Hennessey On Drums, the website where you become the jubilant drummer you’ve always wanted to be!

Providing The Pulse for your Purpose.

“I Do What I Love, I LOVE what I DO, because I’m a drum teacher!”

Teaching Drums, is exactly what I wanted to do ever since attending my first drum lesson. I’m proud to be a Drummer and a Drum Instructor.”

The first step may be your next step. Let’s take it together.

“What’s the Hype About Hennessey? Schedule a Drum Lesson in Sacramento, and find out!”

Meet Mr. Hennessey – Professional Drummer, Recording Artist & Passionate Drum Instructor

This is the Hype! “Hennessey offers one-on-one private drum lessons!” Schedule a drum lesson now. 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 more than 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.

Drum Lessons with Heart

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, I love what I do, because I’m a drum teacher.”

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 Pint Thieves

Stout Rebellion

Wander West

Collaborations with Low Key Trampoline

Hennessey On Drums – Private Lessons, Big Results

Schedule a Private Lesson right now!

🥁 Can I (or My Child) Really Learn to Play the Drums?

And How Will I Know If We’re Making Progress?

These are a couple of the most common questions I get from new students and parents—and they are great.

The short answer?
Yes, you can absolutely learn to play the drums.
Measuring progress isn’t always as clear-cut as you might think.


🎯 The Truth About Learning Drums

It can be tough to know if you (or your child is) making progress. Even when you’re already a drummer or multi-instrumentalist,.

Even with decades of experience, I can tell you: in the beginning it’s often a best-guess situation.

Here’s why: every drummer is different. Progress doesn’t always look the same.

  • Some students might nail an incredible drum solo but struggle with playing a steady groove.
  • Another might excel in marching band but find it difficult to coordinate all four limbs on a full kit.
  • Some students can’t read music but they can replicate complex rhythms by ear with ease.

And guess what? All of that is normal.


💡 You Don’t Have to Know—That’s My Job

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 First Drum Lesson: Establishing a Starting Point

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.


🎵 Progress Looks Different for Every Drummer

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 and belongs to you.

You are a drummer:

✅ When you show up for you
✅ If you give your best effort
✅ As you face challenges
✅ When you do something you thought you couldn’t

That’s growth. That’s progress. And that’s when the magic happens.


🙌 Let’s Take the First Step—Together

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.


📬 Ready to Start?

✅ 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.

Hennessey On Blah Blah Blog

Successful Live Music Performance at the Sacramento County Fair – A Night to Remember

Our live music performance at the Sacramento County Fair this past Friday was nothing short of incredible. After several focused rehearsals and careful adjustments to match the live tempo of each song, we finally took the stage—and everything clicked. The crowd brought amazing energy, and the band was in perfect sync throughout the set. Weeks of preparation …

“One Down, One to Go… Then We Hit the Stage!”

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 …

Reach Out and Touch Drums

Let’s Work Together – Lessons, Sessions & Live Performances

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!

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