#420 Quinton "Q" Robinson- Drummer for Hamilton, Avery Sunshine, Bobby Brown and More!
This week’s guest is Quinton “Q” Robinson. Drummer Quinton Robinson's dynamic energy and impeccable sense of rhythm have made him a top choice for many musicians and producers. Yet, his expertise extends far beyond just drumming. Quinton, or "Q," is adept at running Ableton Live for performances, writing drum scores for musicals, and even taking on the role of musical director for various artists. Regardless of the task at hand, his primary focus is on ensuring the success of every project he participates in.
This commitment often sees Q stepping beyond his role as a sideman to become a central figure in any project. He seamlessly incorporates technology into his musical approach, making tools like the MacBook Pro and Roland Electronics as crucial to his setup as his drums and cymbals. As an endorser of Ableton Live, Q has mastered the software, allowing him to create and manipulate tracks with ease, whether in the studio or during live performances.
Alongside his musical and technical prowess, Q is known for his infectious positivity, love for music and people, and a strong sense of purpose. He believes that performing at a high level means enabling others to do the same, which is why his presence is often seen as indispensable in any setting—on stage, backstage, or even on the road. He is both a master and a student, blending creativity with reliability.
Q's impressive resume includes touring with notable artists such as Avery*Sunshine, Anthony David, Bobby Brown, and Peabo Bryson. Currently, he is the drummer for the North American tour of the hit Broadway musical "Hamilton."
"I've always had a passion for both music and theater, so the opportunity to combine them is thrilling," says Q. "Being part of a musical allows me to use all my talents and pursue my passions. I feel truly fortunate to work with so many talented artists, producers, and musicians, and I'm grateful for my gift of musicianship."
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to Michael Piolet! MIchael majored in Studio Music and Jazz Instrumental Performance at the University of Miami Frost School of Music where he was a Stamps Distinguished Ensemble Scholar and a member of the inaugural Stamps Jazz Quintet, Class of 2013. He studied drumset and jazz percussion privately with Steve Rucker and John Yarling. As a member of the Stamps Jazz Quintet at the Frost School of Music, he performed at the Monterey Next Generation Festival in California and the 2011 and 2012 JEN conferences in New Orleans and Louisville. He was also featured on the Stamps Jazz Quintet’s self-titled debut album on Summit Records. The Stamps Jazz Quintet was chosen as the “Jazz Group” winner in DownBeat magazine’s 34th Annual Student Music Awards in the Undergraduate Outstanding College Performances category (2011). Michael Piolet performed in a variety of other jazz groups at Frost, including the award-winning Frost Concert Jazz Band at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival in Florida with flautist Nestor Torres and at Festival Miami with saxophonist Dave Liebman, both in 2012.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Piolet is regularly performed with local artists throughout South Florida when attending the University of Miami and he often returned to Chicago to perform professionally. He has performed extensively with steel pan virtuoso Leon Foster Thomas. In 2018, he moved to New York City, where he joined the touring company of Hamilton.
Happy Birthday to Scott Quintana! One of the first places Scott got to start his music career was the Children’s Music Academy. Then he attended high school and got the bug for Drum Corps. He first marched Pacific Crest before heading to Colorado and marching the Blue Knights. After marching the Blue Knights he went east and marched in the Cadets drumline. After marching and teaching drum corps, Scott went back to California and attended the Musician’s Institute and ended up transferring to Berklee College of Music, studying with Casey Scheuerell. After Berklee, Scott auditioned for Royal Caribbean cruise lines and ended up heading to the Mediterranean. After that contract, he moved to Austin, TX. Later, he toured the globe with the country singer and songwriter Kacey Musgraves.
Gig Alerts
Fire Aid Festival is happening on Jan 30th at 6pm PST, at both the Inuit Dome and the Kia Forum. Tickets are available as of Jan 22nd. It is also available to stream live on a multitude of different platforms.
The Saratoga Jazz Festival is happening June 28th and 29th in upstate NY at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
The NAMM show is happening from Jan 21st-25th in Anaheim, CA at the convention center.
Educational Spotlight
Arts Empowering Life (AEL) invites advanced students and emerging artists to join its Brass, Percussion, and Woodwind Residency Program, a one-week immersive experience at the new Performing Arts Center in Brewster, Cape Cod. Taking place from June 9–14, 2025, this program offers master classes, ensemble rehearsals, and performance opportunities with some of the finest musicians in the field.
One of the guest instructors for percussion is friend of the show, Ian Hale. Ian has been on in episodes: 347, 297, 243, 83, and the Umass Roundtable.
Iconic Recording
Quinton picked out the iconic recording. He chose, “Sightseeing” from the album, ‘Four Corners’ by the Yellow Jackets. The drummer is Will Kennedy and the percussionist for this album is, friend of the show, Alex Acuña.
Music News
Damon mentions the incentives that some airlines provide for flagging carry on bags.
Friend of the show, Ari Herstand, has updated his list of ways to help L.A. residents who have been affected by the wildfires.
There is much more information on last week’s episode in the show notes, like Go Fund Me links and more!
Quinton Robinson Interview
The song leading into the interview is “QR Code” by Quinton.
The interview starts with a shout-out to friend of the show, Erin Elstner.
Quinton talks about the relationship between the drummer and percussionist. He also talks about playing a pop tour versus playing a theater show/musical.
Damon brings up the Miami contingent. Some are friends of the show, including Obed Calvaire, Ludwig Afonso, Mike Piolet among others.
Q attended FIU before heading to the University of Miami.
Before college, Q attended the Miami Northwestern Senior High (PAVAC) for theater, not drumming initially. This was similar to the New World School of the Arts.
He talks about the differences in going to a performing arts high school versus a “normal” high school.
He talks about why he chose drums over musical theater (acting).
Q was the drummer at his church. His uncle was the house drummer before him. His grandfather was the pastor.
Q did the marching band with Michael Mann, The W.R. Butler Inspirational Choir with Antonia Williams, and a symphonic ensemble with Matthew MacIntyre.
Shout-out to Bernard Purdie and Bill Lanham. As well as Andrew Atkinson, Jaylen Petinaud. Trevor Holder, Clayton Craddock, and Ulysses Owens.
Q was a math teacher on the verge of being an administrator, but ultimately drums won out.
Q is a sneakerhead and he inherited that from his mom, who also loved shoes.
Q is in between Atlanta and NYC. He donates his shoes to a Goodwill in Cobb County.
Q did a clinic at PASIC this past fall.
He talks about the use of Abelton in the Hamilton show he’s currently doing.
Q was featured in Drumset Magazine.
Q talks about use of backing tracks with a live band. How to use the programing as a tool.
Damon instigates Q giving a course or class on Abelton.
Q talks about working with Avery Sunshine.
Q talks about some of the responsibilities of the person running Abelton Live.
Q picks out the iconic recording.
Shout-out to Will Kennedy, Jonathan Joseph, and Chester Thompson.
Q uses Pearl Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Remo Drumheads, Promark Sticks, Motion Pro Thrones, Drum Dots, Snare Weight, Big Fat Snare Drum, Empire Ears, Air Turn Solutions, and Humes and Berg,
Shout-out to Jonathan Joseph, Terry Baker, David “Jody” Hill, Cesar Griffin, James J. Davis, Will Russell, J Rod Sullivan, Calvin Rogers, David Chiverton, Greg Clark Jr., Andrés Forero, Shawn McDaniel, and Will Kennedy.
Shout-out to (friends of the show) Joshua Simonds, Mark Powers, and Brian Zator. Also, Mandy Smith, Jason Edwards (of ProLogix), and the Percussive Arts Society.
The song leading out of the interview is, “Right On Q” by Quinton.
