How Musicians Build Long-Term Theater Careers

Speaking at NAMM 2026 on Versatility and Relationships

I’m honored to be presenting at the NAMM 2026, alongside music educators, industry professionals, and creatives from around the world. If you’re attending, I’d love to meet you and continue the conversation in person.

My session focuses on the two things that have actually sustained my Broadway and touring career:

Versatility
Relationships

These are the skills that sit at the intersection of music education and the real working world.

This talk is part of the GenNext Track, which is designed for students, emerging professionals, and educators looking for practical, real-world strategies that translate directly into career opportunities.

Building a Career in Theater Music
Jan 24, 2026
11:30 AM–12:00 PM
Hilton California A
GenNext Track

If you’re coming to NAMM and care about helping musicians move from training to real, working careers, I hope you’ll come hear the session and say hello!

Clayton Craddock is the drummer for the upcoming Broadway musical Cats: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theatre on April 7th. He is also the founder of Broadway Drumming 101 and the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career.

His Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include tick, tick…BOOM!, Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, along with extensive subbing on shows such as Rent, Motown, Evita, Avenue Q, and the Hadestown tour.

Clayton has appeared on The View, Good Morning America, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards, and has performed with artists ranging from Chuck Berry and Ben E. King to Kristin Chenoweth and Norm Lewis.

www.claytoncraddock.com