- We are your initial point of contact before making an application to join British Army Music
- The Corps Engagement Team will arrange visits for you to meet Regular Army bands
- Learn about exciting recruitment opportunities
- We encourage everyone who makes an application to experience British Army Music before applying
There are lots of options for musicians to discover more:
- Spend a working day with a band and join in rehearsals
- Take part in a concert with an Army band
- Attend a masterclass or concert
- Attend an open day
- Attend an academy
Junior entry
This is classed as a continuation of secondary education and can be an alternative to college, sixth form or an apprenticeship. Junior soldiers will remain in training until 18 years old. Applicants who opt for this route undertake military training at Army Training Centre Harrogate, including an element of musical tuition and education.
- Joining at 16-17 years old
- Spend 36 weeks learning basic soldiering skills with intakes in March and September
- Followed by 52 weeks of music training at the Royal Military School of Music, Portsmouth
Standard entry
- Joining at 17-36 years old
- Spend 14 weeks learning military training at either: Army Training Centre, Pirbright or Army Training Regiment, Winchester
- Followed by a minimum of ten weeks military music training at the Royal Military School of Music, Portsmouth
Apply for one of our academies, each one is a perfect opportunity to experience life as a professional Army musician;
- Meet Army musicians
- Join rehearsals
- Take part in a joint concert
- Experience military training
- It's free to take part and all food, travel and accommodation is provided
The Royal Corps of Army Music regularly works with music educators and leaders providing support to engage, develop and inform young musicians about a professional career in music. We do this through practical music making activities, learning opportunities and creative ideas which allow us to promote military music to a musical audience:
- Careers presentations
- Musical coaching
- Workshops
- Combined concerts
- Adjudicators for musical competitions
- Conductors for large events
- Single instrumental support
- Partnerships with musical institutions
- Project support - Higher Education assignments
The joining process
Select the ‘Start your Army application’ and complete the candidate registration form. You will need to apply to join as a soldier.
You will be in contact with your local career centre, be given a personal development plan to follow, and a Candidate Support Manager (CSM) to help you get ready for the assessment centre.
Your assessment will last for up to three days and will take place in one of our Assessment Centres in the UK. We will pay for your travel to get there and back and food during this process.
This is your chance to see whether the Army is right for you, and for us to see whether you're suitable to join. During your stay, the assessment will include:
- A full medical examination
- Physical and mental tests
- Team exercises to see how you work with other people
- A short talk about yourself to a small group
- A career discussion
Your audition will take place at Kneller Wing in Minley, Surrey, on your primary instrument and you will be required to perform:
- Two contrasting pieces at equivalent grade six standard and above
- Scales
- Sight reading
- A theory and aural assessment to grade five standard
- A short interview with the auditioning panel
- We will check your references and run a background check
- If everything is okay we will send you an offer of employment
- When you accept the offer, you'll be given a date to start your training and you will formally join the Army. How quickly you can start will depend on the job you've applied to do, the grade you were given at assessment and any personal commitments
Pay and benefits
- On completion of training, a salary of over £27,000
- 38 days annual leave
- Non-contributory pension
- Free medical and dental care
- Subsidised meals and accommodation
- Grants for further education
Bursary scheme
Would you like your tuition fees paid for?
For a four year commitment to British Army Music, we are offering a bursary of up to £9,250 per year, for up to a three year period totaling £27,750, to offset tuition fees during your studies.
Successful applicants must be studying for a music degree which is weighted at least 50% performance. You will be required to complete the Army application process to confirm your suitability to join the British Army as a musician.
After completing your studies, you must complete Basic Training and Initial Trade Training at the Royal Military School of Music. After which, you will earn a salary of over £27,000.
Contact us
For more information about joining the British Army as a musician, get in touch with the Corps Engagement Team.
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