MUSICIAN

The Job

As an Army Musician, your musical duties will include military parades, tattoos, regimental dinner nights and band concerts. In addition, Territorial bands produce a full and varied programme of public relations engagements which range from sports meetings to recording sessions, providing the opportunity for you to perform in any of the various musical combinations on offer. These include fanfare trumpets, dance bands, jazz and Dixie bands and folk groups. The current operational role is still unclear, but a decision is expected soon to clarify the role of a Musician in a Territorial unit in times of emergency.

The Right Job For Me?

As an Army Musician, you will have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and, of course, play music. The minimum yearly commitment is 27 days – this includes a two-week annual camp, weekly training on a selected weeknight and scheduled Sunday mornings. All TA Centres are located within the UK and you will be employed at the Centre of your choice, but you will also have the opportunity to undertake engagements both at home and overseas. Territorial bands travel all over the world performing to military and civilian audiences alike. Territorial units offer all employees a comparable wage to that of Regular units and also, when eligible, an annual tax-free bounty starting at around £382 – with the opportunity to increase this, over five years, to a maximum bounty in the region of £1506. Rehearsal facilities vary depending upon the TA Centre. All instruments and uniforms are supplied, and your accommodation and food are provided when you undertake your two-week annual camp or any military training. Engagements and training are usually held in the evenings or at weekends.

What Skills Will I Learn?

Serving as an Army Musician will give you a unique opportunity to improve and expand your existing musical skills, and to gain experience of live performance at prestigious events. In addition, being part of a Territorial unit will help you to develop new personal qualities and abilities that are not easily come by in civilian life.

What Training Will I Do?

Initial trainingYou’ll be a soldier first and foremost, so after you are successfully attested you will need to attend a two-week basic recruit training course. During this time you will learn how to take care of yourself and your equipment, as well as studying fieldcraft, map-reading and first aid. At the end of your training, you will return to your unit and concentrate on your primary role as a musician.Further trainingWhen you apply, you will be expected to hold the minimum of Associated Board Grade 6 or be able to demonstrate the ability to perform at that level in an audition. Further training can bring Accreditation of Prior Learning from your musical qualifications; you can also gain this during a formal exam at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall, Twickenham.

What Qualifications Could I Get?

The Trade Employment Qualification Class 1 gives you the ATCL diploma in Music; if you decide at a later date that you would like to join a Regular unit as a Musician, and are selected to attend the famous Bandmaster course, you can – when qualified – graduate with an honours degree in Music.

Future Prospects

Promotion is gained through Army musical qualifications, the development of management and leadership skills, and your suitability to service life. Your qualifications are either taught in-house or on a specific course at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. Once you hold the necessary qualifications and recommendations you become eligible for promotion through the ranks, starting at Lance Corporal, with the opportunity to reach Warrant Officer Class 1.