Abstract:
The dissertation presents a biographical investigation of the life and career of Dr. Sugree Charoensook, Dean of the College of Music at Mahidol University, documenting his contributions to music education in Thailand. This study employs qualitative approaches as research methodology, including in-depth face-to-face interviews and document analysis. The research was carried out during the years 2008 2009. The central goal is to articulate Dr. Sugree's vision, philosophy, approaches to Thailand's music education barriers and developments, and to discuss his characteristics from various roles he has held as a founder and executive of College of Music, Mahidol University, and its affiliated programs. The prologue introduces Dr. Sugree Charoensook and his down-to-earth attitudes, yet larger-than-life persona. Chapter one traces his childhood from his formative years living in the countryside, his obtaining a Doctor of Arts in Music from the University of Northern Colorado in the United States of America, surveying his family life to demonstrate his struggles seeking higher education, and his self-driven work ethic to pursue excellence with dedication and discipline. Chapter two reveals his passion for music; both as a performing musician as a saxophonist, and how he created opportunities for other musicians through the formation of the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and work with the World Saxophone Congress. Chapter three focuses on the primary thesis of this dissertation, concerning how he has influenced music education reform in Thailand through College of Music, Mahidol University, Thai music teachers, and the Talent Education Research Project. Chapter four explores his imaginative and executive mind, providing rare insight into his establishment of the College of Musictribulations and triumphsand the numerous projects that he initiated. Chapter five examines his scholarly music pursuits, with details of his production of music works, books, research projects, and so forth. It also discusses his controversial academic promotion and his aspirations to create a Performance Professor faculty designation for Mahidol University. The appendices display how prolific he has been as a musician, writer, and researcher; revealing his humor and characteristic wits
Mahidol University. Mahidol University Library and Knowledge Center