This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We’re closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we’re just getting started. We’ve got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with: * Pili Fronda * Michael Manesseh * Matthew Friedman * Joe Bergamini * Tom Jorgensen * Trevor Holder We're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring: * ...
Jul 09, 2025•50 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We’re closing in on 100 interviews here at Broadway Drumming 101, and we’re just getting started. We’ve got a great lineup ahead. Upcoming episodes include conversations with: * Pili Fronda * Michael Manesseh * Matthew Friedman * Joe Bergamini * Tom Jorgensen * Trevor Holder We're also re-releasing some Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Episodes you may have missed, featuring: * ...
Jul 05, 2025•53 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Originally released: October 2021 In this classic episode, I talk with Dennis Arcano —an all-around force in the musical theater world: Educator / Audio Engineer / Synth & Drum Programmer / Composer . He's subbed on shows like Death Becomes Her , tick, tick...BOOM! , Altar Boyz , The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee , Jagged Little Pill , and more. Dennis and I go w...
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 16 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV , the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit. We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, where he studied classical percussion ...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this episode, Clayton chats with drummer Patrick Phelan IV , the current touring drummer for the Shucked First National Tour. Patrick shares how a random hangout in NYC led to his first Broadway subbing opportunity and how he's since built a career full of friendship, groove, and grit. We dive into his musical upbringing in Wisconsin, studying classical percussion at UW–Ea...
Jun 21, 2025•1 hr 3 min
What happens when you’re brand new to NYC, hanging out between shows, and you meet someone who might change your life? That’s exactly what happened to drummer Patrick Phalen. In this candid clip, Patrick shares how a simple hangout with Shannon Ford and Joshua Samuels , who were both playing Beetlejuice, introduced him to Emma Ford , who later offered him the chance to sub on Shucked . Fast forward, and he’s now on the First National Tour. The episode drops on Saturday, June 21st! Listen on Appl...
Jun 21, 2025•55 sec
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this classic episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , I chat with the multi-talented percussionist Joshua Mark Samuels , whose Broadway journey spans from singing and dancing as a child in California to holding down chairs in some of the biggest shows on Broadway and Radio City. We initially chatted in October of 2021, but I wanted to share this episode again. It’s funny, though...
Jun 14, 2025•1 hr 5 min
NEW VIDEO: Frank Zambrano’s Road to Kimberly Akimbo Broadway Drumming 101 – The Podcast Frank Zambrano didn’t take the typical route to landing a Broadway tour—but that’s what makes his journey so inspiring. In this episode, Frank shares what it really takes to break in and stay in: * Why stepping outside the musical theater bubble helped him grow * How the Broadway Percussion Seminar opened his eyes to new possibilities * The quote from Clint de Ganon that changed his perspective: “Your persona...
Jun 10, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Frank Zambrano didn’t take the traditional path to a Broadway tour, but that’s exactly what makes his journey so inspiring. In this episode, Frank shares: * Why his biggest advice is to get out of the musical theater bubble * The pivotal role the Broadway Percussion Seminar played in his development * A quote from Clint de Ganon that changed his mindset forever * How his second chance to play Kimberly Akimbo became a story of preparation, grit, and follow-through * What it took to turn theme par...
Jun 07, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Q. Robinson on the 92nd episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Inc. podcast: Tour Life In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, Q. Robinson shares what it’s really like on the road with a major musical. He talks about longer stays in each city, the physical and emotional toll of eight shows a week, and how the role of the drummer has shifted in modern theatre. Watch the full conversation in Episode 92. Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, an in-depth online platform offering specialize...
Jun 06, 2025•2 min
Correction…This Week’s Podcast Guest Hey everyone – quick note! Sorry about the last email. I had Frank Pagano on my mind while posting about this week’s episode featuring Frank Zambrano . Both are incredible drummers who’ve been guests on Broadway Drumming 101, and I’m honored to share their stories. The title is fixed now. Thanks for rolling with it—and don’t forget to check out the latest episode! 🎧 Here’s a clip from the upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 podcast episode dropping this Saturday,...
Jun 05, 2025•1 min
🎧 Here’s a clip from the upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 podcast episode dropping this Saturday, June 7th ! This week’s guest is Frank Zambrano , the drummer currently touring with Kimberly Akimbo . Frank shares the high-stakes moment when things went sideways subbing his very first Broadway show, and how one mistake nearly ended it all. This is going to be a powerful and inspiring episode. Hit that subscribe button wherever you get your podcasts so you don’t miss it. Follow Frank here: https://...
Jun 05, 2025•1 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Originally recorded in October of 2021, this conversation with Sammy Merendino is a standout. Sammy is a Broadway veteran with decades of experience under his belt and a reputation for being one of the most reliable and musical drummers in the business. In this episode, we discuss: * Growing up in Akron, Ohio, and playing in several bands during his formative years. * What it...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Episode 94 — Frank Pagano: From Glen Rock to the Broadway Pit In this must-hear episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast , I sit down with legendary drummer and percussionist Frank Pagano — a true veteran of both the concert stage and the Broadway scene. Frank’s career reads like a who’s who of the music industry. He’s played with icons like Bruce Springsteen, Bette Midler, Al Green, and Phoebe Snow. On Broadway, his credits span from Leader of the Pack and The Who’s Tommy to Smokey Joe’s Ca...
