Musician

What will you do?

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

Current vacancies are cello, piano, flute, violin, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, cornet, tenor trombone, euphonium, tuba, double bass, bass guitar and percussion. Requirements Be aged 17.5 – 47 years old (Must attest before 48th birthday)  Be a citizen of the UK, Republic of Ireland or a Commonwealth citizen (with ‘right to work’ immigration status) since birth Commit to a minimum 3 years after specialist training Pass a fitness test  Minimum education requirements Perform to a minimum Grade 8 standard as defined by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music or equivalent Current vacancies are: cello, piano, flute, violin, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, french horn, cornet, tenor trombone, euphonium, tuba, double bass, bass guitar and percussion. Other instruments may be considered on a case by case basis. Requirements Be aged 18-54 Applicants must apply no later than age 54 and 9 months in order to attest before 55th birthday Ex-Regulars and specialist entrants may be considered on a case by case basis You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth Citizen (with indefinite leave to remain immigration status) since birth Commit 27 days per year for 12 years minimum Meet the health and fitness criteria  Pass a Reserve role locations Reserve roles exist in specific reserve squadrons, which in turn are located at specific RAF bases. As you will not be resident at those bases (except on multi-day operations or exercises), geographic proximity to where you live is important. These are the bases where this role is active: Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Cranwell, Lincolnshire Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force, RAF Northolt, Middlesex CAREER, TRAINING & 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. 10 weeks RAF Halton Phase one training

The course is designed to help you adjust to a military environment. As well as fitness and military training, you’ll also learn about the RAF lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training 18 Months As assigned Following Basic Recruit Training, you will be posted to one of the Regular Bands. 18 Months As assigned Phase two training

The Central Band of the RAF or the Band of the RAF Regiment at RAF Northolt, or the Band of the RAF College at RAF College Cranwell. The RAF Salon Orchestra is also based at RAF Northolt.

Your posting will depend on instrumental vacancies, with the initial length of your first tour being a minimum of 18 months (this may vary due to operational requirements).

‘On the Job Training’ will commence once you have arrived at your band. This training will last a maximum of twelve weeks, with musicians completing studies on their primary instrument and band drill.

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. Ongoing As assigned Additional qualifications

RAF Music offers a Training and Development Course (TDC) which offers studies in instrumental performance, harmony, orchestration, history and conducting with well-respected specialists in each field working towards gaining the following diplomas:

DipABRSM in performance LTCL in performance DipABRSM in music direction LRSM in music direction 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. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing training

This could include academic study such as courses in management and leadership or adventurous sports training, allowing you to participate in sports like skiing, sailing and mountaineering with the possibility of becoming a qualified instructor in a sport of your choice.

05 Career progression Ongoing development Ongoing As assigned You will begin your career in a Regular Band as an Air Specialist (Class 1). Ongoing As assigned Career progression

From there you will be considered for promotion up to the rank of Warrant Officer after gaining the relevant qualifications through the CPD scheme. Personnel deemed suitable and qualified may elect to undertake selection for commission as a Director of Music.

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. Ongoing As assigned Transferable skills

Upon leaving the Service, many RAF Musicians become performers or teachers. Progression through the ranks will increase your leadership and management skills and you'll have the opportunity to transfer these skills to civilian qualifications.

prevnext CAREER, TRAINING & 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 23 days (split) RAF Halton Your first steps with us will be your Basic Recruit Training Course (BRTC). 23 days (split) RAF Halton Phase one training

This will take place over 4 weekends at your chosen RAF Reserves Squadron, followed by a 15-day residential training course at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. This should be completed within your first year in RAF reserves.

Throughout your training you’ll become prepared for service life in one of the most respected military forces in the world. As well as military training you’ll learn about the core values, code of conduct, and history of the RAF as well as its unique lifestyle.

02 Phase two training Specialist training Ongoing As assigned After successfully completing initial training, you will be trained for your specific role in the RAF either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK. Ongoing As assigned Phase two training

You’ll now be trained for your specific role with us, either at your squadron or another RAF station in the UK.

03 Commitment Your commitment to us 27 days As assigned We ask that you commit to a minimum of 27 days each year with us. 27 days As assigned Commitment

This will mean you can get the most out of your role as a Reserve and provide value to us.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises. You could also be deployed to a UK or overseas base for up to 6 months after your first year with us.

04 Ongoing development Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned You will have valuable personal development opportunities together with the chance to work around the world, gaining unique experiences in the process. Ongoing As assigned Ongoing development

As well as RAF training packages and courses linked to outside professional bodies, we actively support individual study programmes at every level.

05 Transferrable skills Ongoing training Ongoing As assigned Much of our in-house training is accredited or recognised by external awarding bodies. Ongoing As assigned Transferrable skills

The skills you learn with us as a Reserve will complement those that you use in the wider world, providing value at work and at home too.

prevnext WHY JOIN THE RAF ?

Thanks to subsidised food, travel, accommodation and free gym you get more money in your pocket.

Rent from £75p/m Free gym Subsidised food Health care World travel Training WHY JOIN THE RESERVES

The skills you acquire as a Reserve won’t just prepare you for the RAF, they will enhance your work and civilian life.

You might be called up to assist with our operations worldwide for up to six months, during which you may be able to claim a pay award to cover your and your employer’s costs.

