Every year, one drummer is selected to receive the SABIAN – Dom Famularo – SEN Mentorship Award. In the spirit that drove Dom for over four decades, SABIAN is proud to offer this annual grant to an aspiring pro drummer.
Known as Drumming’s Global Ambassador, Dom Famularo travelled the world for over 40 years, becoming one of the most influential and beloved drummers, teachers and motivators in the world. A SABIAN artist since 1985, Dom was synonymous with SABIAN, sharing our passion for artistry, dedication to craft, and family. During Dom’s long career, he taught and mentored thousands of students, many of whom have gone on to thriving careers in the music business.
One winner selected by our judges receives a cash grant and a package of one-hour, private mentorship sessions with the judges which in 2024 included Andy Zildjian (SABIAN President), Chris Stankee (SABIAN Artist Relations Director), Joe Bergamini (SABIAN Education Network Director), David Garibaldi, Claus Hessler, Jim Toscano, Stephane Chamberland, Paul Quin, and Rick Drumm. These mentorship sessions can be used for career advice, drum study, or other topics of the winner’s choice.
We are honoured to recognise our longtime friend and partner, Dom, by awarding this scholarship annually, and to carry forward his spirit of raising others to reach their full potential.
Applications for the 2025 scholarship award will open on September 1st, and close on November 3oth 2024. Please see below for details of what is required to make an application for the scholarship.
There’s no better way to get the feeling of what Dom wished this award to be about than to hear directly from the man himself! Here is what he wrote about this award:
Hello, Dom Famularo here…
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 will invest in you, but you need to inspire the investor.
I traveled the globe to over 60 countries promoting SABIAN’S education vision. This grant can be the start of you reaching your goals to inspire others. I dare you to do better!
Performing, giving clinics, teaching and even writing books can be a part of your plan.
I always wanted to inspire people to aspire. Inspiration is to motivate someone…aspiration is when you motivate yourself! Prove me right and get out there and be a wave maker!
Thank you SABIAN for being the vision and light to a better tomorrow in our art form. The cymbal you created for me was a joint collaboration to a sound that I used during every performance. Let your passion scream!
Onward and Upward…
The DOMinator
Dom
How to apply
Applicants must complete an online form and submit two videos, each between 2-3 minutes in length. In the first video, the applicant is to demonstrate their playing in whatever manner they choose (song or solo). In the second, the applicant is to tell the judges what they would do with the grant and how it would help them achieve their career goals. The video content is most important; it is not necessary for submitted videos to have professional-quality sound and lighting. The judges will evaluate applicants on technique, groove, musicality, sound, message/goals, and communication skills, and announce a winner on March 1st 2025. The application period is open from September 1st through November 30th 2024. Links to submit videos and applicant details will be on this page during the application period only.
Rules
- Applicants must submit their application via the provided web address on sabian.com.
- Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.
- Applications must be received between September 1st and November, 2024.
- One winner will be given a cash grant and mentorship sessions with the judges.
- Winner will be notified March 1, 2025 via the email address they provide with their entry.
- The choice of this award is solely the decision of the judges and SABIAN, and all decisions are final.
- Should the winner fail to respond to accept the award by April 1, 2024, a different winner will be chosen.
- Videos must be uploaded in the manner explained on sabian.com; no other submissions will be accepted.
- Due to the nature of the mentorship part of the prize, applications must be made in English.
- The judges will not watch or review anything on a submitted video that exceeds the five-minute limit.
- The winner may reside anywhere in the world. Mentorship sessions shall be given on Zoom, so the winner must have access to Zoom to accept mentorship sessions.
- The winner must contact the judges to schedule private mentorship sessions within 4 weeks of being notified as the winner. These sessions will take place via Zoom. Should the winner fail to contact any judge to schedule a session within 4 weeks, that session will be forfeited.
- If the winner chooses not to accept any mentorship sessions, they must notify Sabian in writing within 4 weeks from the date of notification of being declared the winner.
- The judges and mentor panel may change at the discretion of SABIAN and judge availability.
