Some drummers can play the show. They’ve got it memorized. But throw them on a gig where they don’t know the song? Where there’s no chart, no click, no safety net?
They freeze.
In tomorrow’s episode, Frank Pagano breaks down some of the things you’ll need to know to have a long-lasting career. A musician can memorize a show and play it just fine, but if someone suddenly calls out a song on a different gig and you haven’t played with lots of different bands before, you might have no clue what to do. That kind of experience is what really builds your skills.
Playing Broadway is about more than just knowing the notes. It’s about being a musician. A collaborator. Someone who listens, adapts, and brings the music to life—even when it’s unfamiliar.
This episode is essential listening for anyone chasing the Broadway dream, or any gig that demands more than muscle memory.
🎧 Episode 94 drops tomorrow.
📩 If you’re not subscribed to the podcast, now’s the time.
📤 And if you know a drummer who needs to hear this, send it their way.
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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
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