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
Age:
16 years 6 months - 36 years 11 months
Qualifications:
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
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 13m
- MSFT (beep test) level 4.2
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
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
Learn about rank progression here.
Pay and Benefits
“The standard is very high here, as in the civilian world. However, the variety of performance and audiences is vast. The opportunity to travel and experience different things is incredible. These things aren’t always available to a civilian.”
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. You'll also be expected to audition to see if you have the musical ability needed to join the Royal Corps of Army Music.
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
Age:
18 years - 42 years 11 months
Fitness:
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 13m
- MSFT (beep test) level 4.2
- Mid Thigh Pull 50kg
- Medicine Ball Throw 2.7m
- 2km run 11m
- MSFT (beep test) level 7.5
Qualifications:
You must pass an audition and standard Army tests
Qualifications You Could Get After Training
None specified
Pay and Benefits
You'll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £40.13 in training and rising to £51.22 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.
HOW TO APPLY
Once your online application has been approved, you'll meet with a local recruiter. This is your chance to tell us about the role that you're interested in. You'll also be expected to audition to see if you have the musical ability needed to join the Royal Corps of Army Music.