This is real life right here.I appreciate you sharing your life with us. As a starving Broadway drummer myself its so true that sometimes doors open to different opportunity's that we would never expect. Aladdin is such a killer show too! So congrats on the tour though these times right now are tough. Plus you know people talk and have connections all over so i don't think that was your only shot with Alex Lacamoire. Your work ethic definitely speaks for its self. Thanks again for sharing!
Hi Matt, Really enjoyed your Hamilton vids! Very impressed, Man! Maybe this is a dumb idea and I expect you have already considered doing it. Maybe taking a few lessons with one of the drummers currently playing the show, Hamilton (or another) would help you landing a sub spot? When I studied drums with Tommy Igoe when he was playing night after night for Lion King during one lesson he mentioned the possibility of me subbing for him on Lion King. Also a great drummer who I went to music school with, Wayne Dunton was already subbing for Igoe at LK at that time. I never became good enough to sub for Igoe although I would have loved it! Good luck man! You play so good!
@@MattWatsonDrums I've watched your drum covers of hamilton (especially act 1) for a couple of times now and i still can't get over the fact that you just played by the ear.
This was really interesting, if you're ending up doing another Q+A at some point, I was wondering how did you get involved in that whole musical theatre scene? As far as I know people mostly get gigs and auditions through who they know and word of mouth and so I'm not sure how to get into that without already having contacts.
Hi Duncan, you're right about having a strong network to get gigs/auditions, and I understand not knowing where to start if you don't have that. For me, starting out I had a friend who was a head electrician on a small non union tour who recommended I contact the MD to see if they need a drummer. I did reach out, but they already had someone. Fast forward to a month before the tour was supposed to head out and I received an email asking to come audition for the tour, because the drummer they originally had moved on to another tour with a different company. I did well at the audition and ended up getting the gig. From there I kept building a network and went on a few more tours with that company. I would say if you do not have that network, I would reach out to musical directors and fellow drummers who do what you want to do in your local area, and let them know that you are looking to get involved in the scene. Ask if they might need a sub or if they would be willing to let you come audit a show to see how the production functions and help build rapport. It will take time, and you will get more no's than yes's, but you only need one yes to get started and build from there. After that yes, it comes down to how you are as a player and more importantly as a person. 'Are you enjoyable to work with? do you show up on time? are you prepared? etc.' I know this comment is lengthy but hopefully this helps a bit. cheers!
Thanks man really inspiring. I am sorry about my grammar, I was really tired that night. One day I hope myself to be playing on Broadway or in musical theatre (drums) and you have really motivated me, and me made an inspired person. I hope this reaches you well, and also Kuri0s ;) about how your audition for Cirque de Soliel went. Thanks stay safe, your fan scout.
No need to apologize for grammar! Glad you dug it, I ended up making it on Cirque's "list" for when they do in person auditions in the area, however, with them declaring bankruptcy, don't know if that matters anymore. It was still a killer audition to submit for. Had a blast learning the music in a limited amount of time.
Thank you for this sit down talk! It's helpful to hear words like yours. I'm another drummer/percussionist out there trying to make a living from playing and teaching. Seeing others success is always inspiring and knowing it's not a clear line of progression but ups and downs in a career is comforting. Thank you!
Thanks Kevin, glad you were able to get something from it. There is definitely no direct route when it comes to a career in music and embracing and trusting the process/journey is absolutely key. Best of luck on your journey!
When are you posting more content? you're super underrated!
This is real life right here.I appreciate you sharing your life with us. As a starving Broadway drummer myself its so true that sometimes doors open to different opportunity's that we would never expect. Aladdin is such a killer show too! So congrats on the tour though these times right now are tough. Plus you know people talk and have connections all over so i don't think that was your only shot with Alex Lacamoire. Your work ethic definitely speaks for its self. Thanks again for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for your comment! Great Job on the Barry White Cover!
You should have more subs. Your production quality and talent is great! From a drummer to a drummer.
I would also love to hear the audition video!
