Do you want to become a Armed Forces Musician? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
Job Description - 
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The Army, the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Marines employ musicians to provide musical support for a wide variety of events, including military parades and tattoos, sporting events, concerts, regimental dinners and state occasions. The work involves playing one or more musical instruments in styles ranging from marching music, classical music, jazz and folk, to dance music, rock and pop. Musicians play to audiences all over the UK and overseas.
Armed Forces musicians are also trained to take on active military roles when necessary. They spend time playing sports and undertaking adventure training to build physical fitness and team-working skills.
Hours can be long and irregular. Evening and weekend work is common. A lot of time is spent travelling to engagements. Musicians play in indoor and outdoor venues including concert halls, parade grounds, streets, airports, ballrooms and recording studios. Outdoor performances may take place in all weather conditions. Musicians wear uniforms.
Salaries range from around £13,000 to over £60,000, depending on service and rank.
An Armed Forces musician should be:
• a talented musician
• a good team worker
• physically fit
• able to accept the discipline of the Armed Forces
• interested in music, outdoor sports and activities.
There are over 1500 professional musicians in the Armed Forces. Musicians agree to serve for a minimum period of time which varies between the services. Candidates can discuss career opportunities at their local Armed Forces careers information office.
Minimum entry qualifications differ between services but there are opportunities at every level. Candidates are given auditions and other aptitude tests. Each service has minimum and maximum age limits for joining.
After basic military training, new recruits go on to do specialist musical training before being posted to a band. The length of training depends on the service.
Armed Forces musicians usually transfer to other bands as opportunities arise during their careers. Promotion depends on musical qualifications, management and leadership skills, and suitability to life in the Armed Forces. The services offer specific training courses to enable musicians to gain the qualifications for promotion.
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