Prev - 25V

Musician

Arts and Media		Next - 46R

Musician - 42R


  • Active/Reserve:Both
  • Officer/Enlisted:Enlisted
  • Restrictions:None

Overview

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

    • ASVAB

    The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is an examination that is administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command. It is used to determine qualification and helps predict future academic and occupational success in the military.

  • No ASVAB

    • Compensation

  • Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time.

    • See the whole list of Army Occupational Specialties here

    To learn more about the Army's rank structure, see our complete list of Army ranks.
    To see a list of military medals and decorations that can be earned by servicemembers in the Army and other branches of the military, see our list of military decorations and medals.