How to Connect with Industry Professionals and Meet New People

Don’t miss his episode on the Broadway Drumming 101 Podcast, dropping on Saturday, August 17th!In Skyler’s episode of Broadway Drumming 101, I interview Skyler Fortgang (The Great Gatsby on Broadway), he shares his journey from his early drumming experiences to becoming a fixture in the Broadway scene. We discuss his breakthrough into Broadway through connections like Chris Jago and Sean McDaniel, who became a crucial mentor in his career, helping him refine his playing style and focus on sound quality. Skyler also reflects on his early inspirations, the physical challenges of drumming, and offers advice for musicians moving to New York. Tune in to hear his insights on navigating the Broadway world and balancing a thriving music career.Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Skyler Fortgang is a drummer/percussionist, producer, keyboard programmer, and music director based in New York City.​He has played in a variety of Broadway, Off-Broadway, touring, and regional theater productions and recorded for many artists across a wide array of genres. He appears on multiple albums with artists like Cristina, The Other Lovers, Skylar Pocket, Kathleen Elle, Andre Molina, and more.​Skyler is a diverse musician, proficient in all areas of percussion, including drumset hand percussion, mallet percussion, and classical percussion, specializing in musical theater percussion and drumset performance.In addition to being a percussionist, he has extensive experience in music direction and conducting and a proficient knowledge of industry-standard performance software such as Mainstage and Ableton.​He holds a B.M. in Percussion Performance from Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University (2019), studying under Joseph Tompkins, Javier Diaz, Kyle Zerna, and Mike Truesdell. For more: 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.comCONNECT WITH ME ON MEETHOOK! Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe