Broadway Drumming 101

In this special episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , we step out of the drum chair and into the conductor’s podium with Nate Patten, a celebrated music director, writer, and comedian based in New York City. With a resume spanning eight Broadway shows—including Company , The Prom , Charlie and the Chocolate Factory , and Catch Me If You Can —Nate brings a wealth of knowledge and humor to our discussi...

Landing a gig in a Broadway pit is about more than just being talented or prepared—although that’s important, too. Music directors are looking for musicians who bring something unique to the table and can fit into the group's chemistry . It’s not just about being the best at your instrument; it’s about being the right fit for the team and the project. In this video, we break down what music direct...

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , we’re shaking things up by bringing you a guest who offers a fresh and invaluable perspective from the other side of the orchestra pit. We’re thrilled to welcome Nate Patten —a seasoned New York-based music director, writer, and comedian. Nate has conducted or played keyboard for eight Broadway shows, including Company (starring Patti LuPone), The Prom ,...

Know someone who’s passionate about drumming and loves the behind-the-scenes world of Broadway? Broadway Drumming 101 merch makes the perfect gift this holiday season! Whether it’s for yourself or the musician in your life, our gear is a great way to celebrate the art of drumming and theater. Don’t wait to grab these unique items—head to our online store and check a few gifts off your list. Make t...

Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this episode, we’re honored to feature Ed Shea , a distinguished musician whose career spans from the Philadelphia soul scene to the stages of Broadway. Highlights from the Episode: * Early Musical Influences : Ed shares his initial fascination with mus...

In this clip, legendary percussionist Ed Shea takes us back to his days at Sigma Sound Studios . Ed paints a vivid picture of the studio's bustling energy, where top-tier musicians like Bobby Eli and Tom Bell seamlessly crafted iconic records. Ed shares insider details about what it was like working with legends like Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff , recording albums for Lou Rawls , and navigating the...

Mike Dobson is a drummer, percussionist, and Foley artist who has spent over 20 years bringing stories to life with his unique combination of live music and sound effects. With degrees from The Hartt School (B.M.) and The New School (M.M.), Mike has the training and the creativity to tackle any project. He co-wrote the offbeat production  Room 17B and has worked with top directors like Tina Landau...

In this clip, Mike Dobson breaks down what it’s like to be part of the small, elite group of drummers and percussionists on Broadway—and how his work is even more specialized. He combines live music and Foley artistry, creating sound effects in real-time for the stage, something very few people know how to do. Mike shares his experience working in this super-niche field, reflecting on his nearly 2...

In 2021, I started this podcast with a clear goal: to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted some truly remarkable guests who've shared their unique stories, experiences, and insights. As our audience has grown, we've realized that many of you might have missed out on some of our most inspiring interviews. So, over the next year, w...

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I enjoyed interviewing the legendary Cubby O'Brien. You may know him from his days as a Mouseketeer on The Mickey Mouse Club, but his drumming career goes way beyond that. We talk about his early start in music, following in the footsteps of his drummer father, and his work with some of the biggest names in the industry—Lawrence Welk, Bernadette Peters, th...

In this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, we’re thrilled to have the legendary Cubby O'Brien, one of the original Mouseketeers from The Mickey Mouse Club! Cubby takes us back to his early years, sharing how his musical journey began with his father teaching at a Sun Valley, California music school. He describes being part of a Dixieland band made up of young musicians who performed at...

In this episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast, legendary drummer Cubby O'Brien shares a memorable story about subbing out of his first Broadway show and an unexpected encounter with Nathan Lane. When a stage manager informed Cubby that Nathan Lane wanted to see him in his dressing room, Cubby was slightly surprised. After finding his way upstairs, Nathan greeted him with a joking, "You can...

In this podcast episode, I sit down with the legendary Cubby O'Brien, whom I had the pleasure of meeting earlier this year on a Broadway cruise where I was performing with several acts, and he was with the iconic Bernadette Peters. Cubby, best known for his time on The Mickey Mouse Club and touring with The Carpenters , has had a remarkable career on Broadway, drumming for shows like Annie Get You...

