This episode features the return of Matthew Crouse and Zack Albetta from the Working Drummer podcast for another roundtable discussion. With over 500 episodes, the Working Drummer Podcast has become an essential source for those interested in what it’s like to have a career as professional drummer.  Renowned for their in depth interviews with an emphasis on telling the stories of the artists who may not always be a household name, they have developed a loyal audience longing for honest stories and perspectives about making a living as a musician.In our conversation, we explore the value of building genuine connections, embracing your career journey, and why these conversations are essential for learning from others' experiences and growing your community.Working Drummer Podcast Follow Matthewhttps://www.matthewcrouse.net/InstagramFollow ZackInstagram

This episode features part two of my conversation with Justin Faulkner. Best known as the drummer for the Branford Marsalis Quartet, a seat he has held since the age of 18, Justin has built a remarkable career as a musician, educator, and philanthropist, devoted to honouring the lessons of those who came before him while mentoring the next generation by giving back to his community. In part two of our conversation, we talk about Justin’s experiences growing up in a community of support, the importance of remaining humble, and why it’s imperative to seek out mentors who can guide you along your path by sharing their own wisdom and experiences. Be sure to go back and check out episode 94 which features part one of our conversation.Episode 94Follow Justin:https://www.justinfaulknermusic.comInstagramFacebook

This episode features my conversation with Justin Faulkner. Based in Philadelphia, Justin is a drummer, composer, and educator whose passion for music began early on. Starting formal training at age 7, he studied classical music, jazz, and percussion at the Settlement Music School and the Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, while also receiving instruction from the Principal Timpanist of the Philadelphia Orchestra. As a child prodigy, he stepped onto the professional jazz scene at just 13 years old, and by 2009 had joined the Branford Marsalis Quartet, which is a seat he has held ever since. Beyond performing, he is deeply committed to education and community, serving as an instructor at Temple University's Boyer College of Music and Dance and mentoring the next generation of musicians with the same encouragement he received. In our conversation, we talk about how he got his start with formal music education, the importance of listening to the people who have followed this path before you, and how faith and spirituality remains an essential focus in his life. As this interview ran close to 2 hours, I have divided it into two episodes, so here is Part One of my interview with Justin Faulkner.Follow Justin:https://www.justinfaulknermusic.comInstagramFacebook

This episode features my conversation with Chip Ritter. Based in Arizona, Chip is a professional drummer recognized for his versatility and showmanship. In addition to maintaining an active freelance career, he has a passion for education and is a co-founder of the Drummers Education Connection Podcast. Highly regarded for his showmanship, Chip is best known for being the first drummer in history to Juggle 3 drumsticks while playing drums on The Late Show with David Letterman. In this episode, we talk about his early career aspirations, overcoming mindset obstacles and addictions, and why maintaining strong community connections is essential to navigating your life and career.Follow Chiphttps://chipritter.comFacebookInstagramYouTubePodcastDrummers Education ConnectionDavid Letterman Performance

For this episode, I was joined by renowned session drummer Ash Soan and the legendary David Garibaldi for a roundtable conversation exploring the factors in creating a musical groove. It was a great opportunity to explore the ideas and perspectives behind what makes music feel good and why that matters so much to the people who dedicate their lives to it. In our conversation, we talk about the music that sparked their own creative journeys, the importance of exploring beyond your influences to carve out a voice that's uniquely your own, and how the shifts in today's music landscape are changing the way music gets made. Follow Ash:https://www.ashsoan.comInstagramFacebookYouTubeFollow David:FacebookInstagram

This episode features my conversation with Rick Stojak.Based in San Diego, Rick is a professional drummer and educator recognized for his versatility across different genres. He remains an active presence on the local music scene while maintaining a thriving private teaching studio.He is the author of the book series “How To Build A Drum Groove” and is a co-founder of the Drummers Education Connection Podcast. In this episode, we talk about the inspiration behind his book “How To Build A Drum Groove”, how he discovered his passion for teaching, and why building strong community connections is key to sustaining a successful career.Follow Rick:https://www.rickstojak.com/FacebookInstagramYouTubeBook SeriesHow To Build A Drum Groove SeriesHudson Music - Digital Book VersionsPodcastDrummers Education Connection

This episode features my conversation with drummer Ben Hilzinger. Based in LA, Ben’s career spans over two decades as a touring and recording drummer who has worked with artists such as Eve 6, Cannons and many others. He's also the Director of Artist/Client Relations for Big Fat Snare Drum. Ben is the host of the podcast "Drummers on Drumming" where he has established a community of like minded musicians through his candid discussions about life and navigating a career in the music industry.  Ben recently released his book “Drummers on Drumming”. Adapted from the podcast, it takes you inside the minds of the world’s most influential drummers who share the albums and stories that inspired their creative journeys. In this episode, we discuss the importance of building authentic relationships in the music community, being intentional with your social media presence, and why staying adaptable is crucial when your career takes unexpected turns.Follow Ben:https://benhilzinger.comInstagramDrummers On Drumming PodcastPodcast Drummers On Drumming BookAmazonBig Fat Snare Drumhttps://bigfatsnaredrum.comInstagram

This episode features my conversation with drummer Ash Soan. From his roots in the UK to studios and stages around the world, Ash has laid down the rhythmic foundation for some of music's biggest names including Adele, Robbie Williams, Del Amitri, Squeeze,Tori Amos, Snow Patrol and countless others across different genres. Known for his impeccable groove, musical sensitivity, and ability to serve the song, Ash has earned his place as one of the most in-demand session drummers in the business. In this episode, we talk about how early influences help to define creative styles, discuss the mindset required to thrive in high-pressure creative environments, and why it’s essential to embrace social media to help establish your career. Follow Ash:https://www.ashsoan.comInstagramFacebookYouTube

This episode features a roundtable discussion with drummer Jake Sommers & bassist Mat Maxwell. Both musicians are key members of country superstar Luke Combs' touring band and have established themselves as highly respected freelance professionals in the Nashville music scene. Mat is also the co-author of "Hired Musician: A Guide to Getting and Keeping Gigs", a comprehensive resource for building a career as a freelance musician. In this episode, we explore the value of forming authentic relationships, managing the factors of a freelance career, preparing for touring opportunities, and the importance of keeping a positive attitude and prioritizing your mental wellness. Hired Musician: A Guide to Getting and Keeping Gigs AmazonFollow Jakehttp://www.jakesommersdrums.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jakesommers7/https://www.facebook.com/jake.sommrs7Follow Mathttps://www.instagram.com/mathewmaxwell/https://www.youtube.com/@MatMaxwell

This episode features my conversation with drummer Tom Brechtlein. From his roots in Long Island, NY to his current home in Austin, TX, Tom has laid down the rhythmic foundation for some of music's most iconic artists—including Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter, Jean-Luc Ponty, Al Di Meola, Robben Ford, Kenny Loggins and more. Known for his versatility and creative expression, Tom has earned his place as one of the most respected drummers in the business. In this episode, we dive into how his early experiences shaped his journey to becoming a jazz musician, explore the value of staying flexible and open-minded across different creative environments, and discuss why seeking out live music is essential for staying inspired and motivated to develop your craft.Follow Tom:https://www.facebook.com/TommyB1957https://www.instagram.com/tombrechtlein/https://www.youtube.com/@Tombrechtlein