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Army

Musician

Travel the world and become a key figure in the highly respected New Zealand Army Band as you perform at events and ceremonies within New Zealand and around the world.

Mō te tūranga

About the role

  • Specialisations

    Education & Support roles | Hospitality

  • Entry type

    General entry

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Location

    Burnham

The primary role of the New Zealand Army Band is to perform at military and state occasions and fulfil its role as the New Zealand Army's foremost public relations unit.

Through its superb musicianship the band encapsulates the high professional standards of the Army in every aspect of its performances. Internationally, the New Zealand Army Band has gained recognition as one of the finest marching bands in the world.

To be a successful applicant, you will need to undertake an audition and display a professional level of musical expertise.

Requirements

Basics

  • Must be 18 years old by the time you graduate from recruit course.
  • Eligible to meet national security clearance criteria, as stipulated by the Government's Protective Security Requirements.
  • You should have previous musical experience. You will need to pass an interview and an audition.

Education

You must have achieved the NCEA level 1 Literacy and Numeracy requirements. Proficiency with instruments is the main criteria. A tertiary qualification is desirable.

Find out more about the NCEA levels and certificate requirements

Citizenship

There are strict citizenship and security requirements to gain the required CV security clearance for this trade.
Find out if you’re eligible here.

Period of Service

There may be a return of service period for this trade.

Please contact our 0800 number or talk to your Candidate Experience Facilitator for more information.

We offer guidance on entry requirements in our eligibility section. Apply if you're uncertain, as we’ll work through the criteria with you to determine if you can proceed.

  • Job on base

    The band is a brass band supplemented with a rhythm section, which adds to its versatility. Within the band there are many different groups, including:

    SWING BAND Performing Big Band charts ranging from Glen Miller to modern jazz.

    BRASS BAND Performing diverse styles of music scored for brass bands.

    MARCHING BAND Playing for military occasions and performing marching displays for various events.

    DANCE BAND Performing a wide range of music, from classic rock to the latest hits.

    BRASS QUINTET Performing a wide variety of styles from classical to jazz.

  • Job on deployment

    International performances will bring opportunities to travel to other countries. In the past the band has travelled to England, Scotland, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, China and the United States of America.

Career progression and training

01Basic Training

02Job Training

03Ongoing Training

04Career Progression

Benefits & allowances

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include:

  • Access to your Service marae or tūrangawaewae
  • Sponsored tertiary study programmes at all levels
  • Free access to gyms and swimming pools on camp and bases
  • Opportunities to travel
  • Free and subsidised medical and dental care
  • Subsidised food and accommodation on camps and bases
  • Free and subsidised insurance cover
  • Help to buy a home and save for retirement

Salary & benefits

Careers in the Army are well-rewarded, diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, your salary will rise accordingly.

  • Under training

    $68,103

  • Future potential earnings

    $98,000

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Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Medical & Fitness
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The application process

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Application process
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Ready to start your Army career?

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Tūranga whaipānga

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