Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast

Clayton Craddock
  • 5.0 (19)
  • MUSIC
Broadway Drumming 101 - The Podcast

The Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features conversations with musicians who currently play on Broadway, have worked on shows in the past, and showcases emerging musicians making their mark in the industry. broadwaydrumming101.substack.com

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    BD101 Classic #3 : Matt Vander Ende

    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, we’re bringing back some of those classic, condensed episodes. Whether it’s your first time hearing them or you’re revisiting them, I hope they spark the same sense of inspiration. But don’t worry, that’s not all—we’ve got some fresh, exciting episodes in the works and a few surprises along the way. Stay tuned because there’s plenty more coming your way! Thanks for reading Broadway Drumming 101! This post is public so feel free to share it. In this podcast, we hear about the career of legendary drummer Matt Vander Ende, who shares his fascinating journey from the West Coast music scene to the bright lights of Broadway. Known for his dynamic playing style, Matt takes us through his transition from rock and metal drumming into musical theater, where he ultimately landed one of Broadway’s most demanding drumming roles in Wicked. Throughout the interview, Matt reveals: * His musical upbringing was in Oakland, California, and he had early classical training at the San Francisco Conservatory. he has a diverse performance background spanning from school jazz bands to heavy metal tours with his band, Defiance. * How he developed his versatile style, drawing influence from drumming legends like Steve Gadd, Vinnie Colaiuta, and Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, blending classical chops with rock intensity. * His unexpected path into musical theater, starting with a recommendation to try drumming in local theater productions—a choice that paved the way to his long-running career on Broadway. Matt’s detailed look at his role as the drummer for Wicked is a highlight of the conversation. He describes the intense demands of this iconic show, which requires the drummer to seamlessly switch between musical genres, from reggae and punk-inspired beats to classical and traditional Broadway rhythms—all while leading a large 23-piece orchestra. Matt shares: * What makes Wicked such a challenging and unique show to play, including the precise, genre-hopping drumming style it requires to drive the music and choreography. * His experience mastering complex segments like the intense “No Good Deed,” which he describes as “Bartok meets Metallica”—an exhilarating, intricate piece that demands both technical precision and a heavy rock feel. * The importance of consistency in Wicked, with Matt highlighting his methods for keeping each performance fresh, despite the rigorous routine, and the ways he managed physical strain and injury during his tenure. Matt also gives valuable advice to aspiring Broadway drummers on the importance of discipline, professionalism, and learning a wide variety of musical styles. He emphasizes the necessity of playing each performance exactly as the regular drummer does, especially for subs, and offers insights on building relationships and working as part of a close-knit Broadway team. For Broadway fans, drummers, and musicians alike, this episode is packed with stories, lessons, and insights from Matt’s extraordinary journey. Don’t miss his reflections on the highs and challenges of playing one of Broadway’s most iconic shows! Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with Matt Vander Ende on Broadway Drumming 101. 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 Time

