In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, we chat with touring legend Paul Hannah, whose career spans over four decades and countless genres—from orchestras to biker bars and Broadway pits to jazz trios.
Paul began playing professionally at just 16, growing up in Las Vegas during a time when the mob ran the city and every hotel had a full orchestra. He learned firsthand from giants like Jerry Gilgor, Tommy Check, Leo Camera, Roger Rampton, and Walfredo de los Reyes. Later, he studied with titans like Vic Firth, Alan Dawson, and Alexander Lepak, preparing him for a career that’s taken him across the U.S., Canada, Japan, and China.
🎭 Paul has performed on Broadway tours of:
Into the Woods
Cats
West Side Story (Tokyo)
Jesus Christ Superstar (with Ted Neeley and Corey Glover)
Spamalot
Wicked
An American in Paris
Funny Girl and more
He’s also the author of the essential guidebook for any drummer hoping to hit the road:
👉 “Show Drumming - An Expert’s Guide to Theatre and Touring” — available here
In this episode, Paul dives into:
What the old Vegas scene taught him about musical discipline
Why the apprentice system matters
Studying with Alan Dawson and Vic Firth
The real reason he never moved to NYC
What touring life is really like
How over-preparation saved his career (and sanity)
Honest reflections on burnout, growth, and finding purpose in music
🎧 Whether you’re a young player dreaming of your first tour, a seasoned pro, or just love hearing rich stories from the road—this episode delivers.
Share this post