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defencejobs.gov.au/army/jobs/Musician
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Musician
This could be the best gig in town, and will see you performing to a wide variety of audiences all over Australia. Training
provided.
Additional Information
IN BRIEF
Army bands play a key role in entertaining soldiers, performing at high profile ceremonial events, and enhancing the image
and reputation of the Service at community and charity functions. This exciting position provides you with a great
opportunity to stretch your musical skills across a wide variety of genres. You'll join concert and marching bands, rock
groups, quintets and jazz ensembles; and play everything from popular dance music to big band swing.
LIFESTYLE
Life in the Army is rich and rewarding. Your work could take you across Australia and even overseas. You'll have
memorable experiences such as joining disaster-relief missions and participating in combat operations. You will gain skills
and confidence in a supportive team environment and make friends for life. You'll also have access to extensive sport and
leisure facilities ensuring a good work/life balance.
TRAINING
In addition to supporting your musical ambitions, the Army will provide you with the military skills required to participate in
exercises and military operations. Your leadership potential will be nurtured and the skills you acquire will benefit you
wherever your career takes you. Fitness training will also be an important part of your job. Click on the Training links below
for more detailed information.
WHAT YOU COULD EARN
In the Army you'll receive a competitive salary, generous Super and an excellent range of benefits. You get paid from the
day you start training and your salary will increase with rank and experience.
MUSICIANS
can earn over
$65,000 p.a.
on completion of initial employment training. This salary includes Uniform and Service allowances and applies to full time
general entry.
Job Details
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve), Qualified
A musician in the Army is a soldier who performs as a professional musician in an Army Band. Within an Army Band you
have the opportunity to work in ensembles such as Concert Band, Marching Band, Big Band, Rock Band, Quintets and Jazz
Ensemble. These groups perform music that covers the full spectrum of musical genres from Classical to Jazz, Popular and
Contemporary.
Army Bands perform at Defence and Government ceremonial occasions, entertain soldiers both here in Australia and
deployed overseas, and are a key component of the Army's public relations program by supporting community events,
educational programs and charity organisations.
In the Australian Army Band (AAB) there are opportunities for full-time musicians in Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane, Townsville
and Wagga Wagga. Part-time opportunities are avaiable in all the above locations, as well as Melbourne, Adelaide, Hobart,
Perth and Darwin.
The Army Band enlists musicians who are proficient on the following instruments: • Flute/Piccolo
• Oboe
• Clarinet
• Bassoon
• Saxophones
• French Horn
• Trumpet
• Trombone
• Euphonium
• Tuba
• Percussion (tuned and un-tuned)
• Drum Kit
• Guitar
• Bass Guitar
• Keyboard
• Vocals (male and female)
Please contact Australian Army Band Headquarters on 02 6265 2928 or [email protected]
for information on current full time and part time vacancies. Entry
Qualified
The Army Musician has three different performance levels. These levels are called Musician Grade One, Musician Grade Two
and Musician Grade Three. Prior to your audition, you should choose, in consultation with your local area band’s Music
Director the level at which you wish to be assessed against. The repertoire lists containing the requirements for these levels
should also be supplied to you.
Should you be applying for entry as an Army Reserve Musician, the minimum standard is Musician Grade 1, whilst the
minimum standard for a Regular Army Musician is Musician Grade 2. You can be accepted into both the Army Reserve and
Regular Army at one level lower, but you will be required to attain the minimum standard within 24 months for the Army
Reserve and 12 months for the Regular Army. There is one exception to this standard – a vocalist will only be recruited at
job standard.
Most applicants can also choose to be assessed against either a classical or a commercial stream. Classical stream does not
refer to what is termed the classical period, but rather refers to art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of
Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times.
Commercial stream includes styles from all areas of contemporary popular music. This term encompasses jazz, pop, blues,
soul, country, folk, and rock styles.
This table contains the details of which styles each instrument can be assessed against: Instrument
Commercial
Classical
Instrument
Commercial
Classical
Flute/Piccolo
No
Yes
Bass Trombone
Yes
Yes
Oboe
Clarinet
Saxophones
Bassoon
Horn
Trumpet
Trombone
Vocalist
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Euphonium
Tuba
Tuned Percussion
Drum Kit
Guitar
Bass Guitar
Keyboard
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
See Additional Requirements for details on auditions.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
There are two different streams for applicants interested in joining the AABC as a Reserve Musician:
As a member in a Reserve Band; and
Reserve member in a full-time Australian Army Band Band.
