Overview

Musicians specialize in one (or more) of the following instruments: tuba, trombone, euphonium, bassoon, electric bass guitar, saxophone, flute or piccolo, oboe, clarinet, French horn, percussion, cornet or trumpet, guitar and keyboard.

Musicians perform in a variety of ensembles ranging from ceremonial band to jazz band to small ensembles, playing all styles of music. They are primarily responsible for performing and rehearsing as a professional musician within different ensembles of an Army band.

Job Duties

• Perform in all musical styles on your instruments, including (but not limited to): marching band, ceremonial band, concert band, classical, jazz, ethnic and popular music compositions
  
• Perform on a musical instrument in a variety of ensembles, ranging from solo performance to full concert band
  
• Tune an instrument to a given pitch
  
• Transpose moderately easy music

Requirements

In order to qualify for a position with the Army band, you must pass one or more auditions. You must be a fairly accomplished musician and have good music sight-reading ability.

Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.

Training

Job training for a Musician requires 10 weeks of Basic Combat Training and 10 weeks of Advanced Individual Training at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Va.

Some of the training includes:

• Private instrumental instruction
  
• Music theory
  
• Sight singing and ear training
• Group instrumental techniques
  
• Percussion techniques

Helpful Skills

• Being an accomplished instrumentalist
  
• Understanding music theory and harmony
  
• Ability to exhibit poise when performing
  
• Ability to play more than one instrument

Learn more about the ASVAB and see what jobs you could qualify for.

Compensation

Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.

Education Benefits

In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.

Future Civilian Careers

The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career with professional orchestras, bands and choral groups. You might also work in nightclubs, concert halls, theaters and recording studios.