Apply to be a Canadian Armed Forces musician

If you are a Canadian citizen with professional music skills we encourage you to join the Music Branch of the Canadian Armed Forces. We announce periodic competitions, typically 3 times per year, in recruiting centres.

The minimum musical standard for the Canadian Forces Band Branch is Regular Force Qualification Level 6A or the civilian equivalent (experienced professional musician). Defence Administrative Orders and Directives (DAOD) also applies.

You can apply for:

• a full time position in the Regular Force
• a part-time position in the Primary Reserve Force

If you are already enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces, inform your chain of command before applying.

Full–time Regular Force positions

We process applications for each instrument only when you see it "open"on this list of open Music Branch positions.

Applying for a full-time position in the Regular Force part of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Music Branch is a 3-phase process:

• Phase I Submit an audio recording and supporting documents
• Phase II Live audition
• Phase III Join the Canadian Armed Forces

Part–time Reserve Force positions

If you are already enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces

Inform your chain of command that you intend to apply for a Regular Force musician position. Then submit a Phase I audition recording.

If you are selected to participate in a Phase II “Live Audition”, your home unit will take care of:

• the component transfer (CT), if you are now a Reserve Force musician
• the occupational transfer (OT), if you are now a CAF military personnel, but not enrolled as a musician

This includes your travel arrangements and travel claim to attend the audition competition.

Questions about auditions

All CAF Music Branch audition questions should be directed to the DHH - Music:

1-866-991-0422

Ask us a question about CAF Music branch.

Questions about recruitment

For more information about joining the Canadian Armed forces and learning about the military component of the Music branch, questions can be directed to the recruitment department.