    1h 32m

  2. NOV 4

    Podcast #83 - Cubby O'Brien

    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, the Carpenters, and more. Cubby shares stories from his incredible journey through different eras of music, from the early influence of The Beatles and playing alongside icons like Steve Gadd. We dive into his Broadway experiences, where he brings his unique energy to every performance, and his thoughts on teaching and adapting to the ever-changing world of music. Whether you're a fan of musical history, a drummer, or just curious about what it takes to build a long-lasting career, this episode is packed with insights and memories you won’t want to miss. Tune in to hear about his collaborations with legends like Shirley MacLaine and Nathan Lane and his work on Tony Award-winning shows—it’s a deep dive into a life well lived! 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:16 Chance Encounter on Broadway Cruise 00:57 Sports Talk: Cowboys and Dodgers 02:49 Cubby's Early Drumming Influences 04:48 The Mickey Mouse Club and Early Career 10:10 Transition to Studio Work and Variety Shows 15:18 Working with the Carpenters 18:43 Electronic Drums and Siegfried & Roy 21:08 Collaborations with Bernadette Peters 26:32 Learning the Drums: Insights from Jack Sperling 27:13 Meeting Susan Stroman and the Producers Journey 28:52 The Creative Process with Mel Brooks 29:47 Challenges of Repetition in Broadway Shows 31:30 Selecting Dependable Substitutes 34:44 Transitioning to Gypsy and Working with Marvin Laird 36:23 The Joy of Live Performances 39:00 Maintaining Longevity and Avoiding Injuries 42:41 Choosing Eugene, Oregon 44:03 Advice for Aspiring Musicians 44:38 Memories with Shirley MacLaine 47:01 Appreciation from Fellow Musicians 48:04 Preferences in Drum Kits 53:05 Top Five Favorite Drummers 54:27 Concluding Remarks and Future Plans Carl "Cubby" O'Brien, born July 14, 1946, in Sun Valley, California, is an accomplished American drummer and former child actor, best known as one of the original Mouseketeers on The Mickey Mouse Club (1955–1958). Discovered by Disney talent scouts at a Screen Actors Guild benefit in 1954, Cubby became the youngest male to audition for the show, securing his spot after a simple yet memorable rendition of "Happy Birthday." After his time with Disney, Cubby pursued his true passion for drumming, performing with bands around Los Angeles, including a two-year stint with Spike Jones, which opened doors to major acts. He went on to work with legendary artists such as Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine, and Diana Ross, and spent ten years touring with The Carpenters after meeting them on The Carol Burnett Show. Cubby’s prolific career extends to Broadway and television, with notable performances in productions such as West Side Story, Hair, The Producers, and Gypsy. He has also lent his drumming talents to movie soundtracks, including Grease, Change of Habit, and Gypsy. In addition to his extensive stage and screen credits, Cubby has played drums for Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas and continues to perform in the Broadway production of Chicago. Throughout his career, he has worked with an array of stars, from Bernadette Peters to Steve Lawrence & Eydie Gorme, and remains a respected figure in the music industry. Cubby resides with his wife, a University of Oregon graduate who recently relocated from New York. Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform that provides specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and A

    57 min
  3. Podcast #82 -Andrés Forero

    OCT 10

    Podcast #82 -Andrés Forero

    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 @denatauriello @juanfeniche@ryanmccauslanddrums @alexg_drums Alex Giosa delivered some invaluable: "Don’t practice until you get it right—practice until you can’t get it wrong." He shared how this philosophy has shaped his approach to preparing for Hamilton, where the level of perfection expected is incredibly high. Alex also spoke about how subbing has sharpened his ability to stay focused, ensuring that he’s in the zone and ready to perform flawlessly when he steps into the pit. Ryan McCausland discussed the balance between acoustic and electronic drums in the show, particularly during the high-energy sections like Cabinet Battle 2. He stressed how important it is to adapt quickly to the feel of each instrument and the different dynamics it requires. Ryan also shared how maintaining professionalism and a positive attitude off-stage has been key to building a successful career as a sub. Dena Tauriello, who also plays for Little Shop of Horrors, discussed the importance of honoring Andrés Forero’s original drum book. She meticulously studied his every note, fill, and dynamic choice, ensuring her performance stayed faithful to the original. Dena highlighted the mental and emotional stamina required to keep up with the demands of a show like Hamilton, where the intensity never lets up from start to finish. Juan Felipe Mayorga shared his journey of preparation and adaptation, emphasizing the physical and mental endurance required to play this show night after night. Juan also reflected on the importance of the sense of community among subs—how they rely on each other for advice and support to ensure everyone is always at their best. Andrés Forero, a TONY, GRAMMY, and EMMY award-winning drummer and percussionist, brings deep insight into his process and the importance of being prepared. Known for his work on Hamilton, In the Heights, and Bring It On!, Forero shares stories about his journey and the importance of paying it forward to the next generation of musicians. This episode offers valuable lessons for anyone interested in Broadway drumming or understanding the behind-the-scenes demands of a hight profile musical. Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode! Support Broadway Drumming 101To continue producing high-quality content and sharing insights from the world of Broadway, we would appreciate your support. You can contribute through the following options: * Become a subscriber at Broadway Drumming 101 * Donate via PayPal: paypal.me/broadwaydrumming101 * Support through Venmo: @broadwaydrumming101 * Buy us a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/bd101 Stay tuned for more episodes, and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel for notifications on new content! Clayton Craddock founded Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on 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 Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise W

