About The Author
Nick Forte began drum lessons in 1956, at the age of 12, with James Stavris, Sr. After several years with Mr. Stavris, he continued his studies with Alexander Lepak (then Chairman of Percussion - Hartt School of Music - University of Hartford and a P.A.S. 1997 Hall Of Fame Honoree). Other Studies included Bass, Piano, Guitar and Cello, as well as Music Theory and Composition. In 1971 Mr. Forte received a Certificate from the Berklee School of Music.
Teaching experience includes faculty positions at the Educational Center for the Arts, Choate Rosemary Hall (notable alumnus - President JFK), Neighborhood Music School, Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School, as well as (in previous years) Housatonic College, and the University of Bridgeport (notable alumnus - Dave Weckl.)
As a performer, Mr. Forte is well respected in a variety of musical formats, including: Studio, Live Concerts, Club Dates, and Musical Theater - where he has worked with celebrities such as Rodney Dangerfield, Juliet Prowse, Don Rickles and many more.
However, it is in the Jazz idiom where he is most at home. He has performed with such notables as Clark Terry, Phil Woods, and the late John Carisi and Gerry Mulligan to mention just a few.
Other Published works by Mr. Forte include:
Progressive Steps To Musical Drumming, Volume 1(which integrates elementary reading skills for the
snare drum with parallel drum set reading and technique lessons) and numerous educational articles written for Modern Drummer and Down Beat magazines. Forte Music Publications was founded in 1995 in order to continue
his efforts in supplying high-quality, low-cost, study material for the serious-minded drum student and semi-pro.
Click on the link below for an excellent example of Mr. Forte in action recorded on the New Haven Green. This solo demonstrates the Jazz techniques Nick is known for and the sense of time and Chops that have made him the sought after drummer and teacher that he is.