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Today’s guest is a little different. Usually, I feature drummers on this podcast, and we’ve had some incredible ones—plus music directors like Nate Patten and music coordinators like Michael Aarons and Michael Keller. But this time, I wanted to bring on someone I’ve known and played with for the past ten years, a true “Piano Man” and multi-instrumentalist who has made his mark on Broadway and beyond: Matthew Friedman.

Matthew isn’t just a pianist—he’s a singer, a bandleader, a composer, and yes, even a drummer. He was “The Piano Man” in the national touring company of Movin’ Out and has performed with the legendary Lords of 52nd Street, Billy Joel’s original band. He’s also been part of Broadway productions like Jersey Boys and Smokey Joe’s Café, while leading his own group, Matthew Friedman & Stiletto.

In this episode, we talk about:

* His early start in music and the influences that shaped him.

* How he made the leap from being an attorney to a full-time musician.

* The highs and lows of touring life—from first-class gigs to rough bus-and-truck runs.

* Stories from his time on Broadway, including connections to past podcast guest Jon Berger and future guest Joe Bergamini.

* What it means to be more than just a player in the pit—how to lead, adapt, and thrive as a versatile instrumentalist.

Matthew has great stories, big insights, and a unique perspective on what it takes to succeed in this business—not just as a drummer, but as a full-fledged musician and bandleader.

Some clips of me playing a fun gig with him several years ago:

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.

Learn more about Clayton Craddock at www.claytoncraddock.com

Get full access to Broadway Drumming 101 at broadwaydrumming101.substack.com/subscribe