Application Guide

How to Apply for Military Band Positions

A complete step-by-step guide to becoming a military musician. From first contact with a recruiter to reporting to your band.

Basic Requirements

Age	17–34 (varies by branch)	Army: 17-34, Navy: 17-39, Air Force: 17-39, Marines: 17-28
Citizenship	U.S. citizen or permanent resident	Some branches require citizenship
Education	High school diploma or GED	College degree preferred but not required
ASVAB Score	GT score of 100+ (typically)	Varies by branch and MOS
Physical Fitness	Meet branch-specific standards	Running, push-ups, sit-ups baseline
Musical Ability	Professional-level performance	Audition required for all positions

Step-by-Step Application Process

The entire process from first contact to reporting typically takes 3–12 months.

Research your target branch

Each branch has different bands, locations, and cultures. Army has the most bands (~100), Navy and Air Force have regional bands worldwide, Marines have the most competitive auditions, and Coast Guard has one premier band.

Research which branch appeals to your lifestyle goals
Consider location preferences — some bands are fixed, others deploy
Talk to current or former military musicians if possible

Contact a recruiter

Reach out to a military recruiter and specifically express interest in a musician MOS (Military Occupational Specialty). For Army, this is 42R (Army Musician). For other branches, your recruiter can direct you to the appropriate music program.

Tell the recruiter immediately that you want to be a musician
Ask about upcoming audition dates and locations
Request the specific requirements for your instrument

Prepare your audition

Military band auditions are serious, professional-level auditions. You will typically prepare orchestral excerpts, scales, and sight-reading. Some branches also require jazz or popular music repertoire.

Request the official audition requirements from your recruiter or the band directly
Prepare at least 2-3 contrasting solo excerpts
Practice sight-reading daily — this is often the deciding factor
Be ready for scales (all major and minor, full range)
Some auditions include jazz standards or popular music

Complete entrance requirements

Before or alongside your audition, you will need to complete military entrance processing. This includes the ASVAB test, a physical examination at MEPS, and background screening.

ASVAB: Musicians need a minimum General Technical (GT) score — typically 100+
Physical: Standard military medical and fitness screening
Background check: A clean criminal record is generally required
Drug screening: Zero tolerance policy

Attend Basic Training

After passing your audition and entrance processing, you will attend Basic Combat Training (BCT) or equivalent boot camp for your branch. This is typically 8-12 weeks of physical training, military skills, and discipline.

Start a fitness program 3-6 months before basic training
Running, push-ups, and sit-ups are the key exercises
You will not play your instrument during basic training
Mental resilience matters as much as physical fitness

Complete Advanced Training

After basic training, you will attend the Armed Forces School of Music (Army and Navy) in Virginia Beach, VA, or equivalent training for your branch. This is where you refine your military music skills.

The Armed Forces School of Music is shared by Army, Navy, and Marines
Air Force has its own music training program
Training covers marching, ceremonial music, and ensemble performance
Typical duration: 6-24 weeks depending on branch and specialty

Report to your band

After completing all training, you will receive your assignment and report to your permanent duty station. Military musicians typically serve a 4-year initial enlistment and can re-enlist for career continuation.

You may get to submit a preference for duty station
Assignments are based on the needs of the military
Many musicians make a 20+ year career of military music

Audition Preparation Tips

Start early

Begin preparing at least 3-6 months before your audition date.

Record yourself

Recording reveals issues you might not hear in real-time practice.

Mock auditions

Perform for friends, teachers, or colleagues under audition conditions.

Physical prep

Start a fitness program early. Basic training is physically demanding.

Sight-reading

Practice daily with unfamiliar music. This often makes or breaks auditions.

Know the branch

Research the specific band and its repertoire. Show genuine interest.

Typical Timeline

Recruiter contact

Day 1

ASVAB & MEPS

1–4 weeks

Audition

2–8 weeks

Enlistment

After acceptance

Basic Training

8–12 weeks

Music School

6–24 weeks

Report to band

~6–12 months total

Serve your country through music

Browse current openings and find the right fit for your instrument and career goals.

Browse Military Openings Pay & Benefits Instruments by Branch

Cadenza is an independent platform and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense or any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. All military branch names, logos, and insignia are the property of their respective owners. Information on this page is provided for career exploration purposes only. For official military music career information, visit goarmy.com or your branch's official recruiting website.