PODCAST #92 - Q. Robinson

Broadway Drumming 101 – Episode: Quinton “Q.” Robinson (2025 Update)
🎧 Hosted by Clayton Craddock

Drummer, music director, and Ableton Live wizard Quinton “Q.” Robinson returns to the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast for a long-overdue update! First interviewed in July 2021, Q has since leveled up in remarkable ways—and in this candid, wide-ranging conversation, he breaks it all down with Clayton.

From his early connection with Clayton through Ain’t Too Proud, to his time on the Hamilton national tour, Q shares the behind-the-scenes journey of earning trust, honoring commitments, and mastering his craft. He discusses his drum setup evolution, hilarious tour mishaps (air conditioning fan fail, anyone?), and the invaluable lessons he's learned performing in various cities with rotating local musicians.

Topics Covered:

• How Q first met Clayton and began subbing for Ain’t Too Proud

• Getting the call for the Hamilton tour—and turning it down to honor a prior commitment

• Transitioning from one major tour to another

• Learning how to communicate respectfully with older local musicians in new cities

• The physical and mental demands of touring life

• Touring gear breakdowns, loadouts, and drum booth logistics

• How Q approaches musical authenticity in drum books

• The importance of having real-world experience outside of music school

• Why developing a personal voice on the drums matters

• Owning the responsibility of gear maintenance and musical excellence

• What "Got Pocket" means—and why it’s more than a catchphrase

• His custom ProMark drumstick and Q's hybrid drum key

Memorable Quotes:
🗣️ "Technical skill is just the price of admission. What else are you bringing to the chair?" – Q. Robinson
🗣️ "Sometimes learning what not to do is more important than learning what to do." – Q. Robinson
🗣️ "Broadway music is not a genre. It’s a subgenre of genres. And if you don’t know who Bernard Purdie is, you’re going to misread the chart." – Q. Robinson

🎵 Plus, Q talks gear: from his 20-ply custom snare drum to cymbal setups and his preference for heavier sticks with finesse. And yes—he even dishes on his custom ProMark drumsticks and signature drum key (with a magnet and a drill bit!).

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Guest Info:
Quinton “Q.” Robinson
Drummer for the North American tour of Hamilton
Website: www.iamqrobinson.com
Custom Drum Key & ProMark Sticks: Available via Atlanta Drum Shop

Merch Alert:
Check out Q’s favorite drumming apparel at GotPocket.com

Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialized mentorship and a carefully curated collection of resources tailored for aspiring and professional musicians.

Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud – The Life and Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. As a skilled sub, he’s contributed his talents to Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. He has also appeared on major shows, including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.

Clayton proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock here: www.claytoncraddock.com