You will provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc. Military Musicians, by means of public performances, provide an important public relations vehicle for the Canadian Forces.

Military Musicians (MUSCN) provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc. They also perform at government functions such as the opening of Parliament. Military Musicians, by means of public performances, provide an important public relations vehicle for the Canadian Forces.

• Provide musical support for official military and government functions
• Perform as instrumentalists and/or conductors in various musical ensembles such as concert bands, parade bands, dance bands and small chamber groups.

Read about the Ceremonial Guard's 25 years of music and the Fortissimo annual music festival.

Since the closure of the Canadian Forces School of Music in 1994, the Canadian Forces have been enrolling skilled musicians only. Competitions are held periodically for available positions in the six Regular Force bands. In the past, successful applicants have typically been experienced, professional musicians, many of them having a degree in Music Performance. This remains the standard expected of applicants today. Musicians must be multi-talented performers with experience in several musical styles, and must be able to adapt to all types of performance situations and to diverse audiences. Musicians must have a good memory and learning ability as well as superior manual dexterity and spatial perception. They must also be able to perform detailed, repetitive tasks and work well with others.

This military occupation offers many unique opportunities for qualified professional musicians. Excellent musical training or experience is provided in the six professional Canadian Forces bands. In addition, military Musicians enjoy many exciting travel experiences.

The following is a list of the Regular Force bands:

• The Stadacona Band of the Maritime Forces Atlantic, Halifax, Nova Scotia
• The Naden Band of the Maritime Forces Pacific, Victoria, British Columbia
• The Royal Canadian Artillery Band, Edmonton, Alberta
• The Royal 22e Régiment Band, Courcelette, Quebec
• The Central Band of the Canadian Forces, Ottawa, Ontario
• The Air Command Band, Winnipeg, Manitoba

Advanced Military Occupation Training and Specialty Training Personnel

who demonstrate the required ability and ambition will undertake advanced military occupation training through formal courses or on-the-job training as they progress in their careers. Specialty training may also be available. Below are examples of training related to this military occupation.

Advanced Training Course

• Conducting/Scoring (Assistant Director of Music)

Specialty Training Course

• Voluntary Band Instructor

While on duty with a Regular Force band, personnel could find themselves in a wide variety of performing environments and venues, from performances in concert halls to providing musical support at ceremonial parades, all of which are integral parts of the military Musician’s life. Band schedules are very hectic with frequent travel and varying periods of time away from home and family. Loading, unloading, and setting up and taking down of equipment for performances becomes a strenuous part of the schedule. As highly visible representatives of the Canadian Forces, Musicians must be aware of the need for exemplary dress, behaviour, and overall professionalism. Appropriate training, environmental clothing and equipment are provided, and Musicians’ health, safety and morale are closely monitored.