    1h 11m

  4. SEP 20

    BD101 Classic #2 : Damien Bassman

    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. 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, we’re bringing back some of those classic, condensed episodes. Whether it’s your first time hearing them or you’re revisiting them, I hope they spark the same sense of inspiration. But don’t worry, that’s not all—we’ve got some fresh, exciting episodes in the works, along with a few surprises along the way. Stay tuned, because there’s plenty more coming your way! Thanks for reading Broadway Drumming 101! This post is public so feel free to share it. In this second episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I had the pleasure of talking with Damien Bassman. Damien is currently the drummer for Death Becomes Her on Broadway. Originally from Fairfax, Virginia, Damien holds a BM from the Cleveland Institute of Music, an MM and Performer's Residency Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University, and an Advanced Performer's Certificate from The Juilliard School. Damien’s résumé is nothing short of impressive. Currently the drummer for the musical Death Becomes Her, he was a featured drum set soloist with the Tonkunstler Orchestra in Vienna and Italy and recorded with them on Leonard Bernstein’s Mass. He’s performed as a soloist and section percussionist/timpanist with the Cleveland Orchestra, the National Symphony, and the Columbus Symphony. Damien also created, arranged, and performed the hybrid percussion/drum set book for the hit musical Next to Normal. He designed the drum/percussion book for Hi-Fidelity and brought African and multi-percussion elements to The Color Purple. He’s also worked on Aida, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Legally Blonde, Nine, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and Caroline or Change, to name a few. Damien also collaborated with Green Day on the Broadway adaptation of American Idiot and worked with Andrew Lippa, Nathan Lane, and Bebe Neuwirth on The Addams Family. More recently, he’s been the drummer for How to Dance in Ohio, Jagged Little Pill, Almost Famous, and SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical. Damien’s versatility extends beyond Broadway. He’s served as the drummer for some of Broadway’s biggest stars, including Adam Pascal (Rent, School of Rock), Kristin Chenoweth (My Love Letter to Broadway), Kelli O’Hara (South Pacific, The Pajama Game), Jason Danieley (Curtains, Chicago), Julia Murney (Wicked, Lennon), and Michael Longoria (Jersey Boys). This episode is packed with great stories and insights, and I can’t wait for you to hear it! Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumstic

    1h 44m

  5. SEP 7

    PODCAST 81: Ryan McCausland

    In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock chats with Ryan McCausland, a drummer who made his way from Southern New Jersey to the heart of the New York drumming scene. Ryan talks about his early influences, the importance of being kind, and the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician. He also shares stories from his time playing on Broadway and touring with hit shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing. Ryan offers practical advice about how to stay healthy as a drummer, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. This episode is packed with personal stories, tips for musicians, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Broadway drummer. Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just love Broadway, this episode gives you an inside view of the challenges and rewards of a music career. Episode Breakdown: 00:00: Introduction and Welcome 00:48: Growing Up and Family Background 02:12: Early Musical Experiences 03:48: High School Dreams of Broadway 08:04: College and Musical Influences 12:20: Playing on Cruise Ships 16:15: Touring with Dirty Dancing 20:23: Landing the Dear Evan Hansen Tour 28:51: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome on Broadway 29:31: Life on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour 30:15: Moving Between Different Shows 32:09: How to Avoid Drumming Injuries 34:35: Staying Sane on Tour 38:05: Exploring Cities While Touring 39:32: Moving to New York for Broadway 42:43: Subbing on Broadway Shows 43:53: Playing with Orchestras 46:11: Getting Gigs with Wicked and Hamilton 51:37: Advice for Drummers Who Want to Play on Broadway 53:41: Favorite Drum Gear 56:22: Looking Back on a Career in Music Tune in for a fun and insightful conversation! Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 1m