Training Free gym Subsidised food Paid pension Paid holiday WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Aptitude test 2 Selection Interviews 3 Health Assessment 4 Fitness Test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Aptitude test Stage 1 of 6

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 accurately

Click to try the online practice test.

2 Selection Interviews Stage 2 of 6

Here’s where we get to know you a little better. You’ll get to showcase your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining us. Your interview will take place at a local AFCO and cover the following topics:

Family life Education Work experience Special interests and hobbies Interest in the RAF Training The role you’ve applied for The RAF

You’ll be asked a series of standard questions, and you’ll be able to ask your own questions during the debrief afterwards. Some roles require a second interview and/ or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a 1-3 day period at an RAF base where you’ll be able to see, and experience, the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3 Health Assessment Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4 Fitness Test Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFC). This will take place at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6

Once you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process you’ll be invited to a provisional offer of service interview at your nearest AFCO.

This is to ensure that you understand the terms and conditions of service in the RAF, are fully committed to joining, and prepared to commence training.

6 Training Stage 6 of 6

This takes place over 10 weeks at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire. It will make you fitter and more confident. It will challenge you mentally and physically, and it will prepare you for your career with us. There are 6 phases:

Arrival - You’ll be sworn into the RAF and be given a service number General Service training - You’ll learn about marching, drills, core values and our code of conduct Initial Force Protection training - Fighting and survival in a military environment Exercise Blue Warrior - 4 days in the field with real battle conditions Force development training - Apply your skills in new environments with adventurous training activities Graduation - Learn about what’s required in your first post and display your new skills

What next?
Now you’re a fully-fledged member of the RAF you can receive role specific training.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER APPLYING Joining the RAF as a Reserve takes several steps. Below is an overview of the process. The purpose of this process is for us to gauge whether you’re the right person for the RAF and for you to show us all of your skills and experiences that have made you who you are. 1 Squadron information event 2 Selection interview 3 Health assessment 4 Fitness test 5 Acceptance 6 Training 1 Squadron information event Stage 1 of 6

The first step in the application process invites you to attend a Squadron Information Event, this could be either in person or online. At this event there is an opportunity for you to speak to the squadron of your choice and ask questions. You will get to find out what life is like in the RAF Reserves and learn more about the specialisation you are interested in.

2 Selection interview Stage 2 of 6

Selection interviews help us get to know you a little better. You’ll get to show your skills and experience, and we’ll answer any questions you have about joining the RAF.

Your interview will cover the following topics:

Education Employment Interest and motivation for joining the RAF Reserves Military awareness and Service Knowledge

You will be asked a series of standard questions during the interview, and be able to ask your own questions during the debrief that takes place afterwards.

Some roles also require a second interview and/or test to determine your suitability. These are normally conducted over a one to three day period at an RAF base where you can see and experience the kind of environment you’ll be working in. Details about which interviews are relevant for you will be provided during the application process.

3 Health assessment Stage 3 of 6

You’re legally required to meet certain medical standards, and must pass an occupational health assessment to show you’re fit for military duty. As part of this assessment we will check your overall health, focusing on areas like hearing, eyesight and body mass index.

We’ll also investigate any past illnesses and screen for health issues that may prevent you from carrying out your role. Please refer to entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet.

4 Fitness test Stage 4 of 6

A good level of fitness is critical to joining the RAF, it’s also something that must be maintained throughout your career. You’ll need to complete a Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT). This will take place at at a local gym, and includes a 2.4km run, push up test and a sit-up test.

The performance level you’ll need to meet differs by age and gender. Please refer to the entry requirements below for more information about the health standards you’ll need to meet. You can also find help, and a training plan, to assist you in your preparation .

5 Acceptance Stage 5 of 6

If you’ve successfully completed each phase of the application process, you will be invited to attest into the RAF Reserves at your chosen Squadron.

6 Training Stage 6 of 6

Basic Recruit Training

Basic recruit training takes place at RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire over a 15-day period. This residential course includes an introduction to life in the RAF Reserves, military skills training, drills, field training, and team-building exercises.

What’s next?

After basic recruit training, you will go on to receive role specific training in your spare time.

COMMITMENT AND LOCATION

You will have to commit to 27 days per year.

Each year includes a 15-day block for general RAF training, and 12 separate days for extra training or exercises.

Should a PTVR Musician be mobilised within the UK they may be employed to deliver the full spectrum of functions as performed by RAF Regular Bands.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Must be aged 17.5–47 (Must attest before 48th birthday).

Applicants must also readall ofthe sections below and make sure they meet all entry requirements beforesubmittingan application.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

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

NATIONALITY & RESIDENCY

NATIONALITY
You must be a citizen of the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland, holder of dual UK/other nationality or have been a Commonwealth citizen since birth (with ‘right to work’ immigration status).

RESIDENCY
Whether or not you were born in the United Kingdom, you should have resided there for the 5 years immediately preceding your application, but candidates with a minimum of 3 years may be considered.

If you have resided abroad for a period due to work or study, you may still be eligible on a case by case basis. Please continue this registration and proceed to your full application.

FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

You must be physically fit to complete both initial and specialist training, and to do your role effectively.

As part of the application process you will need to do the Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT), which takes place at a fitness centre local to you.

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