Dr. Kasem Thipayametrakul is a highly skilled and versatile percussionist, widely recognized as one of Thailand’s most acclaimed musicians. He commenced his musical journey studying Percussion at Wat Suthi Wararam School, and further honed his skills in Percussion and Keyboard Percussion under the esteemed guidance of Prof. Makoto Fukuda, Mr. Natthaworn (Sunthorn) Yotindra, Mr. Brian Johnson, Prof. Jeff Moore, and Prof. Mark Ford.

Through rigorous selection, Mr. Thipayametrakul had the privilege of performing with the renowned Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps (USA) in 1999-2000 as part of the Frontline. During his time there, he earned numerous accolades, showcasing his exceptional talent at competitions like I&E and PASIC, both as a solo marimba performer and ensemble member.

Returning to Thailand, he assumed the role of a dedicated educator and Percussion arranger for the Siamyth Drum & Bugle Corps from 2006 to 2010. In 2010, Mr. Thipayametrakul demonstrated his brilliance in a unique musical collaboration, recording a solo Marimba and Guitar performance in the song “Thongwad” on the album “Sakkachat and Friends – Yaowarat.”

Further solidifying his reputation as an extraordinary percussionist, he performed the Marimba Concerto with the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra in the “60th Anniversary of King Rama IX” concert, featuring the magnificent composition “Mahamongkorn Concerto,” written by Prof. Kitti Kuremanee.

In 2023, Mr. Thipayametrakul showcased his talent once again at the Texas Bandmasters Association, where he delivered a mesmerizing solo percussion and piano performance with the Kasetsart Winds in the extraordinary composition “Concerto for Piano Percussion and Winds,” specially composed for this event by Assistant Professor Jinnawat Mansap.

Notably, Mr. Thipayametrakul has been invited as a guest lecturer to several prestigious universities in Thailand and abroad, including Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Japan, and the United States.

Moreover, he has contributed significantly to the percussion community by compiling and publishing a series of instructional books, including “Drumline Exercises 2004-2008 Vol.1” and “52 Rudiments transforms your DNA into a perfect Drummer by Kasem Thipayametrakul,” as well as “The Encyclopedia of The Rudiments.”

Currently, Mr. Thipayametrakul serves as a faculty member at the Faculty of Humanities, Kasetsart University, and leads the percussion section of the Royal Bangkok Symphony Orchestra and Fanatic Percussion. Additionally, he actively participates as a judge in renowned global competitions such as DCI, WMC, MIO, GPMB, BSRU, VAMC, TIPF and the continuous competitions organized by the Department of Physical Education.

He is an endorsed artist for various music brands, including Pearl Drum, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Drumsticks, and a designer for Percussion House.

With an impressive portfolio of achievements and a dedication to the art of percussion, Mr. Kasem Thipayametrakul continues to inspire and contribute significantly to the world of music. His passion and talent have left an indelible mark on the percussion community, making him a true asset to the realm of music and education.

“Kasem Thipayametrakul.” n.d. KasemThipayametrakul. Accessed July 3, 2024. https://www.kasem.org/.