Royal Air Force Northolt, West End Road, Ruislip, HA4 6NG, UK

Programs

The training program consists of five sequential modules leading from basic rank and file musician to upper levels of leadership. Courses include band ceremonial drill, studies in harmony, wind band orchestration, instrumental technique and aural perception, music history and form, composition, bandmaster training, bandmaster ceremonial drill. Selected candidates may achieve the LRSM Diploma in Military Bandsmanship.

Royal Air Force Music Services consists of the Headquarters Music Services and four other Bands, each having their own ensembles of various sizes - the Central Band of the Royal Air Force, the Band of the Royal Air Force College, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, the Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra and the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Each band comprises many smaller groups, such as dance bands, chamber groups, woodwind and brass ensembles, jazz ensembles and the like. Headquarters Music Services provides courses of training to accommodate all musical and ceremonial requirements to properly prepare and qualify personnel for employment and leadership in the Royal Air Force. Musicians generally enter the Royal Air Force Music Services at a post-graduate level from college of music or universities. The minimum entrance level remains at Grade 8 of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. Pre-employment qualifications are assessed against the current training standards, and exemptions from various elements of the modular courses are granted accordingly. Players sign up for a minimum contract for nine years. There is an upper age limit of 39 years.

September 2022