At a glance
- Soldier
- Specialist
- music
As an Army musician you have the opportunity to turn your passion for music into a career and travel the world as well as earning a competitive and regular salary.
Army musicians are paid to perform at famous, high-profile events across the UK and all over the world. The Royal Corps of Army Music is made up of 13 Regular bands and one string orchestra that play everything from military marching music to jazz and contemporary. We need musicians with a wide range of specialisms, so join us and spend your days rehearsing and developing music for concerts and performances alongside like-minded people.
Key Responsibilities
Play alongside some of the world's best Military Musicians in one of our 14 bands based throughout the UK
Opportunities to travel and perform at venues and arenas worldwide
Enjoy a varied career up to the age of 55+ with the opportunity to promote across the rank structure
Take advantage of sports and Adventurous Training the Army offers
Have a full-time, salaried and pensionable career as a professional musician
Have any questions? Talk with us
Reserve (part time)
Entry requirements
Age:
From 18 years & 0 months to 62 years
Qualifications:
You must already play a music instrument, pass an audition and standard Army tests
Basic physical fitness assessment:
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2.7m
MSFT (beep test) level: 4.02
Army Reserve standards
Mid Thigh Pull: 50kg
Medicine Ball Throw: 2.7m
MSFT (beep test): Level 4.02
Training for the role
Step 1
You start Basic Training, this consists of two main courses and some online training packages. You can book on the courses to fit around your daily life, so it could take you several months to finish your basic training.
Module 1: Foundation Training. 5 alternate residential weekends Fri - Sun at an Army training centre OR a nine-day residential course.
Module 2: Battlecamp. 15-day residential course at an Army training establishment. You will learn fieldcraft, Skill at Arms, fitness training, qualities of a soldier, military knowledge, Battlefield casualty drills, individual health and education. This will culminate with a Passing Off Parade which your family and friends can attend to celebrate your success.
Step 2
You’ll then start your music-based training. We’ll build on what you already know and work to make you a better performer and musician, preparing you for your role with one of our Reserve bands.
Qualifications you could get after training
None specified
Pay & benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £63.27 in training and once you're a Private and increasing as you rise through the ranks. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.
How to Apply
When you decide to apply, your local unit will help you through the process - you don't need to wait until you've finished Army Assessment to get involved.
To join, you have to apply online. The application process will take some time, but you can also ring the unit you're interested in joining - the team there will help often invite you to join them for drill nights, and you'll get support for your application.