Providing The Pulse For Your Purpose
Providing The Pulse for your Purpose.
“I Do What I Love, and I LOVE what I DO”
“Being a teacher, is exactly what I wanted to do ever since I attended my first drum lesson. I’m proud to be a Drummer and a Drum Instructor.
Let’s take the first step together.“
This is the Hype! With over 40 years behind the drum kit, Mr. Hennessey is a seasoned professional drummer and ASCAP performing and recording artist. He has performed in countless live venues, contributed to over ten full-length albums, and continues to bring rhythm to stages and studios across the country.
Mr. Hennessey’s journey began in a youth orchestra as a snare drummer, but his true spark ignited in his early teens when he dove headfirst into forming and joining bands. Based out of Minneapolis, he cut his teeth playing everything from funk to metal, and folk to soul, developing his signature versatility and recording on seven different studio albums before relocating.
Seeking warmer weather and broader musical opportunities, Mr. Hennessey made his way to California, where he is now an active member of several bands including Stout Rebellion, The Pint Thieves (Irish Rock), and Wander West(Country). As a Northern California session drummer, he collaborates with a wide range of musicians locally and internationally, lending his expertise to both live and recorded projects.
When he’s not performing or recording, Mr. Hennessey shares his love of rhythm through private drum lessons and teaching at a local music school. He is passionate about making music education accessible and meaningful, especially for multicultural students and those with learning disabilities such as Autism and ADHD.
“Teaching drums has been something I’ve wanted to do ever since I took my first lesson. I do what I love—and I love what I do.”
Mr. Hennessey is proud to be affiliated with Soultone Cymbals and the D’Addario Education Collective, continuing to inspire the next generation of drummers through music, mentorship, and groove.
His current projects include:
– The path to every destination begins with the first step.
🥁 Can I (or My Child) Really Learn to Play the Drums?
This is one of the most common questions I get from new students and parents—and it’s a great one.
The short answer?
Yes, you can absolutely learn to play the drums.
But measuring progress isn’t always as clear-cut as you might think.
Unless you’re already a drummer or multi-instrumentalist, it can be tough to know if you’re (or your child is) making progress.
And even with decades of experience, I can tell you: it’s often a best-guess situation at first.
Here’s why: every drummer is different. Progress doesn’t always look the same. For example:
And guess what? All of that is normal.
If you’re unsure about ability or progress, you’re not alone—and you’re not expected to have the answers.
That’s where I come in.
My goal as your drum instructor is to help you explore your unique path. And it all starts with a single, simple step…
Your trial lesson is where we begin your drumming journey.
Think of it as a baseline—a casual, low-pressure starting point.
It’s not a test, and it’s not meant to be perfect. It’s just a way for me to understand where you are right now. And that baseline? It will change—daily, weekly, monthly—and that’s completely okay.
Drummers live on a spectrum.
There is no “right speed” or “right path.” Whether it takes you ten months or ten years, your journey is valid.
You are a drummer when:
✅ You show up
✅ You give your best effort
✅ You face challenges
✅ You do something you thought you couldn’t
That’s growth. That’s progress. And that’s when the magic happens.
You’ve already done the hardest part: you found me.
If you’re ready to begin—or continue—your drumming journey, I’m here to help you every step (and beat) of the way.
✅ Take Drum Lessons with Hennessey
👉 Email me at [info@hennesseyon.com]
👉 Book Your First Lesson [by filling out this form]
Mr. Hennessey is now accepting new online and in person students ranging in age from 8 through adult.
Smooth Rehearsal, Slow Tempos, and Final Prep for Sacramento County Fair Performance One Down, One to Go… Saturday’s rehearsal with an old bandmate and two fellow musicians couldn’t have gone better—aside from the brutal traffic getting to and from the studio! Once we were all set up, the session turned out to be incredibly productive …
Continue reading ““One Down, One to Go… Then We Hit the Stage!””
A couple weeks ago, I got this interesting call from Mark a bass guitar player that I worked with a few years ago and he asked if I was interested in sitting in and playing drums with his current band for gig in the valley. After learning as much as I could about the band, …
Continue reading “I got this interesting call from an old acquaintance.”
I knew NAMM 2023 was going to be a blast and I was right. The contacts I made this year are even more directly correlated to what my intention was for going. Thursday morning Thursday at 10am started out with a chance for me to stretch my legs. I decided that I would walk to …
Whether you’re looking to learn the drums, need me to lay down a solid groove in the studio, or bring powerful live energy to your stage performance, I’m here to make it happen.
🎵 Drum Lessons: I offer personalized one-on-one drum lessons for all ages and skill levels, both privately and through a local music school. I specialize in working with diverse learners—including students with ADHD, Autism, and other learning differences—creating a fun, supportive space to grow through rhythm.
🎧 Session Work: Need professional drum tracks for your next recording project? I provide remote and in-person drum session services, working in a wide range of genres. With years of recording experience and a solid grasp of feel, tone, and timing, I’ll bring exactly what your track needs.
🎤 Live Performances: Looking to add a dynamic, versatile drummer to your lineup? I’m available for live gigs, tours, and special events. Whether it’s rock, soul, folk, funk, or Irish punk—I’ve been there, played it, and loved every beat of it.
📩 Get in Touch:
If you’re interested in lessons, booking me for a session, or hiring me for a live performance, I’d love to hear from you.
Please reach out via [info@hennesseyon.com], DM me on [@hennesseyondrums], or fill out the contact form at below. Let’s create something great together!