Navy fleet bands only hire about 35 musicians annually in order to maintain healthy manning levels. The musical quality is very high, and the majority of successful applicants have a college degree in music. Although this is not a requirement, it highlights the musical level required for acceptance.
There is no pre-determined audition timeline so each audition is scheduled based on the applicant’s schedule and the availability of a Navy band. Applicants have the opportunity to audition at any one of our 11 Navy bands.
Note: Auditions for our two preferentially-staffed bands are held only as vacancies occur.
Applicants will need to contact their local Navy recruiter for an initial screening interview to ensure basic eligibility requirements are met (age, weight, medical, legal). Applicants are NOT required to complete the full physical before their audition.
Following recruit training (also known as boot camp), applicants approved for enlistment in the fleet bands as a musician attend the Naval School of Music, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The 21-week basic course of instruction includes classes in theory, ear training, private instrumental instruction and ensemble rehearsals. Students have the opportunity to test out of the course and graduate early. After graduation, Navy musicians are assigned to one of nine Navy fleet bands.
**For more information, email the Fleet Band Activities audition coordinator at MILL_NavyMusic@navy.mil or call 901-874-4316.
Are you ready to get started?
Find a Navy recruiter at http://www.navy.com to conduct an initial screening interview.
Call the Navy musician audition coordinator at 1-866-827-5672 or at 901-874-4316.
Vocalist Audition Requirements
