Sacramento Drum Lessons & Drummer for Hire

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Private drum lessons for ages 8 through adult • Sacramento and online • Professional live and session drummer with 40+ years of experience

With over 40 years behind the kit, Patrick brings a level of real-world experience that few Sacramento instructors can match — including work on 10+ recorded albums and recognition as an ASCAP-affiliated artist. His playing spans a wide range of styles, from funk, rock, and metal to soul, country, and Irish rock, giving students a well-rounded, versatile foundation no matter what music they want to play. Based right here in Sacramento, Patrick offers students the rare chance to learn directly from a working professional musician, not just a teacher who plays on the side.

New to Drums? Start Here

Thinking about drum lessons? Learn what to expect at your first lesson, how to get comfortable behind the kit, and how to prepare. No experience is required. Private lessons are available for ages 8 through adult in Sacramento and online.

LEARN ABOUT DRUM LESSONS →

“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?”

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

This Is the Hype!

With 40+ years behind the kit, Patrick Hennessey is a professional drummer, drum instructor, and ASCAP performing and recording artist. He has performed across the country and contributed to more than 10 full-length albums.

Patrick began playing in Minneapolis and built his career across funk, metal, folk, soul, country, and Irish rock. Today, he performs throughout California with Stout Rebellion, The Pint Thieves, and Wander West while working as a Northern California session drummer.

Explore Patrick’s Session Drummer Services

Drum Lessons with Heart

Patrick brings decades of real-world experience to one-on-one private drum lessons. His goal is simple: help every student develop confidence, technique, and a lifelong love of playing drums.

His teaching style is supportive and adaptable, with experience working with students of different backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities.

Learn About Private Drum Lessons in Sacramento

Ready to find your groove? Schedule your private drum lesson today!

He is passionate about making music education accessible and meaningful, especially for multicultural students and those with learning challenges such as Autism and ADHD.

Schedule a Lesson

“Teaching drums is something I’ve wanted to do since my first lesson. I do what I love, and I love what I do—because I’m a drum teacher.”

Discuss a Performance.

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. 

Links to his current projects are below:

The Pint Thieves

Stout Rebellion

Wander West

Collaborations with Low Key Trampoline

Private one-on-one drum lessons in Sacramento for beginners through experienced players, ages 8 to adult. Learn technique, timing, coordination, musicality and the skills you need to become the drummer you want to be.

Schedule your first lesson right now!

Lessons start at $30 per lesson.

– The path to every destination begins with the first step.

What services are offered?

Drum Lessons for Beginners

Drum Lessons for Kids

Adult Drum Lessons

Intermediate & Advanced Drum Lessons

In-Person and Online Drum Lessons

🥁 What You’ll Learn

Drum Set Practice and Performance

Snare Drum Rudiments

How to Tune Your Drums

Double Bass Drum Techniques

Various Styles and Genres of Drumming

Did I miss something? Then, we’ll work on that together too!

🥁Frequently Asked Questions

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 are (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 drum set.
• Some students can’t read music but they can replicate complex rhythms by ear with ease.

And guess what? All of that is normal.

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💡 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…

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🥁 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 about that baseline we establish? It will change—daily, weekly, monthly—and that’s also completely normal.

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🎵 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.

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About Your Drum Instructor

Drum Lesson Pricing

Pricing can vary depending on the needs of the student, but all lessons start at $30 per lesson.

Schedule Your First Drum Lesson.

🙌 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.

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📬 Ready to Start?

✅ Take Drum Lessons with Patrick 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.

Welcome to the blog — I’m Patrick Hennessey, a Sacramento drummer, teacher, and ASCAP recording artist with 40+ years behind the kit. Here I share what I’ve learned about drum lessons and technique, what to look for when hiring a drummer, and the ins and outs of session recording work. Whether you’re a student, a parent, or a bandleader looking for the right player, I hope you find something here that will inform your next step.

Choose Lessons, Recording or Live Drumming

Contact Patrick Hennessey for private drum lessons in Sacramento and online, studio or remote drum recording, or live and fill-in drumming. Choose the service below that best describes your request.

Choose a service above to jump to the form with your inquiry type already selected.

Have more questions? Read my blog.

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Sending this form starts a conversation—not a confirmed booking. I’ll reply with availability and the next step.

Contact Patrick Hennessey: Request Availability