PODCAST 81: Ryan McCausland

In this episode of Broadway Drumming 101, host Clayton Craddock chats with Ryan McCausland, a drummer who made his way from Southern New Jersey to the heart of the New York drumming scene. Ryan talks about his early influences, the importance of being kind, and the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician.He also shares stories from his time playing on Broadway and touring with hit shows like Dear Evan Hansen, Mamma Mia!, and Dirty Dancing. Ryan offers practical advice about how to stay healthy as a drummer, especially when it comes to avoiding injuries. This episode is packed with personal stories, tips for musicians, and a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Broadway drummer.Whether you're an aspiring drummer or just love Broadway, this episode gives you an inside view of the challenges and rewards of a music career.Episode Breakdown:00:00: Introduction and Welcome00:48: Growing Up and Family Background02:12: Early Musical Experiences03:48: High School Dreams of Broadway08:04: College and Musical Influences12:20: Playing on Cruise Ships16:15: Touring with Dirty Dancing20:23: Landing the Dear Evan Hansen Tour28:51: Dealing with Imposter Syndrome on Broadway29:31: Life on the Dear Evan Hansen Tour30:15: Moving Between Different Shows32:09: How to Avoid Drumming Injuries34:35: Staying Sane on Tour38:05: Exploring Cities While Touring39:32: Moving to New York for Broadway42:43: Subbing on Broadway Shows43:53: Playing with Orchestras46:11: Getting Gigs with Wicked and Hamilton51:37: Advice for Drummers Who Want to Play on Broadway53:41: Favorite Drum Gear56:22: Looking Back on a Career in MusicTune in for a fun and insightful conversation! Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe