YOU CAN PLAY. NOW BUILD A MUSIC CAREER.
For musicians on any instrument—especially college students preparing for professional life. Broadway Bound and Beyond connects your playing to the preparation, relationships, and business decisions that help you get hired—and keep working. Real lessons from Broadway, touring, and a life in music.
What readers are saying
“For students (still perfecting their musical skills), it is a glimpse into the future.”
— Ronald J Tierno, reader review
“Much of what is missing in conservatory training is pragmatically covered in his book.”
— Charles Descarfino, reader review
The work beyond the notes
You can practice your instrument for years and still have questions about the job. Who makes the calls? How do you prepare to sub? What keeps you working when a show closes?
Broadway Bound and Beyond connects the playing to the professional decisions around it.
Get ready to sub. Prepare for the pressure of stepping into an established show—and understand why leaving another drummer’s setup as you found it matters.
Understand how a musical develops. Follow the path through 29-hour readings, workshops, out-of-town runs, rehearsals, and the move into the theater.
Know the job inside the pit. Explore click tracks, conductor cues, storytelling, tech rehearsals, and the reality of holding your own chair.
Handle the business around the music. Read about financial planning, negotiation, what a chairholder earns, reputation, and a useful online presence.
Keep a career going. Learn about closing notices, resilience, adult responsibilities, and life on a Broadway tour.
Who this book is for
Musicians on any instrument—especially college students and recent graduates turning their training into a working career. If you are wondering how to get hired, build relationships, handle the business, and keep working, this book is for you. Working musicians and educators will find practical lessons drawn from theater that apply across instruments and beyond Broadway. Several technical chapters focus specifically on drummers, including click tracks, pit setups, and subbing. You do not need a Broadway credit to begin.
Read a passage from the book
Chapter 6: People Skills—Why Relationships Matter More Than Chops
“Think about it: If you’re responsible for hiring someone to join your team, someone who will sit right next to you every night for years, do you choose the technically perfect stranger or the dependable player who’s easy to be around? Most people choose the second option. That choice still assumes the person can play. Talent is the baseline. But in a world where a lot of people can play, trust, consistency, and being good company often tip the scale.”
— Broadway Bound and Beyond, Chapter 6, page 40
About Clayton Craddock
I’m a musician, author, and educator based in Las Vegas. This book draws on more than 25 years in musical theater, including Broadway, tours, workshops, and off-Broadway productions.
My theater work includes Memphis, Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, Ain’t Too Proud, and Cats: The Jellicle Ball. Read my story.
A few questions before you buy
Do I have to be a drummer or want a Broadway job?
No. The lessons about preparation, relationships, reputation, and the business of music apply to musicians across instruments. College students can use them to connect what they are learning with the expectations of professional life. The examples come from my theater career; some technical chapters are specifically for drummers.
Is this only about getting a Broadway chair?
No. The book covers Broadway, national tours, workshops, and off-Broadway work—and the decisions that help a career last beyond one show.
Which version should I choose?
Choose the paperback for a physical copy, Kindle for digital reading, or a signed copy from my shop. The purchase links take you to the sellers’ current listings for pricing and availability.
Can I start with something free?
Yes. Get How to Land a Gig on Broadway, then explore the essays, interviews, and career resources.
Take the next step
Get the book in the format that works for you.