There is no one answer to the question of how to land a gig on a Broadway show. It depends on word of mouth, interpersonal skills, musicianship level, and what the gig calls for. It takes a lot of hard work and requires a lot of perseverance. If you aren’t dedicated and want to pursue this goal, it can be challenging.
You should ask yourself first; is this something you really want to do? Many don’t understand what being a broadway drummer entails. Playing the same music in the same venue, the same way for eight shows a week, might not be for everyone. Many have said it’s like a recording session where you never get a take but repeatedly try.
If this kind of work is what you enjoy, you should know a few things to help you on your journey.
1) Be A Great Musician
One of the most important things to understand is that you have to be a fantastic musician. To succeed in this business, it’s great if you can be a master of many musical styles and know how to play several different ones in the course of one evening. If you are a good reader who can play in the different eras of music: Dixieland, big band, orchestral, pop, disco, jazz, funk, rock, Latin, you will be in higher demand. It helps if you are a percussionist as well.
2) Get Along With Others
Being a good person to be around is a close second. Getting along with people is essential. Obtaining a degree in music or working with a long list of famous artists doesn’t mean you will be easy to work with. Even though about 400 musicians on average work on Broadway, it’s a tight community. Everybody knows each other, so word travels fast if someone isn’t nice to be around.
3) Learn How To Be A Great Sub
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Clayton Craddock hosts the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast and Newsletter. He has held the drum chair in several hit broadway and off-broadway musicals, including Tick, tick…BOOM!, Altar Boyz, Memphis The Musical, Lady Day At Emerson’s Bar and Grill and Ain’t Too Proud.
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