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CAREER

Joining the ranks of the nation's musical elite, a career as a military musician encompasses being ambassadors of the nation in an organisation at the forefront of diplomacy. Expect opportunities to perform for the President, as well as other foreign dignitaries at Welcome Ceremonies and other State functions.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Career Opportunities
Musician

Every new musician will attend the Basic Military Musician Course to be equipped with the necessary skills to perform his duties. The organisation coaches its musicians towards an all-rounded sense of musical excellence with practical tuitions, music theory classes and aural skills training. The coveted military musician badge is only awarded to a serviceman after a series of stringent assessments, symbolising the entry into the ranks of the Singapore Armed Forces Band.

In an effort to further groom our military musicians, the SAF Band has an Individual Development Programme which provides many self-upgrading opportunities. These include practical and theory tuition from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as well as professors from local music institutions.

Furthermore, examination fees with recognised music boards are also fully sponsored. These boards include the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) and Trinity College of Music.

Career Opportunities
Principal Musician

Musicians who exhibit exceptional leadership qualities may be offered the appointment of a Principal Musician. Principal Musicians are tasked to oversee the overall musical standard and parade readiness of their respective sections. A Principal Musician will also work closely with the Band Major to ensure that all training and administrative matters within the section run smoothly.

Drum Major
Drum Major

All eyes will be on the Drum Major as he leads the band on parade. Only musicians who display exemplary conduct, personal turnout and drills will be selected for the Drum Major Course. The Drum Major is responsible to train and ensure that his musicians carry out high standards of drill when they are on parade. A Drum Major also needs to work closely with the Band Major and Director of Music to coordinate administrative matters with regards to parade.

Apart from parades and ceremonies, further opportunities await on the international stage during overseas military music festivals, where the Drum Major will be able to showcase his mace techniques with precision and style.

Drum Major
Band Major
Band Major

A Band Major holds the rank of ME3, and serves as deputy to the Director of Music. A Band Major is very knowledgeable and holds decades of experience under his belt. This vast experience is necessary to provide advice on parade proceedings, to ensure that our military customs and traditions are all kept intact.

The Band Major is also in-charge of discipline and all administrative matters within the band. On parade, the Band Major works closely with the other Sergeant Majors to coordinate parade rehearsals such that they may be conducted effectively.

Band Major
Director of Music

A Director of Music is a commissioned officer of the Singapore Armed Forces and holds a minimum rank of ME4. They take on heavy responsibilities as commanders-in-charge of a band.

The Director of Music works with the band during rehearsal to provide musical direction, ensuring that his band delivers quality music.

Due to the demanding nature of their work, selection for a new Director of Music is only from its current pool of servicemen. Candidates will be subjected to a battery of auditions and an interview. Only the best candidate will be awarded a full scholarship to attend the Bandmasters’ Course.

The Bandmasters’ Course is held overseas at renowned military music institutions such as the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, London, and the Royal Marines School of Music, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.

RECRUITMENT

SAF BAND

Salary

SAF military musicians receive a competitive salary; refer to the Army Recruitment website for more details.

Learn More

Eligibility / Music Requirements

While no specific level of music education is required, most military musicians hold diploma and degree qualifications from recognised music institutions. Applicants are required to pass a stringent audition and interview process in order to be selected.

Requirements

BENEFITS

SAF BAND

In addition to a competitive salary and attractive gratuity, a career as an SAF military musician comes with exciting benefits which includes:

Medical leave - 14 days sick leave and 60 days hospitalisation leave

Maternity leave - 16 weeks (for servicewoman)

Paternity leave - Married serviceman may be granted full-pay unrecorded leave of three days each on the birth of the first three children

Annual leave - 14 (‘O’ level) / 18 (Diploma) days

Subsidised medical and dental care

Subsidised rates for holiday bungalows (both local and overseas)

SAF Group Insurance Scheme with coverage of up to $300,000

ELIGIBLE INSTRUMENTS

Eligibility Requirement
Woodwind

Flute; Clarinet; Oboe; Bassoon; Saxophone

Brass

Trumpet/Cornet; Trombone; French Horn; Euphonium; Tuba

Percussion

Concert Percussion (including Tuned Percussion & Drum Kit); Timpani

String

Double Bass; Harp Electric Guitar; Electric Bass Guitar

Keyboard

Piano; Keyboard

ONLINE APPLICATION

Please contact us for any enquires.