The Andrew Atkinson (YouTube) Interview
Drummer for the musical MJ
🎧 Watch the Full YouTube Episode: Andrew Atkinson — Drumming for MJ the Musical and Beyond
You’ve heard the audio… now see how we pulled it off!
This episode of Broadway Drumming 101 – The Podcast is something special. It was our first time recording remotely, and while the audio might sound a little different than usual (hey, we’re learning!), the video version is an absolute must-watch. Especially the beginning—it’s hilarious. 😄
👉 Watch the full video episode here:
📺 Andrew Atkinson Interview – Broadway Drumming 101 on YouTube
🎤 Meet Andrew Atkinson
Andrew Atkinson is the real deal. A versatile musician with roots in Miami and Jamaica, Andrew’s journey to Broadway is anything but typical. He’s currently holding down the drum chair at MJ the Musical, has subbed on Hamilton, and has played with artists like Gregory Porter. Oh—and he builds his own computers. No big deal.
In this video episode, Andrew shares:
How a middle school percussion class (he tried to escape from!) changed his life
Why country music and Shabba Ranks were early influences
His transition from jazz clubs to Broadway
What it’s like using a fully electronic drum kit on MJ
The insane prep and organization behind America’s Got Talent
His thoughts on discipline, teamwork, and emulating legends like Art Blakey & Max Roach
Whether you're a student, a professional, or just love behind-the-scenes Broadway stories, this conversation delivers insights, laughs, and hard-earned wisdom.
🎓 Take Your Learning Beyond Music School
If you loved this episode, check out some of the other powerful resources we’ve created for musicians looking to bridge the gap between the classroom and the Broadway pit:
🎭 Stepping into the Spotlight: 29-Hour Readings Explained
Why These Gigs Are Crucial for Musicians Breaking into Broadway.🥁 Why You're Not Getting Sub Gigs (And How to Fix It Now)
The top reasons subs lose gigs—and how to avoid them for good.
These articles are part of our Beyond Music School series, which gives you the real-world advice no one else teaches—gear tips, networking strategies, audition etiquette, and more.
🔗 Subscribe & Support
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https://www.youtube.com/@BroadwayDrumming101
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https://broadwaydrumming101.myshopify.com
Thanks for watching—and for being part of the Broadway Drumming 101 community.
Now go check out that hilarious intro. Seriously. It’s worth it.
— Clayton