Thilo Frank

Thilo Frank is a Lecturer in Church Music at the University of Music Würzburg, where he serves as Coordinator for the DVVLIO project (Digitization, Mediation, and Networking in the Teaching of International Organ Art), a third-party funded initiative focused on innovation in university teaching. He joined the institution on November 1, 2021.

His educational background includes:

• Church Music (A-Diploma) at the Stuttgart State University of Music and Performing Arts under Prof. Werner Jacob
• Music Education with a major in piano under Prof. Patrick O'Byrne
• Master classes in organ with renowned musicians including Marie-Claire Alain, Daniel Roth, and Luigi Tagliavini
• Choir conducting courses with Martin Behrmann, Helmuth Franz, and Manfred Schreier
• Training in early musical education based on Edwin Gordon's learning theory
• Junior Music Course teacher training at the Yamaha Music Education School in Hamburg

Thilo Frank's professional interests center around church music, with specializations in liturgy, hymnology, basso continuo, organ performance, registration practice, and church music worship practice. His work bridges historical organ traditions with contemporary digital approaches to music education and performance. He has made significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Southern German organ traditions, particularly through his work on the Fellbach organ and the International Organ Festival.

His notable recognition includes:

• Cultural Prize of the large district town of Emmendingen (2002)

Throughout his career, Frank has directed numerous musical ensembles and established comprehensive music education programs, including a singing school in Fellbach ranging from toddler singing to youth choirs. His DVVLIO project represents a significant grant-funded initiative focused on innovative approaches to organ music education in the digital age.

Frank founded the Fellbach International Organ Festival (IOF) with the core theme 'The Lost Southern German Tonal Language' and developed a unique three-manual organ with 31 stops in the South German Baroque style. He also directed the Fellbach Choir and the 'Laudate' senior citizens' choir, demonstrating his commitment to music education across all age groups.