  6. AUG 29

    BD101 Classic #1 : Bill Lanham

    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, we started this podcast with a simple goal: to offer you an inside look into the lives and careers of Broadway drummers. Since then, we've hosted numerous incredibly talented guests who have shared their stories, experiences, and wisdom. As our subscriber base has grown, we've realized that many of you may have missed some of our amazing interviews. That's why, over the next year, we'll revisit and repost some of our classic condensed interviews. This will allow you to revisit or discover these conversations, and we hope you'll get inspired. But that's not all—we've got several exciting new podcasts and a few surprises up our sleeves! So stay tuned because there's plenty more to come. In this first episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I had the pleasure of sitting with Bill Lanham, who shared his journey from Lindenhurst, Long Island, to becoming a master musician who has held several chairs on Broadway. Bill opens up about his early years, where his passion for drumming began in elementary school, and how his experiences in high school marching and jazz bands shaped his musical path. We discuss Bill's college years, during which he balanced a computer science major with a music minor. We talk about how this combination influenced his career. Bill also shared about his time touring with the first national production of Les Misérables, the various shows he's been a part of on Broadway, and what it truly takes to succeed. Bill shares valuable insights on the challenges of performing on Broadway and the importance of treating fellow musicians respectfully and offers advice for aspiring professional musicians in New York City. Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just a fan of Broadway, Bill's story is sure to inspire and motivate. Tune in to learn from his extensive experience and hear his thoughts on maintaining passion, adapting to technological changes, and navigating the dynamics of the Broadway pit. Episode Breakdown: * 00:09 Bill's Early Life and Hometown * 01:27 Starting the Drumming Journey * 02:14 High School Musical Experiences * 03:36 Musical Influences and Bands * 08:23 College Life and Musical Pursuits * 14:34 First Teaching Experiences * 16:44 Transition to Broadway and Touring * 26:48 Reflecting on Broadway Experiences * 27:49 Maintaining Passion and Gratitude * 31:59 Challenges and Changes in Technology * 34:37 Subbing and New Opportunities * 44:45 Navigating Broadway Pit Etiquette * 52:04 Balancing Music and Technology * 55:15 Career Reflections and Advice Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears. For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com CONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  7. Podcast #80 - Skyer Fortgang

    AUG 17

    Podcast #80 - Skyer Fortgang

    In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I sit down with the incredibly talented Skyler Fortgang, the drummer for The Great Gatsby on Broadway. We dive deep into his journey from early drumming experiences to landing a coveted spot in the Broadway scene. Highlights from the Episode: * First Impressions: Hear about when Skyler took a lesson with me and immediately blew me away with his drumming skills. * Broadway Breakthrough: Learn how Skyler connected with The Great Gatsby through his work with Chris Jago and how subbing on Paradise Square opened doors for him. * Mentorship and Connections: Discover how Sean McDaniel became a pivotal mentor for Skyler, guiding him through critical stages of his career. * Musical Evolution: Skyler shares how his playing style evolved under Sean McDaniel’s mentorship, focusing on less-is-more techniques and the importance of sound quality. * Early Inspirations: Find out how Guitar Hero and lessons from Rudy Bird (Lauryn Hill’s drummer) sparked Skyler’s passion for drumming. * Navigating New York: Skyler offers invaluable advice for musicians planning to move to New York, including saving money, committing fully to the journey, and the importance of networking. * Drumming Challenges: Skyler talks about the physical challenges of drumming, from dealing with tendonitis to adjusting to different setups in Broadway pits. * Career Highlights: Skyler reflects on his subbing experiences on Broadway, including working on Strange Loop and Titanic, and how those roles prepared him for The Great Gatsby. Skyler also provides insights into his equipment preferences, advice for aspiring drummers on preparing for subbing gigs, and how he balances his Broadway career with other musical projects. Connect with Skyler: * Instagram: @SkylerFortGang.music Tune in to get an inside look at the life of a rising Broadway drummer and gain tips on breaking into the scene yourself! Clayton Craddock is the founder of Broadway Drumming 101, a comprehensive online platform dedicated to providing specialized mentorship and a meticulously curated collection of resources. Clayton’s Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include: tick, tick...BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson's Bar and Grill, and Ain't Too Proud - The Life And Times Of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical. He has subbed for shows like Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, Spongebob Squarepants - The Musical, Hadestown (tour), and many more. Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, the TONY Awards, and performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Boyle, Norm Lewis, Denise Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King. Clayton is a proud endorser of Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears. For more about Clayton Craddock, click here: www.claytoncraddock.com CONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK! Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe

