Usually, on Broadway Drumming 101, I chat with drummers or music directors like Nate Patten and Michael Aarons. But this week, I wanted to share a different perspective.
Matthew Friedman has been a good friend of mine for over ten years, and while he’s a multi-instrumentalist who even plays drums, he’s best known as a true “Piano Man.” He starred in the national tour of Movin’ Out, has performed with Billy Joel’s original band (The Lords of 52nd Street), and has played in Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe’s Café. On top of that, he’s a bandleader who knows what it means to hold things together from the front of the stage.
In our conversation, Matthew shares:
How he went from being an attorney to playing Billy Joel’s music around the world
The ups and downs of touring life, from first-class experiences to tough bus-and-truck runs
Lessons from years on Broadway and beyond
Stories that connect to past podcast guests like Jon Berger and future ones like Joe Bergamini
I thought it would be important to showcase the voice of a Broadway musician who’s done more than just play one instrument. Matthew’s career shows how versatility, persistence, and leadership can open doors in unexpected ways.
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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 Times of The Temptations, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, The Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical, and The Gospel at Colonus (featuring Kim Burrell). As a skilled sub, he has contributed his talents to notable productions, including Motown, Evita, Cats, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Rent, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical, and the national tour of Hadestown, among many others. He has also appeared on major shows including The View, Good Morning America, Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, and the TONY Awards. He has performed with legends like The Stylistics, The Delfonics, Mario Cantone, Laura Benanti, Kristin Chenoweth, Kerry Butler, Christian Borle, Norm Lewis, Deniece Williams, Chuck Berry, and Ben E. King.
Clayton is the author of the forthcoming book Broadway Bound and Beyond: A Musician’s Guide to Building a Theater Career, the only guide you’ll need to succeed in the competitive world of musical theater.
Sign up to be the first to know when the book drops: www.BroadwayBoundBook.com
He proudly endorses Ahead Drum Cases, Paiste Cymbals, Innovative Percussion drumsticks, and Empire Ears.
