Donny Fortin
Donny Fortin
Live and Studio Drummer / Drum Lessons
Live
Donny performs live regularly on drumset, percussion, and hybrid kits throughout the New England area and abroad. Comfortable with almost any style, he's played with a diverse list of artists including: Stalactite Party, Jamie’s Junk Show, Two Piece Nastee and Friends, Afterparty, Eric Sack Band, David Cain and the Neighborhood Band, Jeff Tuohy and the Busch League Band, Baltic Ave, Shark Fin Soup, Mute, Maggie Kim, The Brian Cyr Project, Laurie Katherine Carlsson, Tiff Jimber, Brian Dunn, Funkestra, The Psychedelic 60s and many others.
Studio
As an experienced session drummer, Donny knows how to bring your track to life, lending his experience and talent where needed while staying true to your vision. He has a diverse variety of drums and percussion instruments available to make sure your project has exactly the sound you're looking for.
Lessons
"A teacher once taught me that teaching as well as performing and composing are parts of being a complete musician."
Donny has a passion for teaching. Whether you are beginning or advanced, young or old, Donny strikes a healthy balance between creative and technical development to foster the ability and motivation to expand your unique creative and musical pursuits. Lessons are available both online and in-person at his studio in New Haven, Connecticut.
About Donny
Donny Fortin has played drums for over 30 years in clubs and studios across the United States. With a Bachelor's of Music degree Performance from Berklee, College of Music, Donny has been taught by a whose who of contemporary drumming and percussion: Casey Scheuerrell (Jean Luc Ponty), Jamey Haddad (Dave Liebman), John Ramsey (Jazz Messengers), John Hazilla, Dave Dicenso (Hiromi, Duran Duran), Tom Melito (Jerry Bergonzi), Tom Dest, Frank Giguere (Street Temperature), Connie Coughlin (U.S. Coast Guard Band) and many others.
He was also invited to participate in a two-week intensive drumset/percussion program in Havana and Matanzas, Cuba.
As a seasoned live and session drummer, Donny brings his considerable experience across a diverse collection of styles to every project he participates in. And as a passionate teacher, he looks to share his love of drumming with new and experienced drummers of all ages!