    1 hr
  8. Podcast #79 - Steve Picataggio

    JUL 27

    Podcast #79 - Steve Picataggio

    Check out this insightful chat with Steve Picataggio! Episode Highlights: * Early Inspirations: Find out how Steve’s older brother got him hooked on drumming. * Jazz and Beyond: Learn how Steve expanded his musical tastes from pure jazz to include pop-punk and Broadway tunes. * Starting Out: Hear about Steve’s first drumming experiences, including summer music camp and high school bands. * Making It in NYC: Get tips on navigating the New York music scene, from taking the subway with drums to finding the right gigs. * Balancing Act: Steve talks about juggling his professional music career with personal enjoyment and family time. * Theater Drumming: Discover what it’s like to play in cabaret gigs, jazz bands, and touring shows like Four Phantoms and Wicked Divas. * Touring Tips: Steve shares practical advice for drummers on the road, including packing smart and staying organized. Take some time out to hear Steve Picataggio’s inspiring journey and get practical tips for making it as a theater drummer. This episode is full of great stories and useful advice that you won’t want to miss! Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Steve Picataggio is a professional drummer and educator in New York City from Coral Springs, Florida. From the age of ten, Steve immersed himself in classical percussion, marching drumlines, pit orchestras and big band jazz ensembles.  He then made the commitment to study with world-renown jazz drummer Danny Gottlieb at the University of North Florida. There he had the opportunity to learn the extensive hand techniques originated by Joe Morello. He focused on the history of jazz drummers, most notably Mel Lewis and his influence on big band drumming. As well as the drummers of Count Basie and gravitated towards small group drummers such as Shelly Manne, Philly Joe Jones, Jimmy Cobb, Ben Riley and Ed Thigpen.  During his time in Jacksonville, Steve met Ulysses Owens Jr. a native Floridian and NYC based jazz drummer. For five years Owens mentored Steve on drums and the music industry. Under Ulysses’ guidance, Steve expanded his musical knowledge and mindset and was given the tools required to be a successful musician in New York. This mentorship jump started Steve’s journey to New York City in 2011, where he studied with Billy Drummond at New York University Steinhardt School of Music while pursuing his Master’s Degree in Jazz Performance.  After graduating from NYU in 2013, Steve Picataggio began a professional career as a bandleader and sideman. He has performed at The Blue Note Jazz Club, Birdland, The Kitano, The Bar Next Door and Feinstein’s 54 Below.  His debut record Two Feet on the Ground features original compositions and arrangements and is available on iTunes and CD Baby.  He performs regularly in New York with jazz and Broadway singers, straight ahead jazz small groups, big bands, cabaret, and musical theatre shows. Steve has also toured the US performing with the jazz group The Hot Sardines. In 2018, Steve began playing drums for Suzi Shelton, an award winning children’s music singer/songwriter. Performances include Outreach morning concerts for the Brooklyn Public Schools, Fort Greene Music Festival, Madison Square Park Summer Festival, Brookfield Place and The Levitt Pavilion in Westport, Connecticut. He also played in Suzi’s band for a performance and interview on Kids Place Live at the Sirius XM Radio Studios in Washington, DC.  Steve has been the drummer for Broadway’s Lesli Margherita since 2013 and appears on her record Rule Your Kingdom: Live at 54 Below (Broadway Records), All Hail The Queen (Feinstein’s 54 Below) and Broad (Birdland Jazz Club).  He also plays drums for Wicked Divas, a cabaret show featuring current and former actors from Wicked. He has played the Off-Broadway shows Under The Bodhi Tree (Royal Family Theater) and About Love (Sheen Cent

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

The Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast features conversations with musicians who currently play on Broadway, have worked on shows in the past, and showcases emerging musicians making their mark in the industry. broadwaydrumming101.substack.com

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