Where would I serve?
Army Musicians can live and work across the UK. The Wind Bands are located in London (5 Bands), Windsor, Camberley, Colchester, Worthy Down and Edinburgh; Brass Bands are in Cardiff, Catterick and Tidworth whilst the String Orchestra is in Woolwich. There are opportunities to travel working with and teaching musicians from Malawi to Oman.
The Royal Military School of Music will be moving from Twickenham to Portsmouth in August 2020.
What is the musical standard?
All applicants will be required to undergo an audition at the Royal Military School of Music. You will need to perform 2 contrasting pieces, scales, sight reading plus undergo a theory and aural assessment, instrumental lesson and an interview. All through the process you will be assessed on your trainability to becoming a professional military musician.
What training will I receive?
There are 3 phases of training for all members of Army Music. Basic training, dependant on your age, will either be 14 weeks (17 years or older) or 23 weeks (16-years-old). Once complete you will receive training by some of the country’s top instrumentalists and academic professors at the Royal Military School of Music covering all aspects of musicianship. When you reach your band or orchestra there are further developmental training opportunities, not just in music if you desire.
What are the benefits?
There are multiple financial and educational benefits from being a British Army Musician. All musicians are issued a professional level instrument, plus accessories such as mutes, reeds, etc. completely free. You are automatically enrolled onto a non-contributory pension plus there is heavily subsidised accommodation and food, free dental and medical care including prescriptions, travel to and from work paid and much more. Subsidised Sport and Adventurous Training such as skiing or sailing, plus subsidised costs or even free education for all levels from BTEC to PhD.
How long is my contract?
There is the opportunity to stay within British Army Music until you are 55, in some cases beyond. The only commitment is the initial 4 years after which you can give notice to leave.
What are my career prospects?
Whilst serving you will have job security in a challenging industry, as part of an organisation that will provide a work / life balance that surpasses that of a freelance musician. As a full-time professional musician there are opportunities to promote within the British Army Music. With promotion comes pay increase and extra benefits, plus the chance to earn qualifications in management and music.
How much can I earn?
Upon completion of initial training a musician will earn £20,000. With promotion this rises substantially and as a playing professional musician your wage could rise to over £46,000. The Musicians Union state that 56% of musicians within the UK earn less than £20,000!
What instruments are employed?
British Army Music employ professional musicians performing on all Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and Strings - including piano. Guitarists, Vocalists and other instruments are also employed, but the individual will also be required to perform in a Wind or Brass band. Training will be provided to learn a second instrument if required.
