The Royal Corps of Army Music is the public face of the British Army and supports National and Defence interests around the globe, where its specialist musical abilities cross international languages and cultures.
These specialist musical capabilities include:
- Symphonic Wind Bands
- Mounted Band
- Brass Bands
- String Orchestra
- Rock and Pop Groups
- Fanfare Trumpeters
Bands support the ethos, tradition and identity of our Armed Forces around the globe. At home we are the public face of the Army by supporting troops marching through towns and cities, performing in concert halls or at county shows, Beating the Retreat or performing at State Ceremonial occasions.
Through Music, Service Bands are to sustain and develop the moral component of fighting power, support State Ceremonial, and achieve influence in order to further Defence and National interests.
Music is utilised in the British Armed Forces as a source of influence. It contributes to the moral component of fighting power by supporting the ethos, tradition and identity of our personnel.
The Royal Corps of Army Music can offer full time employment as a musician within the British Army. A pensionable career potentially to the age of 60. Fantastic travel opportunities with the chance to perform at great venues and events around the world.
The Royal Corps of Army Music is interested in your performance and potential rather than just music qualifications.
Not all musicians have recognised musical qualifications so you may be able to join us based on merit at audition. If you have the required skills or can demonstrate you have the potential we are looking for, we can help maximise your musical development. Interested? Please get in touch here.
The Royal Corps of Army Music was formed in 1994 under the Options for Change Defence Review. On the 11th of January 2021, HRH The Countess of Wessex presented the Royal Title to the Corps on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen. All Regular Army Bands are part of The Royal Corps of Army Music.
British Army musicians are extremely capable and multi-talented and perform in various sized groups, from marching band to pop group, mounted band to string orchestra.
The home of the Corps is Gibraltar Barracks, Minley, a site that encompasses: Headquarters The Royal Corps of Army Music and Kneller Wing of the Royal Military School of Music.
Kneller Hall, Twickenham, used to house the Corps' Headquarters and the Royal Military School of Music. The School was founded by HRH Field Marshal the Duke of Cambridge after his appointment as Commander in Chief of the British Army in 1857.
The establishment was graciously retitled the Royal Military School of Music in the Golden Jubilee year of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, 1887. A plaque to commemorate the Centenary of the School's opening was unveiled by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1957.
Army music moved from Kneller Hall in 2021 to Minley, Surrey and Portsmouth, Hampshire.