May 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min
🎧 Episode #94: Frank Pagano – From Glen Rock to Broadway, and Everywhere in Between In this in-depth, wide-ranging conversation, drummer, percussionist, and vocalist Frank Pagano discusses a career spanning four decades, which includes recording sessions with legends, world tours, and Broadway pit work for over a dozen shows. Key Highlights: * "You can’t practice experience—you’ve got to get it." Frank opens the episode with advice every young musician needs to hear: play with as many people as...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 10 min
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 ...
May 23, 2025•1 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. We're bringing back a Broadway Drumming 101 Classic episode with Joe Choroszewski —a musician whose Broadway and live performance resume is as deep as it is diverse. Joe has been on drums for The Radio City Christmas Spectacular Starring The Rockettes for the past three seasons, performing hundreds of shows at one of the most iconic venues in the world. Before that, he spent ...
May 17, 2025•1 hr 25 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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 fro...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 11 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Paul Hannah is the latest guest on the 93rd episode of Broadway Drumming 101 . In this episode (dropping May 10 ), Paul shares how he managed to live out nearly every dream he had in the music business, without ever relocating to New York City . From performing with top-tier jazz musicians to launching a successful Broadway-style career and securing a pension, his journey pro...
May 07, 2025•2 min
Back when we were all stuck inside and Broadway had gone quiet, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the great Warren Odze —a true Broadway and NYC studio veteran. Re-listening to this interview in 2025, I’m reminded just how rich and inspiring Warren’s stories are. Things have changed for the better since we first recorded, but this conversation holds up stronger than ever. Warren has played in an incredible list of Broadway shows, including: 🎭 The Life 🎭 Civil War 🎭 Kat and the Kings 🎭 ...
May 03, 2025•1 hr 17 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 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 al...
Apr 26, 2025•1 hr 24 min
This one originally dropped in September 2021 in two parts—but if you missed it back then, don’t worry. I’m bringing it back as part of the Broadway Drumming 101 Classic Interview Series . Ray Marchica is one of those drummers whose name has been floating around the NYC scene for decades—and for good reason. He’s done it all: gold records, TV house band gigs, iconic Broadway runs, off-Broadway, jazz big bands, the works. From James Brown's "Living in America" to The Rosie O’Donnell Show to Mamma...
Apr 20, 2025•1 hr 23 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 🎧 A quick note to our listeners: We want to apologize for the slightly odd sound quality in this episode. It was our very first time recording the podcast remotely, so the audio might sound a little different than usual. Thanks for bearing with us through this little glitch! And trust us—you need to check out the video version of this episode when it drops on YouTube . The w...
Apr 12, 2025•1 hr 24 min
🎧 NEW EPISODE DROPS APRIL 12TH! Broadway Drumming 101 | Featuring Andrew Atkinson — drummer for MJ: The Musical 🔥 “I didn’t even follow the book... I played it the way I knew it should sound.” 🔥 When Andrew Atkinson got the call to audition for MJ: The Musical , he didn’t just show up—he embodied the music. Years of preparation led to a moment when he didn’t need to prove himself—he was the guy. In this clip, Andrew breaks down how recommendations from his work at Hamilton helped get his name...
Apr 11, 2025•1 min
In this exclusive clip from the upcoming Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, percussionist Andrew Atkinson shares how a one-off gig on America’s Got Talent led to an unforgettable opportunity on Hamilton . Hear how a backstage connection, a feature in Modern Drummer , and pure preparation paved the way for his Broadway debut — all without asking for a single gig. Andrew recalls the moment he heard "My Name Is Alexander Hamilton" live for the first time, the wild audience reaction, and how he learned ...
Apr 10, 2025•2 min
🎧 In this clip from Broadway Drumming 101 , Andrew Atkinson — drummer for MJ: The Musical — gets real about how not to introduce yourself if you're trying to break into Broadway. He explains why timing matters , how first impressions stick , and why cold emailing without skills or connections usually doesn’t lead to a gig. If you’re not ready—or if you don’t come recommended—you’re probably just wasting your time. Andrew breaks down: ✔️ The importance of being musically versatile (even in style...
Apr 09, 2025•1 min
This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. 🎙️ Broadway Drumming 101 – Classic Episode: Sean McDaniel Originally Released: September 3, 2021 Updated Notes: March 30, 2025 Welcome back to another Classic episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast. This time, we’re revisiting my in-depth conversation with the incredible Sean McDaniel , one of the most versatile, hardest-working, and well-respected drummers in the Broa...
Apr 05, 2025•1 hr 2 min
Back in 2021, I sat down with one of the most versatile and in-demand drummers on Broadway: Sean McDaniel . Since that interview, Sean’s career has only expanded. He’s played Some Like It Hot , Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club and now holds the drum chair for one of the most buzzed-about new musicals on Broadway: Smash . So I figured—why not bring this conversation back to the forefront? In this re-released episode, Sean gives us an inside look at the early development of The Book of Mormon , startin...
Apr 03, 2025•2 min
In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , we sit down with Andrew Beall , an accomplished percussionist, composer, and Broadway musician whose career spans international performances, musical theater orchestration, and a deep love for percussion. From his early days in Ohio to working on some of Broadway’s biggest productions, Andrew shares insights into his journey, his influences, and his passion for composition. We dive into the art of orchestration, the challenges of subbing on Broadway, an...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Throwback to one of the wildest and most unforgettable nights of my Broadway career—the opening night of Ain’t Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations on March 21st, 2019, and performing on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon . Playing live on national TV was already a huge deal, but throw in a mad dash through Times Square with a police escort to make it back to the Imperial Theatre for opening night? That took it to another level. After performing on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fa...
Mar 21, 2025•4 min
