Jidkasem Phoonkunanukoon

Jidkasem “Kru Ae” Phoonkunanukoon is an accomplished professional violinist and specialized music therapist whose work bridges performance, education, healthcare, and inclusive learning. She earned a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, a Master’s degree in Music Performance, and a Master’s degree in Music Therapy from Mahidol University. As a professional musician, Kru Ae has performed as a first violinist with leading ensembles, including the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra, and has appeared in international performances, including engagements in Italy. She has extensive experience teaching violin to students from beginner through advanced levels in Thailand, Switzerland, and Indonesia. Alongside her performance and teaching career, Kru Ae is deeply committed to clinical music therapy. She designs and facilitates individual and group sessions that integrate movement, musical improvisation, songwriting, structured musical activities, and educational approaches inspired by Orff Schulwerk and Dalcroze Eurhythmics. Her therapeutic practice focuses on using musical engagement to support psychological well-being, communication, social interaction, emotional expression, and cognitive development. She has worked with children and adolescents with diverse needs, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and rare or complex medical conditions such as Schinzel-Giedion syndrome. Kru Ae also has experience in neurorehabilitation, elder care, and palliative care. She has provided music-based interventions for patients with serious and terminal-stage conditions at major medical institutions, including Siriraj Hospital and the Golden Jubilee Medical Center. Through her multidisciplinary work, Kru Ae creates safe, structured, and meaningful musical experiences that enable each participant to communicate, connect, develop, and express themselves through music.

Violin instruction from beginner to advanced levels Clinical and developmental music therapy Inclusive group music activities Improvisation, movement, and songwriting Orff Schulwerk and Dalcroze-based learning Neurorehabilitation and elder care Music therapy for children with diverse developmental needs Palliative and supportive care through music

- Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance, Mahidol University - Master’s Degree in Music Performance, Mahidol University - Master’s Degree in Music Therapy, Mahidol University - Former First Violinist, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra - International performance and teaching experience

- Professional violin performance experience in Thailand and internationally - Violin teaching experience across Thailand, Switzerland, and Indonesia - Clinical work with children, adolescents, older adults, and vulnerable populations - Experience supporting individuals with ASD, ADHD, ODD, and complex medical conditions - Music therapy practice at Siriraj Hospital and the Golden Jubilee Medical Center - Combines professional musicianship with evidence-informed therapeutic practice