Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sean J. Kennedy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sean J., thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Creativity is central to my life and music. I keep it alive by stepping outside my comfort zone and embracing challenges—whether performing with world-class orchestras, leading jazz ensembles, composing new works, or teaching. For me, creativity thrives through diverse musical styles and experiences.
I stay inspired through constant learning and collaboration. From my early piano lessons, where I began improvising, to my roles as principal percussionist with the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale and drummer for the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra, each experience adds depth to my artistry. Performing with artists like Lindsey Stirling, Roger Daltrey, Liberty DeVitto and Bob Mintzer has allowed me to explore and adapt to different musical landscapes.
Teaching and composing also fuel my creativity. As a professor of percussion and jazz at Arcadia University and instrumental music teacher in the Upper Dublin School District, I guide young musicians toward their potential. Writing instructional books like Rock Solid Drums and Improvising and Soloing In The Pocket pushes me to approach music in new ways while inspiring students to discover their own creativity.
Collaboration is vital to my creative growth. Organizing projects like The Rolling Buzzards Brigade during the 2020 shutdown and working with renowned musicians energize me through the exchange of ideas. My involvement with the Percussive Arts Society and its committees keeps me connected to a broader community, continually expanding my boundaries.
Being a versatile musician means constantly exploring. From jazz to classical, arranging to original compositions performed at Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall, every project opens new creative avenues. Embracing musical diversity sustains the spark of inspiration.
Ultimately, creativity thrives when fueled by exploration, learning, and connection. Every challenge and collaboration enriches the endless well of inspiration that keeps me moving forward.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m a Philadelphia-based musician with a diverse career as a drummer, percussionist, educator, and composer. I’ve had the privilege of performing and recording with world-renowned musicians and ensembles. Since 2005, I’ve served as Principal Percussionist for the Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale, and more recently, I’ve been recording and performing on drum set with the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra.
What excites me most is the opportunity for constant growth and creative challenges. From performing at Carnegie Hall to leading jazz trios and composing commissioned works like Kaku, Kupala, every project pushes me to learn, connect, and evolve.
Teaching is another passion of mine. At Arcadia University and in the Upper Dublin School District, I guide students as they develop their unique musical voices. Writing instructional books like Rock Solid Drums, Oodles of Accents, and Improvising and Soloing In The Pocket keeps me creatively engaged while inspiring the next generation of musicians.
Collaboration is at the heart of my creativity. Highlights include leading The Rolling Buzzards Brigade, a virtual pandemic project featuring musicians like Evelyn Glennie, Clayton Cameron, and Chris Coletti, as well as performing with the Gardyn Jazz Orchestra and the Doc Severinsen Tribute Band. These experiences continually expand my artistic perspective and fuel my growth.
Family is central to everything I do. My wife, Heather, and our four children inspire and ground me every day, reminding me why I’m passionate about music and life.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue performing, teaching, and creating. My advice for aspiring musicians: Love your craft, create your own opportunities, and enjoy the journey. The challenges are worth it, and the rewards are endless.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would say the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey as a musician have been fundamental technique, versatility, and the ability to learn from real-world experiences.
>>Fundamental Technique<<
My parents were instrumental in getting me started on the piano at an early age. Learning piano first was crucial because it laid a foundation that allowed me to branch into other instruments, including percussion. The discipline of learning proper technique early on helped me to build a strong musical base. It was also something that my high school teachers emphasized—especially my private percussion teacher Ray Deeley, who made sure I had the proper fundamentals on all percussion instruments. Without those basics, I wouldn’t have been able to explore jazz, rock, classical, or any other musical genres.
Advice: Take your time with the basics. Don’t rush through them thinking they aren’t important. In the long run, mastering fundamentals will pay off by making everything else easier, and you’ll be more confident as you explore more advanced topics.
>>Versatility<<
Early on, I played a wide variety of music—from classical composers like Beethoven and Mozart to popular movie and TV themes, and later, jazz, Latin, and rock. This versatility became crucial in my career. For example, my experiences playing in pit orchestras, jazz bands, rock bands, and community orchestras have given me the ability to adapt to different musical styles. This flexibility allowed me to get gigs in many different genres and meet musicians from all over. It’s helped me evolve as an artist and performer.
Advice: Don’t limit yourself to just one style of music or instrument. The more you explore different genres, the more you’ll develop as a musician. Learn to play in various settings, be it solo, in a band, or with an orchestra. It will broaden your musical vocabulary and help you connect with more musicians.
>>Learning from Real-World Experiences<<
I learned a lot by actually getting out and performing and playing with others. I didn’t just read about music—I lived it. Whether it was performing at Dorney Park in the early ‘90s, playing in musical pits in high school, or getting involved with community orchestras, every gig was a lesson. That hands-on experience taught me how to work with different musicians, how to sight-read on the fly, and how to adapt to various performance environments. Those early experiences shaped my approach to teaching and performing, as I can now share the “real-world” lessons with my students.
Advice: Don’t wait until you feel “ready” to perform or try something new. The experience is the best teacher. Start performing, even if it’s just for family or friends at first, and try as many different musical opportunities as you can. Whether you’re playing in a school band or joining a local group, those experiences will teach you more than anything in a classroom.
>>In sum, focus on mastering the basics, become a versatile player by exploring multiple genres and instruments, and don’t be afraid to get out there and learn from real-world music experiences. The more you put into your musical journey, the more you will get out of it.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Yes, I’m always open to collaborating with other musicians and creatives to explore new soundscapes across all genres. I’ve had a wide range of musical experiences, from classical and jazz to rock, funk, and beyond, and I love bringing that diversity to my collaborations. Whether you’re a singer, horn player, pianist, or another type of musician, I’d be thrilled to work together—whether that’s composing, arranging, or performing.
A bit about my background: I started out playing piano at a young age, and after taking up percussion in high school, I dove deep into a variety of musical worlds. I’ve played in community orchestras, pit orchestras, rock bands, jazz ensembles, and more, and I’m passionate about creating music in a wide range of styles. My teaching experiences, including working with students from elementary school to university level, have only deepened my love for collaboration and sharing ideas.
If you’re looking for a drummer or percussionist to help bring your project to life, or if you want to co-compose or perform, I’d love to connect. You can reach out to me directly through my website at www.seanjkennedy.com, and we can explore how to work together.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.seanjkennedy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjkdrums/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sjkdrums
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjkdrums/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SJKDRUMS
Image Credits
Mark Garvin Matt Matekovic
