Sean J. Kennedy

A personal reflection on why insisting can sometimes be an act of belief
By Sean J. Kennedy
(Written December 2025, edited May 2026)

At the Moment of the Question

A friend recently asked me whether they should encourage—or insist—that their…

Don’t Waste Edvard Grieg’s Apples!

Remembering Doug Wilfert

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…

A Guiding

Remembering Neil Peart

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…

Silver Bullets and Stolen Gold

by 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…

Who Did They Listen To?

Written 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…

The Lost Art of Listening

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.…

Sound Advice: Words to Practice By

Written 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…

Rockin' The Waltz

Written 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…