Initial Trade Training - Portsmouth
Entrants will have passed a pre-enlistment musical audition, joined the British Army and completed Basic Training. Musician Initial Trade Training develops existing musicianship, incorporating the values and ethos of the British Army and the Royal Corps of Army Music whilst learning repertoire and skills required in military ensembles such as marching while playing an instrument.
Musician Initial Trade Training takes approximately one year to complete depending on ability. Studies include wind band, chamber group and solo performance, marching band, choir, music theory, aural training, music history/analysis and physical training. Trainees receive individual instrumental tuition and mentorship from high calibre civilian instrumental teachers and experienced military musicians throughout.
International Bandmaster Course
The International Bandmaster Course trains future musical leaders from foreign militaries across the world. International students undertake training in the same musical disciplines as their British counterparts, adding a welcome mix of perspectives and experience to the school environment. The training concludes with an Associate (Level 4) Diploma in Music.
Subsequent Trade Training - Minley
British Army Bandmaster Course
A small number of high-calibre musicians from across the Royal Corps of Army Music are selected each year to attend the British Army Bandmaster Course delivered at Kneller Wing in Minley. This two-year course develops the special to arm musical, academic and leadership skills required of British Army Bandmasters.
The training includes advanced modules in conducting, rehearsal technique, analysis and context, orchestration, harmony, aural perception, teaching, coaching and mentoring, band management and leadership; the majority delivered by a small team of civilian academic professors renowned in their own specialist field.
Career Employment Qualifications
As well as these residential courses, British Army musicians also return to RMSM throughout their career to complete Career Employment Qualifications. Kneller Wing is Army Music’s primary location for testing individual performance standards of musicians from across all Regular and Reserve bands.