Teaching Philosophy: My teaching Philosophy is simple and works for every age, gender, and musical interest. First, maintain the students interest in drumming, music, and growth. This can be achieved by having great listening skills. A great teacher always hears his or her students whether they want to learn the greatest techniques and coordination skills, or if they just want to learn the songs they’re inspired by – you simply have to listen to them. Second, students have to learn technique, reading, and coordination. Some students can jump in to all of this right away, and others need to grow into it gradually. A great teacher knows how to integrate this into a lesson routine by reading the students cues. Third, always make lessons fun, yet challenging. Students want to enjoy what they’re doing, but will lose interest if they’re not simultaneously having fun and being challenged – finding a balance is very important and is highly individual based on each student. Fourth, teachers should always maintain a balance of
seriousness and silliness. The environment in which students learn has to be comfortable and rewarding. Silliness allows for comfort while taking direction and information. Seriousness shows a student your knowledge and skills in the craft you’re teaching. Fifth, teachers always need to be honest,
fair minded, and rational. This is a matter of moral character, upbringing, life maturity, and listening skills. And finally, back to the beginning – maintain your student's interest.
All of the above can be achieved while teaching coordination and technique of both the instrument and the body in all styles of music. Listening can be achieved via the application of said coordination and technique. Students will flourish in an environment in which they’re playing music they like, while being nudged (sometimes gently) in other directions they hadn’t yet thought of or realized existed.
Kevin Fortunato is a Berklee College of Music graduate, a master teacher and performer, an Author and Columnist, a Husband and Father, as well as a Wayland Massachusetts Resident who’s been teaching and performing throughout the greater Boston and Metro-West area since 1993. Having played with, recorded, and toured with artists such as John Lockwood, Doug Yates, Jeff Galindo, Scott Aruda, and Ken Cervenka to name a few, Kevin is a seasoned professional with an abundance of experience both teaching and performing.
Kevin teaches drums for Note-worthy Experiences, where he started in the Fall of 2021. He began teaching in 1993.
seriousness and silliness. The environment in which students learn has to be comfortable and rewarding. Silliness allows for comfort while taking direction and information. Seriousness shows a student your knowledge and skills in the craft you’re teaching. Fifth, teachers always need to be honest,
fair minded, and rational. This is a matter of moral character, upbringing, life maturity, and listening skills. And finally, back to the beginning – maintain your student's interest.
All of the above can be achieved while teaching coordination and technique of both the instrument and the body in all styles of music. Listening can be achieved via the application of said coordination and technique. Students will flourish in an environment in which they’re playing music they like, while being nudged (sometimes gently) in other directions they hadn’t yet thought of or realized existed.
Kevin Fortunato is a Berklee College of Music graduate, a master teacher and performer, an Author and Columnist, a Husband and Father, as well as a Wayland Massachusetts Resident who’s been teaching and performing throughout the greater Boston and Metro-West area since 1993. Having played with, recorded, and toured with artists such as John Lockwood, Doug Yates, Jeff Galindo, Scott Aruda, and Ken Cervenka to name a few, Kevin is a seasoned professional with an abundance of experience both teaching and performing.
Kevin teaches drums for Note-worthy Experiences, where he started in the Fall of 2021. He began teaching in 1993.
