Zildjian, one of the longest-standing names in percussion, has launched a new national contest aimed at discovering standout young drummers across the United States. The U.S. Young Drummer of the Year competition takes cues from the long-running UK version and opens new doors for players under 17 looking to make their mark. For many, it’s the kind of opportunity that doesn’t come often, especially early in a player’s journey.
Entries opened on May 12. Young drummers are invited to send in performance videos that capture their style, skill, and feel on the kit by Zildjian. Submissions close on June 16. By mid-July, 40 of those entries will be selected, and from there, a final group of 10 will be chosen to play live in Nashville on October 12.
What sets this contest apart is its focus. Judges won’t just be scanning for speed or flawless technique. The idea is to find players with musical instinct, those who bring something personal to their performance. That approach mirrors the mindset of Mike Dolbear, the UK-based drummer and educator who founded the original contest overseas. Now involved in the U.S. version, Dolbear brings a sense of continuity to the effort and helps shape it into something with staying power with Zildjian.
The judging panel hasn’t been announced yet, but organizers say it will draw from different corners of the music world: touring drummers, educators, and session players alike. That mix is intentional. It’s about rewarding individuality, not just precision. Finalists will need to show that they understand what it means to play with the music, not just over it.
Several big names in the industry are backing the project: Gretsch Drums, Remo, Vic Firth, and, of course, Zildjian itself. That kind of support adds real weight. It also means more visibility, more reach, and better chances for those who make it through. For young drummers, the chance to perform live, in front of that kind of audience, could lead to something bigger: gigs, mentorship, or just a wider network of peers.
In the UK, past winners have gone on to tour, record, and even teach. It’s proof that when youth talent is supported early, the results can last. Bringing the contest to the U.S. acknowledges the need for that same kind of structure here: something steady, something real, for drummers still figuring out where they fit.
With submissions rolling in, the first U.S. edition is already doing more than naming a winner. It’s giving a younger generation something to aim for. And maybe more importantly, it’s sending a message: the drum kit isn’t just a place to make noise. It’s a place to grow: and maybe even launch a future.