Previously a runner-up in the 2011 US semifinals, Texan drummer Patrick Kennedy won the US finals for the 2012 Roland V-Drums World Championship, held on the eve of the annual Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC).

Patrick Kennedy represented the United States at the V-Drums World Championship 2 in April 2013 during Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany.

Pat Kennedy from Austin, TX is the current Roland V-Drums National Champion and represented the United States in the 2013 Roland V-Drums World Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. He is an active Artist/Clinician with Roland U.S., and is a featured presenter/performer at NAMM, PASIC, and other events throughout the United States. Similarly, he is an artist with Vic Firth Drumsticks, Zildjian Cymbals, Drumtacs, Cympad, and Gruvgear products. Pat can also be seen performing regularly throughout the South and Southwest Regions with Grammy-Award Winning Country singer, Rick Trevino, as well as various groups in the Austin area including JazzBonez, the Pat Kennedy Trio, and other jazz /cover band projects. Additionally, he is the drummer-in-residence for Hyde Park Baptist Church, and is the Director of Bands and Fine Arts Department Chairperson at Fulmore Middle School in the Austin Independent School District. He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania, and a Master of Music Degree in Jazz Performance from the University of Texas at Austin.

Likewise, Pat is active in the studio, and his playing can be heard on a variety of recordings, including: Progressive-rock band, Opposite Day (Space Taste Race: Part 2, Space Taste Race: Part 1 (EP), Reindeer Flotilla, Mandukhai (EP), What Is Is?, Safety First, Unlike a Virgin); R&B/Soul band, Sweetmeat (Goodbye Present, I Hate You, Sweetmeat EP); singer-songwriters Sam Arnold (Sunshine Carnivore, Royal Hairs Grow from Your Brain, Thousands of Homeless Termites) and Sarah Sharp (Fight or Flight EP); jazz singer Kevin Ahart (The Austin Sessions); and projects with composer, Peter Stopschinski.

​Originally from the greater Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area, he began playing percussion at the age of nine, and continued throughout high school, performing in marching, concert, jazz, and honor bands. He began teaching drum lessons at the age of fifteen, and was an instructor with community music organizations.

Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to attend Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania to study Music Education. As an undergraduate student, he was a performing member of every ensemble within the music department including jazz ensemble, wind ensemble, percussion ensemble, orchestra, jazz combos, marching band, and choir. As the drummer for the Slippery Rock University Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Grammy Award-winning trumpeter, Steve Hawk, he toured Europe, performing throughout France and Italy, and recorded two studio albums with the band. He also performed with various jazz legends including Rufus Reid, Randy Brecker, and Bob Mintzer. In addition, he was also the timpanist for the inaugural recording of the University Wind Ensemble. Similarly, he was equally as active outside of the university, performing with the Butler Symphony Orchestra and other various community groups, as well as a variety of rock and cover bands throughout Pittsburgh.

In 2003, Pat was selected from a nationwide audition to be a member of the Disneyland All-American College Band in Anaheim, California under the direction of Art Bartner. As a drummer in this prestigious group, he performed alongside numerous studio musicians and renowned players such as Bill Watrous, Tom Kubis, Alex Iles, Bob Florence, Wayne Bergeron, Rick Todd, Sal Lozano, Dan Higgins, Gary Foster, Matt Harris, Jim Self, Rick Bapist, John Clayton, Ron McCurdy, Gregg Field, and Shelly Berg, and also recorded an album at Paramount Studios. He was also contracted by Disney as the percussion instructor for the 2004 & 2005 Disneyland All-American College Bands.

After graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Music Education in May, 2004, Pat earned a scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a Master's degree in Jazz Performance. While a graduate student at UT, he performed with the Alternative Improvisation Music Ensemble (AIME) under the direction of John Fremgen, and also the UT Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Jeff Helmer. In addition, he studied classical percussion with acclaimed artist Thomas Burritt, and Tony Edwards of the Austin Symphony Orchestra. He graduated Magna Cum Laude in December, 2006 with a Master of Music in Percussion Performance (Jazz Emphasis).

Pat currently resides just outside of Austin, TX with his wife Nicole, his dog, Drake, and he enjoys football, golf, grilling, and movies.