Apply to be a Canadian Forces Musician
These are the steps to pursue a career as a musician in the Canadian military.
How to apply
If you are a Canadian citizen with professional music skills we encourage you to join our Music Branch.
For Civilians applying to:
- Regular Force (full-time) or
- Reserve Force (part-time)
For Canadian military applying to:
- Regular Force musician occupation (for Reg F and Res F) or
- Reserve Force musician part-time bands
Civilians applying to the Regular Force
Regular Force musicians are selected nationally by a competitive two-step audition process prior to enlisting. Your audio recording, live audition and military potential score must be successful before you are recruited into the Canadian Armed Forces.
Audition process
- step 1 - how to submit your audio recording and documents
If you are selected to participate in a live audition:
- step 2 - choose your instrument for specific audition requirements
You should expect the live audition to last one full work day. All travelling arrangements and expenses will be covered.
Enlistment process
If your audition is successful you can proceed with the recruitment process:
- step 3 - Join the Canadian Armed Forces
Final selection process
We will contact you with the results of your live audition.
The decision to recruit you as a musician is based on:
- the results of your audition
- your military potential score
- the current instrumentation requirements
If your application is successful
The recruiting center will contact you to:
- offer you employment if a position is available immediately or
- let you know that your name is on a waiting list for a maximum of two years
If your application is not successful
If the application does not meet the required standard your file will be closed. You will not be eligible to join the Canadian Armed Forces as a musician.
Civilians applying to the Reserve Force (part-time) bands
Musicians apply to a local band prior to enlisting
You need to express interest in a band and the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician of that band will inform you if they have a requirement to fill a position.
- step 1 - contact a local band to inquire about a vacant position
Audition requirements
If the band has an opening they will inform you of their specific audition requirements so you can apply for the position.
Audition process
Follow the band’s instructions to audition:
- step 2 - submit your audio recording and documents to the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician of your chosen band
The band will contact you with your results:
If your audition is successful and you meet the required standard, you can proceed with the recruitment process:
- step 3 - Join the Reserves
- step 4 - you will be offered employment as a Reserve Force musician
If the application does not meet the required standard your file will be closed.
Regular Force and Reserve Force Personnel
This section is for the Regular Force and Reserve Force personnel applying to the Regular Force musician occupation.
Regular Force Musician and Pipes and Drums
Our Regular Force musicians are selected nationally by a competitive two-step audition process. Your audio recording and live audition must be successful before you can transfer to the Regular Force musician occupation.
Audition process (Reg F and Res F personnel)
- step 1 - how to submit your audio recording and documents
If you are selected to participate in a live audition:
- step 2 - choose your instrument for specific audition requirements
Your home unit will take care of your travel arrangements and travel claim to attend the audition competition.
Regular Force Transfer process (Reg F)
If your audition is successful you can proceed with the Occupational Transfer process:
- step 3 – apply for an Occupational Transfer
Contact your orderly room for the local Personnel Selection Office guidelines for your Occupational Transfer (OT).
You will receive an offer when a position becomes available.
Reserve Force Transfer process (Res F)
If your audition is successful you can proceed with the Component Transfer process to the Regular Force:
- step 3 – submit an online application for a Component Transfer
The Component Transfer Broker will:
- complete the selection process once they receive your Component Transfer (CT)
- make you an offer when a position becomes available
Reserve Force personnel applying to (part-time) bands
Reserve Force Musicians and Pipes and Drums
You need to express interest in a band and the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician of that band will inform you if they have a requirement to fill a position.
- step 1 - contact your local unit band to inquire about a vacant position
Audition requirements
If the band has an opening they will inform you of their specific audition requirements so you can apply for the position.
Audition process
Follow the band’s instructions to audition:
- step 2 - submit your audio recording and documents to the Director of Music / Senior Pipe Band Musician of your chosen band
The band will contact you with your results:
If your audition is successful and you meet the required standard, they will offer you employment as a Reserve Force musician.
If the application does not meet the required standard your file will be closed.
Ask the music branch a question
Submit your audition questions by using our online form.
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