A Journey in Four Movements
A four-part reflective essay exploring listening, serendipity, and the moments that quietly shape a life in music.
A personal reflection on why insisting can sometimes be an act of belief
By Sean J. Kennedy
(Written December 2025, edited May 2026)
A friend recently asked me whether they should encourage—or insist—that their…
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By Sean J. Kennedy- February 2, 2025
Yes, that Edvard Grieg—the iconic Norwegian composer who defined the sound of the late Romantic Era! More on him soon, but for now…
My social media post from January 10, 2020
A friend just texted me the news that one of my drumming heroes, Neil Peart, passed away this week. Social media will be flooded with tributes, but I just…
Read moreby Sean J. Kennedy
May 16, 2022
"Remember that when you meet your antagonist, to do everything in a mild agreeable manner.
Let your courage be keen, but, at the same time, as polished as…
Read moreWritten by Sean J. Kennedy
December 24, 2009
About ten years ago when I started getting into Brazilian music, some of the most important things I learned actually happened away from the drum kit. I…
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Written by Sean J. Kennedy
April 6, 2010
Working with hundreds of young musicians over the last twenty years, I have come to an observation: most kids hear music but don't really listen to music.…
Read moreWritten by Sean J. Kennedy
February 14, 2012
Whenever I have the opportunity to hold a drum clinic or adjudicate a music festival and tape record comments for the performers, I often find myself…
Read moreWritten by Sean J. Kennedy
Drum & Percussion Lessons
September 19, 2009
For the past three years I have had the opportunity to play drumset and snare drum on tour with the Strauss Symphony of America, which…
Read moreWritten by Sean J. Kennedy
November 26, 2009
Frequently, when working with a drum student they will bring their iPod to the lesson and say something like “I want to learn to play this song.”…
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