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2025 World Youth Drummer Competition

IMPORTANT TIMELINE:
Registration Deadline:18-08-2025
Submission Deadline:19-08-2025
Announcement Date:27-08-2025
Registration Fee
Free
Nature of the Competition
Global Call
Age Categories
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Preschool Group (3-5 years)
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Young Children Group (6-7 years)
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Children Group (8-9 years)
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Pre-Teens Group (10-11 years)
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Teenagers Group (12-13 years)
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Youth Group (14-15 years)
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Young Adults Group (16-18 years)
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Open Group (19 years and above)
Submission Format
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Works can be submitted through website upload, WhatsApp, Email, etc.; only one submission method is needed.
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Please name the work according to the competition requirements.
Awards
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Champion — 90 points or above
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Runner-up — 80 points or above
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Third Place — 70 points or above
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Excellence Award — Remaining scorers
Competition Awards for Mentors and Groups
⭐ Excellence Mentor Award
⭐ Outstanding Group Award
Competition Content
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In terms of performing means and equipment, contestants can utilize various drumming styles and techniques, including but not limited to classical percussion, jazz drumming, rock drumming, Latin rhythm, and improvisational beat creation. They can also make use of traditional drum setups for performance (e.g., snare drums, bass drums, cymbals, tom-toms) or opt for digital percussion production tools and electronic rhythm effects (e.g., drum machines, sampling pads). Whether it's solo drumming, drum duets, or group percussion ensembles, contestants are encouraged to create their works in any form, fully unleashing their personal strengths and creativity.
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Entrants should submit their works in the form of high-quality audio or video files. The audio should ensure clear and undistorted sound, accurately capturing the layers of drum tones, dynamic changes, and rhythmic details. The video (if submitted) should clearly capture the entire performance, including the drummer's hand and foot movements, stick control, pedal techniques, stage presence, and any relevant visual elements (e.g., drum kit setup, interaction with other percussionists in group performances). If the performance features special drumming effects, such as complex polyrhythms, dynamic gradations (from soft brushwork to powerful strikes), or unique cymbal techniques (e.g., choke cymbals, ride patterns), it is advisable to present these aspects comprehensively. The audio format is limited to MP3, WAV, and the video format is limited to MP4, MOV. The file size should not exceed [100] MB (a suitable size limit can be set according to the actual situation).
Competition Rules
1、Originality: All entries must be completed independently by the participant. No submissions of others' works are allowed. Participants may use their own previous competition works.
2、Content Restrictions: All entries must not contain obscene, violent, sexual, defamatory, inappropriate, or controversial content. Violation of this rule will result in disqualification without prior notice.
3、Personal Data Use: Personal information provided by participants will only be used for competition contact purposes and to distribute competition notifications.
4、Accuracy of Information: Participants must ensure that their personal information is accurate. The organizers will not be responsible for any errors.
5、Acceptance of Terms: By submitting their entries, participants agree to all competition terms and conditions. The organizers reserve the right to disqualify any participant believed to have violated any competition rules, and there will be no appeals process.
Scoring Criteria
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Drum Composition and Arrangement: The overall drum composition is well-structured. The arrangement of drum parts, whether in solo, duet, or group percussion performance, is appropriate. The proportion of different elements such as rhythmic themes, fills, breaks, and cadences is accurate, with no obvious imbalance in the composition. The flow of the piece is logical, and the transitions between different rhythmic sections (e.g., verse grooves to chorus patterns, build-ups to climaxes) are smooth.
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Tone Color Application: The combination of drum timbres is harmonious, and the overall sound of the performance has a rich textural quality. Appropriate drumming expression techniques are used according to the theme and emotions of the piece, such as using dynamic gradients (e.g., soft brushwork on snare to powerful bass drum strikes) to show changes in intensity and articulation contrasts (e.g., crisp rimshots vs. muted cymbal swells) to emphasize key rhythmic motifs. The transition of timbres across different drum components (e.g., from the depth of a floor tom to the brightness of a ride cymbal) is natural and seamless, enhancing the overall auditory experience.
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Drumming Skills and Techniques: The drummer's performance is natural and expressive. They have a good command of various drumming techniques, such as stick control (e.g., rebound strokes, cross-sticking), foot coordination (e.g., precise bass drum patterns, hi-hat dynamics), polyrhythmic execution, and dynamic precision (e.g., controlling volume without losing rhythm). The execution of these techniques is smooth, demonstrating a high level of drumming proficiency. Whether it's handling rapid drum rolls, complex syncopated rhythms, or sudden shifts in time signature, the drummer shows excellent control.
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Artistic Appeal: The drummer has a deep understanding of the piece's theme and can fully integrate their energy and emotion into the performance. The playing is full of vitality, capable of evoking strong rhythmic resonance in the audience. Their stage presence (e.g., dynamic posture, engagement with the music) and connection with the "audience" (even in a recorded format) are also important aspects. The performance leaves a lasting and profound impression, effectively conveying the intended artistic concept and rhythmic storytelling through their drumming technique and interpretation.
Group Registration Form
For groups of 4 or more members, please click the link below to access the group registration form. After filling it out, send it to us via WhatsApp or email.
For subsequent group entries, the group leader should name the works according to the competition requirements and submit all entries of the participants at once via WhatsApp or email.Entry Name: Name of Contestant - Age Group.【EG:Chan Ka Ming - Primary Group】