As one of the most notable names in progressive rock and the former drummer of Dream Theater, Mike Portnoy is no stranger to the world of drumming. Not long ago, he provided his opinion on drummers emerging from TikTok. Portnoy wasn’t only surprised by the drummers’ videos but also commented on their creativity and commitment to the craft.
Mike Portnoy, who began drumming without formal instruction, said that he identifies strongly with many of the young, self-taught drummers now gaining global attention online. Although he eventually studied at Berklee College of Music, he made it clear that most of his early development came from listening, watching, and trying things out on his own. “I learned by doing,” he said, “and that’s what a lot of these kids are doing too.”
He pointed to TikTok and other social media platforms as spaces where innovation is thriving. According to Portnoy, the next generation of drummers isn’t just learning traditional patterns; they’re experimenting with unorthodox rhythms, layered techniques, and visual flair that challenge older models of performance. “Some of the stuff I see, I don’t even fully understand,” he admitted. “And that’s a good thing. It means the art form is growing.”
Rather than feel threatened by this evolution, Portnoy welcomed it. He explained that part of being an artist is recognizing when new voices are bringing something fresh to the table. For him, watching these musicians explore different styles and ideas is inspiring, not intimidating. “There’s no one right way to learn or to play,” he said. “What matters is that it’s honest and creative.”
He also noted that the visibility of today’s drummers is far greater than when he was starting out. Where previous generations had to rely on magazines or concert videos, today’s players can share a new technique with millions in a matter of minutes. Portnoy described this shift as a huge advantage for young musicians, but also as a challenge; to stand out, they must be truly original.
Despite his decades-long career, dozens of awards, and a reputation for technical excellence, Portnoy said he still relates more to drummers who learn by experimenting than those who follow a strict curriculum. “Being self-taught gives you a certain kind of freedom,” he said. “It allows you to mess up, to try something weird, and maybe discover something new.”
In his remarks, Portnoy avoided placing himself above the new generation. Instead, he positioned himself as part of a longer story, one that continues to evolve with each player who picks up a pair of sticks and adds their voice to the rhythm.