At a glance
You’ll be a part of the world’s most versatile military music organisation, but not every event is a parade. We have talented musicians who can perform in every musical combination from a small jazz group to a full orchestra.
Job Role
Royal Marines Musician
Become part of one of the world’s most renowned military bands, combining military duties with a professional music career.
- £25,200 - £62,000
- No qualifications
- Royal Marines
- Royal Marines Band Service
- Rating level
£62,000
Earn over this amount as you progress
£25,200
What you will get paid from day one
Seven
weeks' paid leave every year
Free
Medical and dental care
Travel
All around the world
Zero
qualifications needed
Since I started my training at the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM) I've been lucky enough to receive tuition from some of the most respected professors in the world.
Role details
What you’ll do
As a musician in the world-famous Royal Marines Band Service you’ll be part of the world’s most versatile military music organisation.
Employed all over the world you’ll find yourself performing at National and International events, major sporting fixtures and in prestigious concert venues, as well as undertaking operational roles alongside the rest of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.
No two days are ever the same, but why would you want them to be?
You will be the public face of the Royal Navy, so do what you love and join us on the world stage!
Your role
- Spend time at the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM), learning your craft and mastering the full range of musical styles that make up our repertoire.
- Share the stage with the team of like-minded, talented musicians across a wide variety of styles; from string quartets and jazz ensembles to marching bands and full symphonic wind bands.
- Make a vital contribution to our nation’s defence diplomacy strategy performing at military, ceremonial and social events on the world’s biggest stages.
- Play an important role in the Royal Marines Band Service’s vital medical and logistical function, supporting the Royal Navy and 3 Commando Brigade all over the world.
Pay & benefits
- A starting salary of at least £25,200, potentially rising to over £62,000 as your career progresses
- Professional training at the world-class RMSoM
- 7 weeks of paid holiday every year
- Free medical and dental care
- Subsidised travel and accommodation
- Excellent pension scheme
- Adventurous training
Skills for life
Skills you'll develop
- The ability to perform in a team or as an individual, in a variety of musical combinations
- Perform a wide range of musical styles; from Pop to Classical
- An eye for detail in both your musical performance and personal uniform and kit
- A flexible and adaptable mindset
- Pride in yourself and the service
Qualifications you'll gain
- Opportunity to gain civilian qualification such as ABRSM grades/Diplomas
- DAO Level 3 Diploma in Military Music
- Professional examinations at key career landmarks often accredited or recognised by civilian industry
- The opportunity to study Bachelor of Music degree (fully-funded)
Eligibility
- Aged 16 to 32 when you start Basic Training
- No qualifications are required for this role
- You ideally need to be able to read music, and sing or play a brass, wind, string, piano or percussion instrument to a good standard (ABRSM Grade 5 as a minimum, Grade 7 for pianists)
- You must be a United Kingdom national, or Commonwealth citizen, or Dual National. Dual Nationality restrictions do apply
- Minimum height of 145cm
- A BMI between 18 and 28 (17 and 27 if under 18)
- Be a competent swimmer
Skills & Interests
- Playing a musical instrument
- Performing in public
- Working as part of a team
- A real sense of adventure
Joining Process
From picking your role to starting on your first day, these are the steps you'll take to join as a rating.
Step 1
Submit an application
Once you’ve registered your interest in the Royal Marine Band Service Profession, and have satisfied some basic eligibility criteria, you will be sent an online application form.
Step 2
Defence Aptitude Assessment (DAA)
You’ll be tested on: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Work Rate, Spatial Reasoning, Electrical Comprehension and Mechanical Comprehension.
To prepare, you can practise the DAA.
Step 3
Interview
You will have a formal Career Interview to assess suitability and talk through your chosen role within the Royal Marines Profession. It will also cover the initial stages of the Security application. This is normally conducted using your own device over the Shine video platform.
Step 4
Audition, Medical and Fitness Assessment
The audition process includes being evaluated by world-class civilian Professors and interviewed by the Director of Music Training for your music potential. Your Medical eligibility and Fitness will also be assessed. Post-audition you may be given the opportunity to learn a new instrument.
Career Progression
From responsibilities to pay, find out where this role can take you.
Day One
Start initial training
Year One
Continue to study for Musician Class 3 qualification
First Promotion
Pass Musician Class 2 to become Lance Corporal and Corporal’s Leadership and Development Course (CLDC) to become Band Corporal
fURTHER Promotion
Pass Musician Class 1 and Sergeant’s Leadership and Development Course (SLDC) to become Band Sergeant with progression to Band Colour Sergeant
Bandmaster
Pass the Bandmaster’s Course and Warrant Officer’s Leadership and Development Course (WLDC) to become a Warrant Officer Bandmaster
Director of Music
Commission on selection to become an Officer in the RMBS
Got a question?
Our virtual recruiter is available to answer your questions 24 hours a day