Podcast 76 - Derek Stoltenberg

Broadway Drumming 101 is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Today, we have the pleasure of welcoming Derek Stoltenberg to our show. He is a highly experienced drummer who has performed on cruise ships, Broadway stages, and many other prestigious platforms. In this episode, Derek shares his valuable experiences, insights, and words of wisdom for young musicians who aspire to succeed in the music industry. Here are the highlights of our conversation:* The Art of Adaptation: Learning the ropes of performing in diverse environments, from cruise ships to Broadway, and the importance of adaptability.* Musical Influences: A deep dive into the drummers and bands that shaped Derek's approach to drumming, including Josh Freese and Travis Barker.* Tour Life Realities: The challenges and rewards of touring include navigating different venues and equipment and building relationships with crew members.* Navigating New York's Music Scene: Insights into making it as a musician in New York City, from finding the best gigs to the significance of networking and adaptability.* Words of Wisdom: Derek offers advice for aspiring musicians on perseverance, networking, and staying true to one's musical identity.Join us as Derek Stoltenberg provides a detailed account of his vibrant career. Whether a budding musician or an experienced professional, you will find something interesting in Derek's story.Derek Stoltenberg is a drummer and percussionist originally hailing from Pittsburgh, PA. Growing up, he developed a love and vocabulary for music of all genres, from punk and hip-hop to be-bop and salsa. After finishing studies in both classical and jazz performance, he spent several years teaching and freelancing in the PA, OH, and WV tri-state area before traveling the world performing for Princess Cruises in both the house and party bands. From there, he would travel nationwide for national tours of Broadway shows such as Mean Girls, The Prom, Mamma Mia, and Nice Work If You Can Get It. These experiences have allowed him to perform in concert with artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, Jessica Vosk, and Richard Kind and on stage at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) and Carnegie Hall. In 2012, Derek had the honor of world premiering "Concerto for Drum Set and Percussion Ensemble" with the Slippery Rock University Percussion Ensemble under the direction of Dr. David Glover. The piece, composed for him by Jamie Whitmarsh, went on to win first place in the 2012 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest and is available through C. Alan Publications. His Broadway subbing credits include How To Dance In Ohio and Hell's Kitchen.Derek holds a BM in Percussion Performance from Slippery Rock University and an MM in Jazz Studies from Florida State University. He currently resides in New York City, where he maintains an active freelance schedule and sensible sneaker collection. Derek proudly endorses Innovative Percussion Drumsticks and Mallets.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. 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 Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe