Originally from Jackson, MI, but grew up in the town of Jonesville; I started playing drums when I was about 12.  After some drum lessons, I performed in the high school jazz band and started playing in the local club scene with various rock and jazz groups.  I did a few studio sessions for some local artists and performed in the pit orchestra for the shows Grease, Godspell, and Hair. 

I attended Musicians Institute: Percussion Institute of Technology (PIT) in Hollywood, CA where I studied under Steve Houghton, Ralph Humphrey, Joe Porcaro, Casey Scheuerell, Chuck Silverman, Efrain Toro, and others.  After graduation, I relocated to Boston, MA to join the original dance-funk band HyGyNx and continue my studies of the drumset and music performance.

Since moving to the east coast, I have become a freelance drummer balancing my time between studio sessions, live performance, and teaching.  I've had the opportunity to work with some of the best musicians, songwriters, and producers in the northeast, including Briana Cash, Seth Connelly, Bryan Croad, Hatrack Gallagher, Erik Kilborn, Matt Leavenworth, Brian Maes, Jon McAuliffe, Peter Tillotson, and many others.  Most recently, I have been performing with The Stimulantes, Red Hot & Blues, and The Rhythm Rockers; I am also involved in an original project with my brother Bryan called The Croad Brothers. 

I am constantly studying and improving my skills as a drummer and a musician...the learning never stops.  I have been studying with the great Bob Gullotti since 2009 and continue to attend various clinics, camps, and workshops throughout the US.   

On a completely unrelated topic, I have also studied a variety of martial arts over the years and had the opportunity to compete in MMA events; making some great friends along the way.  I trained at the Massachusetts Submission Academy (MSA) and fought for Team Elite; training with Jorge Rivera, Keith Rockel, Pat Barbieri, Jim deSousa, Mike Brown, Matt Lee, and others.  I still teach and train with some of the local fighters and police officers; some of the people in my photos section might look familiar.  

Thanks for taking the time.   
Don Croad "Bones"