Suraphong “Ting” Pinkaew is a Thai drummer, educator, and founder of Tempo Drum School, one of Thailand’s active drum education communities dedicated to developing young drummers through structured training and real stage performance.

Ting began his musical journey in the marching band at Montfort College, Chiang Mai, where he developed strong foundations in rhythm, musical discipline, and ensemble teamwork.

He later studied music at Assumption University (ABAC), where he formed a band with fellow musicians and won First Prize at the FAT Band Music Competition, one of Thailand’s most prominent music contests of its time.

During his early professional years, Ting worked as a studio drummer, recording for several Thai artists and music projects, including releases with Guess Music Company, contributing to albums such as:

• Calories Blah Blah – Coffee Break (2007)
• Guess Music Compilation (2007)
• Flash Back – Tribute to Tan Outsider (2011)
• Peet Peera – The Rhythm Traveler (2012)

Alongside performing, teaching became a central part of his career. Known for his ability to simplify complex musical concepts, Ting has mentored students of all ages and helped many young drummers develop both musical skill and stage confidence.

Recognizing the potential of digital education early on, he founded the platform Tempo by Tingper, becoming one of the first drum educators in Thailand to create structured online drum courses that have reached thousands of students.

He later established Tempo Drum School, building a thriving drum community and creating large-scale Tempo Student Concerts, where hundreds of young drummers gain real stage experience performing live.

Ting has also hosted and participated in international drum clinics with world-renowned artists helping connect Thai drummers with the global drumming community.

Today, Ting continues to inspire the next generation of musicians through education, performance, and community building.

“Education builds the drummer. Experience builds the musician.”