There is a famous quote from Duke Ellington that always cracks me up: "There is nothing to keeping a band together. You simply have to have a gimmick, and the gimmick I use is to pay them money!" It’s a…
Featured Essay Series
From Chlorine to Carnegie Hall
A Journey in Four Movements
A four-part reflective essay exploring listening, serendipity, and the moments that quietly shape a life in music.
Selected Essays & Articles
One More Year
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…
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Don’t Waste Edvard Grieg’s Apples!
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
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Remembering Neil Peart
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…
Read moreSilver Bullets and Stolen Gold
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…
Read moreWho Did They Listen To?
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…
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The Lost Art of Listening
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.…
Read moreSound Advice: Words to Practice By
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…
Read moreRockin' The Waltz
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…
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