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , I had the chance to talk with one of the most respected drummers in the business, Cubby O'Brien. We chatted about the process of picking subs for Broadway gigs—a topic that’s critical for anyone looking to make it in the scene. Cubby breaks down what he looks for in a sub: dependability, solid playing, and being an established player in New York. He shout...

Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In this video, Damien Bassman explains why every performance should be treated with the same dedication, whether it's someone's first Broadway show or a special occasion. He emphasizes respect for the material and the audience's experience. Listen to the p...

In this video, Dena Tauriello, drummer for Little Shop of Horrors and a sub for Hamilton and several others, discusses what it takes to make it on Broadway in a group podcast that you can listen to here : Dena shares her experience about the importance of networking in the industry and how she's often asked to grab a coffee or chat about the business, but due to her busy schedule, she appreciates...

In this special episode of Broadway Drumming 101 , host Clayton Craddock sits down with Andrés Forero and an incredible lineup of musicians currently subbing in Hamilton . Forero is joined by Alex Giosa, Juan Felipe Mayorga, Dena Tauriello, and Ryan McCausland as they discuss the unique challenges of being a sub in one of Broadway’s most complex and iconic shows. FEATURING: @andresforeroofficial @...

A special episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast is coming soon. It will feature Andrés Forero and a talented group of subs currently performing in Hamilton . I had the chance to sit down with Andrés, Alex Giosa, Juan Felipe Mayorga, Dena Tauriello, and Ryan McCausland to talk about the unique challenges and behind-the-scenes experiences of subbing for one of Broadway’s most demanding shows....

I chatted with Andrés, Alex Giosa, Juan Felipe Mayorga, Dena Tauriello, and Ryan McCausland about the behind-the-scenes experience and challenges of being a sub on such a challenging show. In this video, Juan Felipe Mayorga talks about how he met Andres Forero and got the opportunity to sub on Hamilton . Juan, originally from Colombia, admired a jazz pianist named Hector Martino back in college. A...

🎧 A new episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast is coming soon, featuring Andrés Forero and the amazing subs at Hamilton ! Discover how these talented musicians handle the pressure of last-minute calls, the emotional intensity of the show, and the importance of being both great people and exceptional artists. Don't miss this insightful conversation on what it takes to be a successful Broadwa...

A special episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast is on the way, featuring Andrés Forero and a talented lineup of subs currently playing in Hamilton. I chatted with Andrés, Alex Giosa, Juan Felipe Mayorga, Dena Tauriello, and Ryan McCausland about the behind-the-scenes experience and challenges of being a sub on such a challenging show. In this clip, Alex shares a great story about the show....

🎧 We’ve got a special episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast dropping soon, featuring Andrés Forero and the incredible subs currently playing Hamilton! 🎶 Hear how they prep for the show and tackle the challenges of being a sub. Don't miss it! In this clip, Dena shares how she met Andres at NAMM in California. He invited her to check out his show, In the Heights and watching him perform lef...

Check out the latest Broadway Drumming 101 podcast featuring Andrés Forero and the incredible subs playing Hamilton! Hear how they prep for the show and tackle the challenges of being a sub. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! FEATURING: @andresforeroofficial @denatauriello @juanfeniche @ryanmccauslanddrums @alexg_drums Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 10...

🎧 We’ve got a special episode of the Broadway Drumming 101 podcast dropping soon, featuring Andrés Forero and the incredible subs currently playing Hamilton! Hear how they prep for the show and tackle the challenges of being a sub. Don't miss it! FEATURING: @andresforeroofficial @denatauriello @juanfeniche @ryanmccauslanddrums @alexg_drums Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a compreh...

Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. In 2021, I started this podcast with a clear goal: to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted some genuinely remarkable guests who've shared their unique stories, experiences, and insights....