There are four levels of entry into the AABC Reserve (part-time) as a member in a Reserve Band:
Trainee - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Grade 7;
Musician Grade 1 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Grade 8;
Musician Grade 2 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Associate Diploma (AMusA); and
Musician Grade 3 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Licentiate Diploma (LMusA).
Musician Grade 1 is the minimum job standard for a member of a Reserve Band. A Trainee has 24 months from enlistment
to qualify as a Musician Grade 1. These standards apply to both the AAB Reserve Bands (located in Newcastle, Hobart,
Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Darwin) and Unit or Regimental Reserve Bands (located in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne
and Adelaide).
There are three levels of entry into the AABC Reserve (part-time) as a member in an ARA Band (full-time):
Musician Grade 1 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Grade 8;
Musician Grade 2 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Associate Diploma (AMusA); and
Musician Grade 3 - minimum standard is commensurate with AMEB Licentiate Diploma (LMusA).
Musician Grade 1 is the minimum entry and job standard for a part-time member of a full-time Army Band. ARA Bands are
located in Townsville, Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Kapooka and Melbourne. A Musician Grade 1 has 24 months from
enlistment to qualify as a Musician Grade 2.
For more information about the Australian Army Band Corps refer to the Army website.
Go and check out the band and see for yourself.
Pay & Allowances
Qualified
Salary increases will occur at the following stages of training:
Military (Recruit) Training - $1,406 per fortnight ($36,571 per year);*
Initial Employment Training (IET) course at DFSM starts at - $1,607 per fortnight ($41,795 per year) and increases
depending on the duration of the course;*
While under training, you will also receive $395 per fortnight ($10,288 per year pro rata) Trainee Allowance;
Completion of IET - : $2,144 per fortnight ($55,762 per year);*
In addition to your salary, you will receive Service Allowance of $527 per fortnight ($13,717 per year) except while
undertaking Military (Initial) or Employment training. This allowance compensates a member for the unique requirements
that service life may impose on an individual and his or her family.
To assist you in maintaining your uniforms in good order and condition, you will also receive a Uniform Allowance of $16
per fortnight ($419 per year).
Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay grade. This particular job is classified as a
Pay Grade 4 occupation on completion of On Job Training, with progression to Pay Grade 5 if applicable.
There are two forms of income progression in the AABC. Your income will increase as a result of attaining a higher level of
musicianship or by promotion.
The highest level of musicianship (Defence Skill Grade 240-3) is achieved through an assessment of performance skills
during the presentation of a formal recital.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
* Please note that these figures do not include compulsory deductions for taxation; meals, accommodation and utilities (as
applicable); and superannuation.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Each General Entry job in the Australian Defence Force is classified into a pay grade. A Reserve Band job is classified as a
Pay Grade 3 (Defence Skill Grade 240-1) occupation. Members of the Reserve on part-time service have the option to
progress to Pay Grade 5 (Defence Skill Grade 240-3). Your Pay Grade increases following the acquisition of additional skills
and completion of advanced courses.
Reserve member in a Reserve Band
Salary increases may occur at the following stages of training:
• Military (Recruit) Training - $100.19 per day tax free;
• Distance Learning Initial Employment Training (IET) course conducted in unit - $114.51 per day tax free;
• completion of Pay Grade 3 Defence Skill Grade 240-1 Taskbook - $143.13 per day tax free;
Reserve Member in a Full-Time Band
Salary increases may occur at the following stages of training:
• Military (Recruit) Training - $100.19 per day tax free;
• Distance Learning Initial Employment Training (IET) course conducted in unit - $114.51 per day tax free;
• completion of Pay Grade 3 Defence Skill Grade 240-1 Taskbook - $143.13 per day tax free;
Further increases in pay may occur after completion of skill assessments.
In addition to your salary, a Reserve Allowance of $28.19 per day is payable to compensate for the unique demands of
Reserve Service.
Refer to the Salary Scales for further details.
General Requirements
Age Requirement
Qualified
Must be aged between 17 and 56 years inclusive on day of entry.
Applicants will not normally be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they
may be able to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age, depending upon the capacity of their
local recruiting centre.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Applicants must be aged between 17 and 60 years of age inclusive on entry.
