Ben Emmett served as Kevin's accordion teacher in Dargaville where Kevin studied until Ben's untimely passing on December 6, 1976. From the United Kingdom, the Emmett family settled in Dargaville in the late 1950's where they operated a large accordion studio. Both Ben and his wife Doreen Emmett (with whom Kevin began his lessons) taught many people in the Dargaville area over the years. During this time, Ben continually took his students and orchestras out into the community for concerts all over the Kaipara region. Mr. Ben Emmett successfully petitioned New Zealand's acceptance into the Confédération Internationale des Accordéonistes (CIA) of which Kevin eventually became the President.

Jenny Cocurullo served as a mentor to Kevin during his career, working to support his concert career and rise to the Presidency of the Confédération Internationale Des Accordéonistes (CIA), the world body of accordionists which is affiliated to the International Music Council and UNESCO. Mrs. Cocurullo worked to promote the accordion and the arts in general in the Kaipara region, giving recognition and support to established international concert artists who performed in Dargaville during New Zealand concert tours, as well as giving younger, up and coming artists the opportunity to gain experience and exposure, thus providing opportunities for all while giving residents of the Kaipara community outstanding cultural opportunities.

After the passing of Mr. Ben Emmett, Kevin began the weekly five-hour round trip journey to Auckland to study with the late Mr. Allan Jones, with whom he studied until he left for the United States to pursue his accordion career overseas. Recognized as one of the great supporters and developers of the accordion movement in New Zealand, Allan Jones worked extremely hard with his students encouraging superior technical ability and correct practice methods. Mr. Allan Jones was surrounded by an accordion family, with his wife Marie serving as the Secretary of the New Zealand Accordion Association, a position that she continues until this day. Their three children Harley, who also taught Kevin during his trips to Auckland; Maurice, a popular entertainer who took over the running of the accordion business; and Heather, a well-known teacher and director of accordion orchestras in Auckland. All have distinguished themselves on the international accordion scene.
 

Sincerest thanks to the following who have kindly given me instruments and supporting materials such as manuscripts, books and other items over the years, to serve as a permanent part of my Accordion Gems display:

• Raymond Bodell and the Estate of Graham Romani - London, United Kingdom
• Ernest Deffner Inc. (Director - Faithe Deffner) - Mineola, New York, USA
• Titano Accordions/Accordion House (Director - Maurice Jones) - Auckland, New Zealand
• Richard Neal Ray - Atlanta, Georgia, USA
• Shirley Yelavich - Auckland, New Zealand
• Zada Vogel - Kansas City, Kansas, USA
• Ethel Pippin - Louisburg, Kansas, USA
• Lars Arnevig - Asker, Norwau
• The Cumpton Family, Liberty, Missouri
• Dr. Karen Fremar - Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• Music Education Center - Auckland, New Zealand
• Estate of Charlie Durham - Auckland, New Zealand
• Thomas J. Mora - New York, New York, USA
• Rob Howard - Stockport, United Kingdom
• Gary Daverne (Musical Director) - Auckland Symphony Orchestra - Auckland, New Zealand
• Kimmo Mattila (President - Suomen Harmonikkaliitto - Finnish Accordion Association) - Ikaalinen, Finland
• Jane Christison (Music With A Smile) - Overland Park, Kansas, USA
• Judy Hunt and the Filosa Family - Northport, New York, USA
• Julie and Juha Silfverberg - Overland Park, Kansas, USA
• Norman Seaton, President of the National Accordion Association (NAA)
• Frank Busso, Staten Island, New York, USA
• Dr. Helmi Harrington, Curator - World of Accordions Museum - Superior, Wisconsin, USA
• Nicole Phillips, New Zealand
• Doug and Beryl Crispe, Auckland, New Zealand
• Joan Cochran Sommers, Prarie Village, Kansas, USA
• Lynette Parkinson (nee Fowlie), Auckland, New Zealand
• Linda Litt (nee Emmett), Auckland, New Zealand
• Joan Brown (nee Emmett), Ruawai, New Zealand