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2026 World Youth Drummer Competition

2026 World Youth Drummer Competition-1.png

IMPORTANT TIMELINE:

Registration Deadline:14-01-2026

Submission Deadline:15-01-2026

Announcement Date:23-01-2026

Registration Fee
Free


Nature of the Competition
Global Call


Age Categories

  • Preschool Group (3-5 years)

  • Young Children Group (6-7 years)

  • Children Group (8-9 years)

  • Pre-Teens Group (10-11 years)

  • Teenagers Group (12-13 years)

  • Youth Group (14-15 years)

  • Young Adults Group (16-18 years)

  • Open Group (19 years and above)


Submission Format

  • Works can be submitted through website upload, WhatsApp, Email, etc.; only one submission method is needed.

  • Please name the work according to the competition requirements.

Awards

  • Champion — 90 points or above

  • Runner-up — 80 points or above

  • Third Place — 70 points or above

  • Excellence Award — Remaining scorers

Competition Awards for Mentors and Groups

⭐ Excellence Mentor Award

⭐ Outstanding Group Award

 

 

Competition Content

  • Participants can adopt diverse drumming styles, including but not limited to rock, jazz, classical (percussion ensemble), and original compositions. They may perform solo, in a drum duet, small percussion ensemble, or collaborate with other instruments (guitar, bass, keyboard, etc.) to showcase personal rhythm control and creativity, with essential techniques like rudiments (single stroke roll, double stroke roll), dynamics control, time signature changes, and fill transitions to be demonstrated—classical percussion pieces require adhering to score markings, while contemporary works allow innovative rhythm arrangements. For equipment, participants may use the competition’s tuned drum kits (with standard components: snare, toms, bass drum, cymbals) or bring their own (meeting acoustic/setup requirements); adjustable drum thrones and metronomes (for practice/rehearsal) are also permitted to enhance performance comfort and tempo stability.

  • Participants must submit high-quality video files that clearly show the full performance, including hand/foot positioning, stick control, pedal technique, stage presence, and sufficient lighting for facial expressions/body language—special techniques (polyrhythms, ghost notes, cross-sticking) should be visible/audible, and a brief intro (name, age, piece title, style) is required. Formats are limited to MP4/MOV, with file size not exceeding [500] MB (adjustable per actual needs), and participants should review videos to ensure top audio-visual quality (clear drum sound, no background noise) for judging.

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

  • Rhythmic Composition and Structure: The overall structure of the drumming piece is reasonable. Whether it is a solo, drum duet, percussion ensemble, or a collaborative performance of drums with other instruments (or backing tracks), the arrangement of each rhythmic part (main beat, fills, accents, dynamic shifts) is appropriate. The proportions of rhythm patterns, fills, tempo variations, and accompanying elements (if any) are accurate, with no obvious issues of structural imbalance. The progression of the rhythm follows a logical order, and the transitions between different sections (such as from verse to chorus in rock works, or from solo to ensemble in classical percussion pieces) are natural, smooth, and tightly connected.

  • Rhythm Dynamics and Tone Expression: The drum tone (whether sharp, deep, or resonant) paired with other instruments (or backing tracks) is harmonious, and the overall sound of the performance is rich in rhythmic layers. Based on the theme and style of the piece, appropriate expressive techniques are employed. For example, emotional shifts are conveyed through dynamic gradations (such as a crescendo from soft to loud, subtle changes in stick pressure), and key rhythmic moments are emphasized through tone contrasts (like the crispness of snare ghost notes versus the depth of bass drum, the brightness of cymbals versus the warmth of tom-toms). The transition of rhythm/tone between different sections or phrases is natural and smooth, enhancing the overall auditory experience.

  • Mastery of Drumming Techniques and Abilities: The performer’s playing is natural and dynamic. They demonstrate mastery of various drumming techniques, including technical control abilities (such as stable hand/foot coordination, accurate rhythm execution, balanced dynamic control), application of special techniques (like rudiment variations, polyrhythms, cymbal choking), and ensemble coordination (for duets or groups). These techniques are applied skillfully and superbly, reflecting a high level of performance. Whether handling rapid rudiment passages, complex polyrhythmic patterns, tempo changes, or delicate dynamic variations, the performer maintains excellent control and precision.

  • Artistic Appeal and Rhythmic Resonance: The performer has a profound understanding of the drumming piece’s style and can fully integrate their own rhythm sense and interpretations into the performance. The playing is engaging and dynamic, capable of evoking strong rhythmic resonance from the audience—whether it is the energy and intensity in rock works, the complexity and swing in jazz pieces, or the precision and grandeur in classical percussion. Their stage presence (such as a confident posture, stable limb movements, and a sense of communication with the "audience" in recorded formats) and interpretation of the rhythmic spirit are also important considerations. The performance leaves a deep and lasting impression, effectively conveying the rhythmic value and artistic core that the piece intends to express through skilled techniques and sincere expression.

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】

Individual Registration
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