In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock chats with Ryan McCausland, a drummer who made his way from Southern New Jersey to the heart of the New York drumming scene. Ryan talks about his early influences, the importance of being kind, and the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician.
He also shares stories from his time playing on Broadway and touring with hit shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing. Ryan offers practical advice about how to stay healthy as a drummer, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. This episode is packed with personal stories, tips for musicians, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Broadway drummer.
Whether you're an aspiring drummer or love Broadway, this episode gives you an inside view of the challenges and rewards of a music career.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00: Introduction and Welcome
00:48: Growing Up and Family Background
02:12: Early Musical Experiences
03:48: High School Dreams of Broadway
08:04: College and Musical Influences
12:20: Playing on Cruise Ships
16:15: Touring with Dirty Dancing
20:23: Landing the Dear Evan Hansen Tour
28:51: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome on Broadway
29:31: Life on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour
30:15: Moving Between Different Shows
32:09: How to Avoid Drumming Injuries
34:35: Staying Sane on Tour
38:05: Exploring Cities While Touring
39:32: Moving to New York for Broadway
42:43: Subbing on Broadway Shows
43:53: Playing with Orchestras
46:11: Getting Gigs with Wicked and Hamilton
51:37: Advice for Drummers Who Want to Play on Broadway
53:41: Favorite Drum Gear
56:22: Looking Back on a Career in Music
Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation!
For more: https://www.ryanmccausland.com
Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources.
Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com
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