Army Reserve

Careers

Army Musician

The Job

Many units have Military Bands as part of their unit. There are also Army Bands located in each capital city, although these are mainly Regular Army.

As a Musician you are responsible for providing musical support to the Army. You will be involved in such diverse performances as ceremonial parades, formal dinners, official Army functions, church and memorial services, school concerts and workshops, street marches, and public concerts, with the possibility of being involved in national and overseas events. You will perform these duties as a member of the Concert Band, the Marching Band, a Unit Band or a small ensemble.

A Musician also gets involved in all other activities in the Army. You will learn basic fieldcraft, how to shoot the F88 Austeyr Rifle, and participate in live firing exercises and adventurous training.

The Training

Before enlisting in the Army Reserve you must show that you can play your primary instrument to an equivalent level of at least AMED Grade 7.

After you have completed your Common Recruit Training (CRT) at Kapooka in New South Wales, you will be ready to start your Initial Employment Training (or IET as we call it). We will teach you everything you need to be a fully skilled Musician.

The IET training can be completed during the band's annual two week cam. During the camp all you travel, accommodation and meals are free, plus you get TAX FREE pay while you are gaining you new skills.

The Skills

As a Musician you will gain and develop a wide range of professional skills and experience that will be invaluable in any career you choose. You will have the opportunity to perform all styles of music, learn and play more than one instrument, participate in a Variety of ensembles, as well as writing and performing your own arrangements or compositions.

You will also learn skills in personnel management, communications and leadership, while enhancing your personal organisation and ability to problem solve.

Working as a Musician in the Army Reserve will help build your confidence, develop your teamwork skills and help give you that head start up the career ladder.