Do something more with your music
Army musicians are paid to perform at famous, high-profile events in the UK and all over the world. The Royal Corps of Army Music is made up of 13 Regular bands and 1 string orchestra, that play everything from military marching music to jazz and contemporary, and needs musicians with a wide range of specialisms. Join us and you'll spend your days rehearsing and developing music for concerts and performances alongside like-minded people.
Training For The Role
Step 1
You'll start with your initial military training which will teach you how to be a soldier - this will cover everything from fieldcraft to how to handle a rifle. If you join as a Junior Soldier (under 17 years 5 months), you’ll do a 23-week basic military training course at Harrogate. If you join as a Regular Soldier (over 17 years 1 month), you’ll do the regular 14-week adult basic training.
Step 2
Your musical training builds on what you already know and work to make you a better performer and musician, preparing you for a career with one of our bands.
Lateral Entry candidates:
In some circumstances, you may join as a lateral entry candidate. This follow a similar recruiting process as a standard Regular RCAM applicant however instead of attending an audition, you will have an initial interview with the Principal Director of Music (Army) and attend the Bandmasters selection course (1 week selection event).
If you're successful, you'll need to pass standard entry soldier assessment then attend Reserve Phase1, 2 and 3. After successfully completing these modules you will then enter your Trade Training as a member of the Musical Direction (MD) / Bandmaster Course.
Entry Requirements
You must pass an audition, which is made up of:
- Two contrasting pieces
- Sight reading and aural perception assessment
- A general musicianship paper Musical Theory assessment
- All standard Army entrance requirements
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- MSFT (beep test) level 4.2
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
- Once you’ve joined, you can gain qualifications in performance, conducting and more.
- Subsidised Batchelors / Masters degrees.
- Performance and musical direction diplomas from the Associated Board Royal Schools of Music.
- BTEC Level 2 Qualification in Music.
Rank Progression
Pay and Benefits
HOW TO APPLY
Training For The Role
Step 1
Your basic training takes place over a series of evening, weekend and residential courses.
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.
Entry Requirements
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- MSFT (beep test) level 4.2
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £42.29 in training and rising to £53.79 per day once you're a Private. This includes being paid for weekly drill nights. Plus, if you complete all of your annual training days, you're entitled to a tax-free lump sum called a bounty.