Thanks Harrison for the kind words. Will release the video some point soon! Keep a look out.
Congrats on the Aladdin gig. The music is so good in that production. Looking forward to when we can all start gigging again. Keep it up!
It’s good to hear from you! Keep hanging in there in these crazy times.
Thanks Travis! Hope you're hanging in there as well!
You are awesome! I have watched the videos a ton and I learn so much just by watching other drummers play. Keep it up!
Thanks Josh!
Hi Matt, Really enjoyed your Hamilton vids! Very impressed, Man! Maybe this is a dumb idea and I expect you have already considered doing it. Maybe taking a few lessons with one of the drummers currently playing the show, Hamilton (or another) would help you landing a sub spot? When I studied drums with Tommy Igoe when he was playing night after night for Lion King during one lesson he mentioned the possibility of me subbing for him on Lion King. Also a great drummer who I went to music school with, Wayne Dunton was already subbing for Igoe at LK at that time. I never became good enough to sub for Igoe although I would have loved it! Good luck man! You play so good!
Thanks for sharing this! Would defo like to see the auditions!
Looking forward to 2021! Thanks for sharing your story, Matt!
Thanks mom 😆
Bruh this man! Playing by the ear!! And it's actually quite accurate deym.
Thanks Erika!
@@MattWatsonDrums I've watched your drum covers of hamilton (especially act 1) for a couple of times now and i still can't get over the fact that you just played by the ear.
This was really interesting, if you're ending up doing another Q+A at some point, I was wondering how did you get involved in that whole musical theatre scene? As far as I know people mostly get gigs and auditions through who they know and word of mouth and so I'm not sure how to get into that without already having contacts.
Hi Duncan, you're right about having a strong network to get gigs/auditions, and I understand not knowing where to start if you don't have that. For me, starting out I had a friend who was a head electrician on a small non union tour who recommended I contact the MD to see if they need a drummer. I did reach out, but they already had someone. Fast forward to a month before the tour was supposed to head out and I received an email asking to come audition for the tour, because the drummer they originally had moved on to another tour with a different company. I did well at the audition and ended up getting the gig. From there I kept building a network and went on a few more tours with that company. I would say if you do not have that network, I would reach out to musical directors and fellow drummers who do what you want to do in your local area, and let them know that you are looking to get involved in the scene. Ask if they might need a sub or if they would be willing to let you come audit a show to see how the production functions and help build rapport. It will take time, and you will get more no's than yes's, but you only need one yes to get started and build from there. After that yes, it comes down to how you are as a player and more importantly as a person. 'Are you enjoyable to work with? do you show up on time? are you prepared? etc.' I know this comment is lengthy but hopefully this helps a bit. cheers!
Thanks man really inspiring. I am sorry about my grammar, I was really tired that night. One day I hope myself to be playing on Broadway or in musical theatre (drums) and you have really motivated me, and me made an inspired person. I hope this reaches you well, and also Kuri0s ;) about how your audition for Cirque de Soliel went. Thanks stay safe, your fan scout.
No need to apologize for grammar! Glad you dug it, I ended up making it on Cirque's "list" for when they do in person auditions in the area, however, with them declaring bankruptcy, don't know if that matters anymore. It was still a killer audition to submit for. Had a blast learning the music in a limited amount of time.
What corps did you march with? DCI? WGI?
Thank you for this sit down talk! It's helpful to hear words like yours. I'm another drummer/percussionist out there trying to make a living from playing and teaching. Seeing others success is always inspiring and knowing it's not a clear line of progression but ups and downs in a career is comforting. Thank you!
Thanks Kevin, glad you were able to get something from it. There is definitely no direct route when it comes to a career in music and embracing and trusting the process/journey is absolutely key. Best of luck on your journey!
G'head and share! I'm a 50-year old beginner, so I value your experiences.
Will do Chris, never too late or early to start! Hope you're having a good time learning!
This comment is proof that I was here before this guy gets big on YT
Ha, we'll hafta see about that, but glad you're here!
so how do you audition to play in a broadway pit
Have you shared them?