According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording apparatus includes a spin-torque oscillator, a recording unit, and a controller. The spin-torque oscillator includes an oscillation layer. The recording unit includes at least one recording layer. Magnetization reversal in each recording layer is performed by excitation of cooperative dynamics between magnetization of the oscillation layer and magnetization of the recording layer. The controller controls precession of the magnetization of the oscillation layer, which is induced by application of an electric current to the spin-torque oscillator.