"It pays to be an Army Musician"
"The Army performs a wide variety of musical genres alongside the opportunity for a full time, salaried career."
Army musicians are paid to perform at famous, high-profile events in the UK and all over the world. The Corps of Army Music is made up of 22 Regular and 19 Reserve bands 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 gigs alongside like-minded people.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Play alongside some of the world's best musicians in one of our 22 Regular or 19 Reserve Army bands based throughout the UK.
- Travel worldwide performing at venues and arenas.
- Enjoy a structured career up to the age of 55 with the chance to gain promotion.
- Combine a love of music with the sport and adventurous training the Army offers.
- Have a full-time salaried and pensionable career as a professional musician.
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 phase 2 training is music-based. We’ll build 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.:
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Age: 16 years 6 months - 36 years 11 months
YOU MUST PASS AN AUDITION WHICH CONSISTS OF
Sight reading and aural perception tests
A general musicianship paper
Scales and arpeggios.
Two contrasting pieces that best demonstrate your ability
All standard Army entrance requirements.
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 30m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min (14 min 30 sec for junior entry)
QUALIFICATIONS YOU COULD GET AFTER TRAINING
- Once you’ve joined, you can get qualifications in performance, conducting and more.
- BTEC Level 2 Qualification in Music.
- Associate Trinity College London (ATCL) Diploma in Music Performance.
- Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) Diploma in Musical Direction.
RANK PROGRESSION
Learn about rank progression here.
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Musician your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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.
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 - 49 years
REQUIREMENTS: You must pass an audition and standard Army tests
FITNESS: Lift 20kg, Carry 30m, 1.5 mile run in 14 min
PAY & BENEFITS
REGULAR
Earn £15,230 during training. When your Initial training is finished, and you join your unit as a Musician your pay will rise to £18,859.
RESERVE
You’ll get paid a day rate according to your rank, starting from £37.47 in training and rising to £46.42 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.
FROM THE FIELD
“I joined the Army Reserve after a full career in the Regulars, which I finished as Corps Sergeant Major. It’s great to keep the ethos, traditions and work ethic I experienced as a Regular Musician and have a full-time civilian job. What’s more, I get paid.” Sgt Mark Wilson – 6 Rifles Band
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 Corps of Army Music.