Mr. Hennessey is a 35 year veteran of the drums. He is an ASCAP performing and recording artist, has played in countless venues and appeared on no less than ten full length albums.
"Just as every young vocalist should get their start in a church choir, which may not be all fun and games. I got my start on an instrument I had no business playing... the piano." When the opportunity arose, he joined a youth orchestra near him as the snare drummer, and that was his entry into drumming.
In his early teens he would begin to form and join bands. That all started in Minneapolis where he played in every type of band he could find. Everything from Funk to Metal, and Folk to Soul. "I was also working up my chops at recording during this time and played on seven different albums of varying musical styles."
Eventually he realized that he needed to get out of the frigid temperatures of Minnesota and make his way to California. Where he currently drums in multiple projects, including the Irish Punk band The Pikeys, Broken Jukebox band Tipsy Orchestrina, and his most original project Rayleigh Scattering which has an electronic folk sound, and consists of Singer/Songwriter Liz Ryder and Bassist Adrian Baxmeyer.
Mr. Hennessey is also a first call session player with several established groups and musicians throughout Northern California.
When he's not gigging or recording, you will find him teaching at a local music school where his focus is on teaching multicultural students. Additionally, he is experienced in teaching students with learning disabilities such as Attention Deficit Disorder, and Autism. "I am able to reach these children through the beauty, simplicity and complexity of music."
"Teaching drums has been something I wanted to do ever since I took my first lesson, and I'm proud to call myself a Drummer and a Drum Instructor. I Do What I Love, and I LOVE what I DO."
Mr. Hennessey Plays Soultone Cymbals and is affiliated with The D'Addario Education Collective.