts is a non-profit organization that is committed to developing excellence in the performing arts among the rising generation of Middle Tennessee.
The objectives and purpose of TAPA is:
To provide the highest quality of training and instruction to all participants, from 3-18 years.
To offer frequent performance opportunities – both within the program such as seasonal recitals, as well as concerts accessible to the public.
To provide facilities to participants and instructors so that they may conduct rehearsals, workshops, and seminars on a weekly basis.
To provide resources to groups within the organization so that they are equipped to perform at a high level in a variety of private and public venues.
To develop a high quality artistic product that is available to the surrounding community and that is respectful to the culture and heritage of Middle Tennessee.
Meet Our Performing Groups
TAPA is also home to Thistledown Strings and The Harpeth Sisters. Both are performance groups dedicated to serving and representing Middle Tennessee. The all-student groups love 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 Thistledown Strings.