Musician

at  Royal Air Force

& EDUCATION

At any level or position your personal success is vital to make us succeed too. We are dedicated to your future, as it is essential to ours. You will receive basic and specialist training in your field and we even provide the option to pay for your education. The experience you gain with the RAF will equip you to work at the top of your field, both in the UK and overseas.
01
Phase one training
Basic Recruit Training
10 weeks
RAF Halton
Your career will start with Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC) at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire.
Read more
02
Phase two training
Specialist training
18 Months
As assigned
Following Basic Recruit Training, you will be posted to one of the Regular Bands.
Read more
03
Additional qualifications
Ongoing training
Ongoing
As assigned
RAF musicians are often highly skilled in a variety of musical areas and promotion training courses recognise existing qualifications with targeted training to suit each individual.
Read more
04
Ongoing training
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As well as the chances to develop your musical skills, there are countless opportunities to develop other skills through the Training and Development Section at your RAF unit.
Read more
05
Career progression
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
You will begin your career in a Regular Band as an Air Specialist (Class 1).
Read more
06
Transferable skills
Ongoing development
Ongoing
As assigned
As a musician in the RAF you will have many personal development opportunities and the chance to gain unique experiences whilst working around the world.
Read more

REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 17.5–47 (Must attest before 48th birthday).
Applicants must also read all of the sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements before submitting an application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Perform to a minimum Grade 8 standard as defined by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or equivalent.

DISQUALIFYING FACTORS

If you don’t have any of the above, you might still be able to apply. For more information please contact us.

You are joining an organisation with musicians that have a worldwide reputation as being second to none. You could be called upon to perform for royalty and politicians at State occasions while also providing music support for the RAF, Ministry of Defence and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. In your role you will:

• Perform at top and most prestigious concert venues, national events and royal engagements
• Play a varied repertoire from symphonic wind band, to big band, to small ensemble and chamber music
• Provide music support for the RAF - state ceremonial, international defence engagement and major concert tours of the U

The aptitude test has been designed to ensure you’re a good fit for the role you’re applying for. You’ll answer seven multiple choice sections which each focus on a different skill:

• Verbal reasoning - use and interpretation of written information
• Numerical reasoning - ability with basic fractions, decimals and formulae
• Work rate - speed and accuracy of tasks
• Spatial reasoning - how shapes and objects work
• Electrical comprehension - working with electrical concepts
• Mechanical comprehension - grasp of mechanical concepts
• Memory - Ability to remember information accuratel