I come with great news! The world-famous competition, titled Zildjian US Young Drummer of the Year, has extended the entry date to July 7, 2025. The competition is open to aspiring drummers 16 or under and provides a renowned and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to express your creativity, technique, and passion behind the kit.Â
The selection process is rigorous, but extremely rewarding. The process results in forty entrants being shortlisted. These forty entries are listed on this website and are then reviewed by a number of independent judges who will choose ten finalists from them.
The ten finalists are then notified by a call or through email, and they are again listed on the Young Drummer website.
Finalists will have to perform a solo piece and two other pieces with a band on the day. One of these pieces of music will be sent to each finalist a few weeks before the finals. The second piece of music will be released on the day of the finals. A five piece kit, hihats, 2 crash cymbals, a ride cymbal, throne and hardware will be provided on the day. You may only use your own kick pedal and of course sticks.
The history of this competition is one that is illustrious. For over two decades, Young Drummer of the Year has been a tool for finding the next generation of drumming talent.
Founded in 2002, the competition was conceptualised and executed to give drummers aged 16 and under a stage to showcase their skills and foray into the drumming universe at both a national and international level. It started as a small contest and quickly grew into a highly reputed and watched event, bringing in top young players and shaping the early careers of many drummers.
The competition has charted a legacy of excellence, with winners earning not only the prestigious title and trophy. Now, as Zildjian takes the helm and becomes an integral part, Young Drummer of the Year is set to expand in 2025, expanding its energy and opportunity to young drummers in the US, Germany, and beyond, continuing to inspire and curate the drumming community worldwide.
Zildjian in its strategic partnership announcement said that they were engaging in a long term collaboration with Mike Dolbear to highlight the immensely talented drummers who compete in the U.K., and soon expand Young Drummer of the Year globally.
Founded in 2002, Young Drummer of the year offers contestants (16 and under) a space to showcase their drumming talent on a national and international stage. Since the competition’s inception, the event has seen fantabulous growth, attracting an ever-increasing number of entries and seeing the very best in terms of drumming talent. The U.K. Young Drummer of the Year competition finals are held in February at a central location, with the winner receiving a trophy, prestigious title, and often, drum and cymbal endorsement deals.