Applicants will not be allowed to enter the ADF until they achieve a minimum of 17 years of age, however they may be able
to initiate the application process from 16 years and six months of age, depending upon the capacity of their local recruiting
centre.
Citizenship Requirement
Only Australian citizens are permitted to serve in the ADF.
If you are a Permanent Resident of Australia, the ADF may consider a temporary waiver of the citizenship requirement if
the position for which you are applying cannot be filled by an applicant who meets all the citizenship requirements, and
then only in exceptional circumstances. You will be required to obtain Australian citizenship as early as possible following
enlistment or appointment.
More information on citizenship requirements and the citizenship waiver process is available from the Recruitment
Centre or your local Defence Force Recruiting Centre.
Security Requirement
The Department of Defence requires ADF employees to have security clearances appropriate to their employment.
A process of background checks, collection of relevant information and, as required, interviews, enables the Australian
Government Security Vetting Agency to make an informed assessment of an applicant's suitability for a security clearance.
The minimum security clearance level required is Negative Vetting Level 1, and current policy requires applicants to have a
checkable background for the previous 10 years. Required information includes:
• Residence
• Employment
• Education
• Credit
Australian Citizenship is a requirement for a security clearance and a clearance will only be granted to a non-citizen in
exceptional circumstances.
NOTE: The security clearance is critical to an applicants successful progression through the Army training system. If an
applicant is unable to obtain the required security clearance in time, they will not be allowed to continue their training and
may need to be re-allocated to another employment category. As such, it is strongly recommended that all applicants
obtain the required documentation as soon as possible to provide the best opportunity to be employed in their preferred
employment category.
Aptitude Requirement
The application process to join the Australian Defence Force requires you to complete a series of aptitude tests including
verbal, spatial and numerical ability and a general maths test. Some jobs may also require you to complete additional
testing at a later date.
Psychology support staff will explain what is involved with each test.
Further information on the aptitude testing requirements can be found here.
Education & Experience
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve), Qualified
The educational standard required is completion of Australian Year 10 education (or equivalent) with passes in English and
Mathematics,
or
If you do not satisfy the education requirements for this trade or do not possess evidence of your educational attainment
there is an alternative pathway available to you.
You may be eligible to sit an Alternative Education Equivalency (AEE) assessment to ascertain your ability at the required
educational level for this trade.
Further information is available here.
Although there are no formal musical qualifications required to enter the Australian Army Band Corps (AABC), all applicants
must be able to read music fluently and perform their instrument to a high standard. Applicants will be required to sit an
audition with an AABC Employment Category Testing Officer.
Medical & Fitness Requirements
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve), Qualified
To be enlisted, you must be medically and physically fit for entry to your chosen occupation. This is partially assessed from
the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You will also be required to pass a physical fitness test before enlistment. For further details on medical and physical fitness
standards refer to Physical Fitness Standards for Entry into the ADF and Medical Process for Entry into the ADF.
Period of Service
Qualified
The Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) for qualified entry to the AABC is four years. Subsequent periods of service
may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You may request discharge
at any time provided you have completed your IMPS obligation.
Your Careers Counsellor can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
All candidates who are appointed or enlisted into the Army Reserve may undertake volunteer service until the
age of 65 (Compulsory Retiring Age) subject to the requirements of the Army and suitability for further service.
Members may transfer out of the Active Reserve at any time.
Additional Requirements
Qualified
Audition Requirements
Applicants will be assessed at an audition with an AABC Employment Category Testing Officer to ensure the applicant meets
the minimum standard required for entry to AABC Bands.
Although there are no formal musical qualifications required to enter the AABC, all applicants must be able to read music
fluently and perform on their instrument to a high standard.
The standard of performance at the audition will determine the avenue of entry to Qualified Entry 1,2 or 3.
The audition process is made up of a number of stages. These stages are:
• An interview with the Music Director of your local band • The individual performance recital, where you will be required to perform a recital, sight reading and common band
excerpts,
• An ensemble rehearsal audition, where you will rehearse with smaller groups within the band, including your instrumental
section or group, jazz group of varying sizes or rock band, and
Further Information The Australian Army Band Corps Guide to Audition and Recitals has been published by the Defence Force School of Music,
and is an invaluable source of information on all aspects of the audition process. It is essential that applicants contact HQ
Australian Army Band on 02 6265 2928 to discuss their interest or email [email protected] Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Audition Requirements
Applicants will be assessed at an audition with an AABC Employment Category Testing Officer. The standard of
performance at the audition will determine the avenue of entry as:
• Qualified Entry 1,2, or 3 for a Reserve Band; or
• Qualified Entry 1, 2 or 3 for a Reservist in an ARA Band.
