She looks demure. Then she plays ‘Noisy Neighbour’ with double pedals and hard rock fills and your jaw drops.
On National Day weekend 2026, while Singapore celebrated its birthday, Johanna Kajol gave Singapore another reason to celebrate. At the Asian Supreme Drum Competition (ASDC) 2026, she won the Top Prize Gold Award for Rockschool Grade 4 category and she was the only winner representing Singapore in the Grade 4 Category.
But 2 years ago, she didn't even make the finals.
2024: The Year She Didn't Qualify
Johanna has been learning drums since she was 6 years old. Passion was never the problem.
In 2024, she entered ASDC. But sync issues and nerves got the better of her at her first attempt. She didn't qualify for the finals.
Many would have stopped. Her parents made a different decision: switch her under Mr. Joshua Agilan, Master Trainer at Drumstruck Studios - School of Contemporary Music.
Boom. The Transformation.
Her parents' exact words? Their jaw dropped.
Under Mr. Joshua's tutelage, her skills improved tremendously. In 2025, she came back and became Champion for Grade 3 Category at ASDC 2025.
In 2026, she did it again, this time harder. Champion / Top Prize Gold Award for Grade 4 at ASDC 2026.
Two years in a row. Champion twice.
The Piece That Shocked The Crowd: ‘Noisy Neighbour’.
Grade 4 is no joke. For her winning performance, Johanna played the very demanding, energy packed Grade 4 piece called ‘Noisy Neighbour’.
We are talking intense double pedaling, hard rock fills, non-stop stamina and precision timing.
The crowd expected a nice performance. What they got was a masterclass in power drumming from a girl who looks so demure off-stage that you would never expect that level of aggression on the kit.
That contrast is what makes Johanna unforgettable. The quiet outside, the beast inside.
Singapore's Pride on National Day
And here's what makes this win even more special: Johanna won on National Day for Singapore. With a little Singapore flag painted on her cheek (as seen in her photo), she was the only Singaporean winner in the Grade 4 category at an international competition dominated by regional performers.
She didn't just win for herself. She won for Singapore!
At Drumstruck Studios, our slogan is OTHERS DREAM OF SUCCESS, WE MAKE IT HAPPEN!
Johanna dreamed of qualifying for finals. Mr. Joshua Agilan made her a back to back Champion.
To Parents of Girls Who Drum - And To Every Parent Whose Child Failed Once
Johanna's story is proof:
1. Failing to qualify is not the end. In 2024 she failed. In 2025 and 2026 she was Champion.
2. Girl drummers can out rock anyone. Don't let "demure" fool you. Power is not about size, it's about technique and training.
3. The right Master Trainer changes everything. Two years ago, sync issues. Today, double pedals and hard rock intense fills on ‘Noisy Neighbour’.
If your daughter has been learning since young and you want to see her become a champion or if your child failed a competition and lost confidence, Johanna's journey is your blueprint.
Johanna will be continuing her Rockschool journey to Grade 5 and beyond. Follow her journey here.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DcXUJSMpqRH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Book an Assessment with us - The Drum School Behind Back to Back Champions.
WhatsApp us in our enquiries box below for a trial lesson with us.