Industry News — January 2026

DrummersToWatch™ Returns!
Shining a Global Spotlight on the Next Generation of Drumming Talent
After a brief hiatus, DrummersToWatch (DTW) is officially back — and better than ever! Produced by Italian drummer and content creator, Liam Menneci, DrummersToWatch was created with a mission to shine a spotlight on talented young drummers from around the world and across the musical spectrum. DTW serves as a creative platform for emerging drummers to inspire, connect and uplift one another through rhythm and passion.

Through interviews, collaborations and drumming showcases, DrummersToWatch celebrates and supports the talent and dedication of emerging drummers — from mesmerizing grooves to jaw-dropping solos — highlighting their ability to tell their unique stories through the universal language of music.

DTW is now actively seeking young drummers to feature across its channels. Whether you’re a groove master, a speed demon or simply passionate about drums, this is your chance to share your talent with a global drumming community.

Drummers are invited to send in links to their best clips via DM or tag @drummerstowatch in their posts.

www.drummerstowatch.com

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SABIAN
SABIAN Launches Music Industry Mentorship Award
For a third year, SABIAN is proud to be running the annual SABIAN – Dom Famularo – SEN Mentorship Award. Set up in honor of Dom Famularo, one of SABIAN’s longest standing endorsers and supporters, the award is aimed at encouraging and helping drummers with their career by offering a cash award along with mentorship sessions with some of the industry’s most respected practitioners who all had a close personal relationship with Dom.
 
The selected recipient will receive a $2,500 grant and a package of individual mentorship sessions with each of the judges. Each judge is an industry expert who had a personal connection with Dom, fully understanding his passion for drumming and education. These sessions are likely to be career highlights for the winner, with them being able to tap into decades of experience that the judges have to offer.
 
Prior to his passing Dom wrote this about the award, “SABIAN is offering an opportunity for the next generation of drummers who want to make a difference. That has always been my purpose: to make a difference and to matter! We are looking for wave makers. Someone to really want to offer their passion to inspire people to aspire.”
 
“We have been astounded by the caliber and number of applicants for the previous two year’s awards and duly expect that to continue for this year.” says Joe Bergamini, SABIAN’s Education Network Director.
 
“While we miss Dom deeply, this award and the process to find a worthy recipient, allows us to continue Dom’s positivity and passion for improvement through drumming and education. As Dom regularly signed off in both emails and in person – the award in his name continues to go ‘Onward and upward’ !”

Applications are made via video and form submission found via the SABIAN website and currently open and extended to January 20, 2026.
 
This year’s judges are:
 
JOE BERGAMINI
Director of the SABIAN Education Network, Joe Bergamini is a respected educator and professional drummer with extensive performance and teaching credits. His résumé includes over 15 Broadway shows, international tours, clinics, numerous books as an author/editor, and more than 30 years of private teaching experience.
 
BILLY COBHAM
A drumming legend and composer of classics like “Stratus” and “Red Baron.” Known for igniting the fusion world with the Mahavishnu Orchestra, Cobham has also recorded with Miles Davis, Horace Silver, Stanley Clarke, James Brown, Peter Gabriel and many more.
 
JEFF BOWDERS
A top-tier drummer and educator who has performed with Grammy-winning artists and major guitar icons. After two decades teaching at Musicians Institute, he now runs the online Drum Discipline Academy.
 
SHERRIE MARICLE
Leader of the DIVA Jazz Orchestra, Five Play, and co-leader of the 3D Jazz Trio. She is also an active freelancer, composer/arranger, educator, clinician, conductor and soloist.
 
FRED DINKINS
For over 30 years, Fred Dinkins has shaped drumming through performances with artists like Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Verdine White and others. His long teaching career at Musicians Institute has produced many pros, including Anderson .Paak.
 
MARK SCHULMAN
Celebrity drummer for P!NK, Cher, Billy Idol, Stevie Nicks and more. Mark turns his global touring experience into dynamic keynote presentations that boost mindset, engagement and performance for organizations worldwide.
 
CHRISTIAN KOCH
Christian is SABIAN’s International Artist Relations Manager and Europe & Asia-Pacific Account Manager, as well as a professional drummer.
 
For additional information visit: https://sabian.com/sabian-dom-famularo-sen-mentorship-award/