The audition requirements for a Reserve Band or Reservist in an ARA Band are the same as ARA full-time. Please refer to
the full-time information above.
Military Training
Qualified
All General Entry recruits into the Australian Regular Army are required to complete the Recruit Course.
Total Duration: 80 days.
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the 80 day Army Recruit Course you will be
required to take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, first aid, drill and field craft. The training is
deliberately challenging and has been designed to prepare you to be a soldier in today's Army. Recruits gain a sense
of achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud
of what they have achieved.
For more details on recruit training, refer to the Joining instructions. These instructions will provide you and your
family with enough information to arrange your personal affairs before enlistment in the Army, and give you an idea
of what you will be doing on the recruit course.
Further information is also available at the Army Recruit Training Centre website.
During Military (Initial Recruit) Training and (Initial) Employment Training, members may be required to pay a
contribution towards meals, accommodation and utilities.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
All General Entry recruits into the Australian Army Reserve are required to complete the Recruit Course.
Duration: 35 days continuous
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
Recruit training is the same for male and female entrants. During the Reserve Recruit Training Course you will be required
to take part in physical training, weapon handling and shooting, drill, first aid, navigation and field craft. The training is
deliberately challenging and has been designed to prepare you to be a soldier in today's Army. Recruits gain a sense of
achievement, purpose and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what
they have achieved. For more information on the content of Recruit Training refer to the Joining Instructions.
Further information is also available at the Army Recruit Training Centre website.
Note: You should be aware that you must commence recruit training within 6 months of enlistment.
Employment Training
Qualified
Following recruit training, qualified entry applicants attend an Initial Employment Training (IET) course for approximately
seven weeks at the Defence Force School of Music (DFSM) located at Watsonia in Melbourne.
Musicians will learn specific skills required of military musicians. This includes identification of marching band signals,
marching band performance, familiarity of ceremonial music and an introduction to the history and mission of the Australian
Army Band Corps as well as general theory and musicianship skills.
Further Training
Qualified
You will graduate from recruit training with the rank of Musician (Private) and could progress to Lance Corporal within two
years following completion of all IET. Further promotion to Corporal (Section Leader), Sergeant (Group Leader) and
Warrant Officer (Band Manager) is based on performance, time in rank and vacancies, and will require the successful
completion of courses in advanced music studies.
Commissioned band officers are selected from within the bands with a minimum rank of Sergeant required before selection.
All members of the AABC have the opportunity to career advance from Musician (Private Soldier) to commissioned officer
ranks within the Australian Army Band Corps. Band officers are trained at the Defence Force School of Music.
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
You will graduate from recruit training with the rank of Musician (Private) and could progress to Lance Corporal within two
years of completing On Job training. Further promotion to Corporal, Sergeant and Warrant Officer is based on performance,
time in rank and vacancies, and will require the successful completion of courses in advanced music studies. These
promotion courses are mostly conducted utilising Distance Education and Training principles.
Corporals are referred to as Non-Commissioned Officers, or NCOs, while Sergeants are called Senior Non-Commissioned
Officers (SNCOs). Warrant Officer Class 1 is the most senior soldier rank. A Corporal will normally have some responsibility
for the supervision of junior staff and this progressively increases on promotion to Sergeant. A Warrant Officer normally has
a substantial personnel management role.
Employment Location
Qualified
Postings as a permanent Army Musician can be to any of the following locations:
• QLD - Townsville, Brisbane
• ACT - Canberra
• NSW - Sydney, Wagga Wagga
Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Employment opportunities within AAB Reserve Bands are available in the following locations:
• NSW - Newcastle
• SA - Adelaide
• WA - Perth
• NT - Darwin
• TAS - Hobart
• VIC - Melbourne
Employment opportunities also exist within full time Army Bands on part-time service in the following locations:
• QLD - Townsville, Brisbane
• NSW - Sydney, Wagga Wagga
• ACT - Canberra
In addition, opportunities exist within Reserve Units in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide where bands contribute
to their Unit's 'esprit de corps'. These unit bands also perform within their local communities.
National Qualifications
Qualified, Other Ranks (Non Technical) (Reserve)
Civil accreditation is currently under review for all Army training.
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