Instrumentalists
Military Instrumentalists provide musical support for all aspects of military life, including ceremonial parades, graduations, ship ceremonies, etc. They also perform at government functions and public performances, both at home and overseas.
Application
Applications will be available online during competitions as advertised on this web site. All correspondence with applicants will be by email for the duration of the competitions.
Start your online Application
Who we want
The Defence Forces is looking for motivated and fit, qualified personnel who would relish the challenges offered by a career in military music. 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.
Professional Qualifications
The Defence Forces recruits skilled musicians only. Competitions are held periodically for available positions in the various Defence Forces Bands. In the past, successful applicants have typically been experienced, professional musicians, many of them having a degree in Music Performance.
Age Requirements
Candidates must be not less than 17 years of age and under 28 years on the date of enlistment.
How to Join
Defence Forces Instrumentalist Competitions are held as required.
Interview & Audition
Candidates who are deemed eligible will be asked to attend for Interview. At audition candidates will be required to play two (2) contrasting pieces. The audition will also include a sight reading test. Candidates called for interview may produce any of the following to the Interview Board.
Musical Certificates (Degree, Diploma or Grade)
Testimonials (musical or otherwise)
Enlistment
The candidates who finished at the top of the competitions order of merit will then be offered a place in the Defence Forces, as an Instrumentalist. Successful candidates, although posted to a particular band and location, will, from time to time, be required to perform with any of the Defence Forces School of Music bands or elements of those bands.
Induction
Takes place during the first day of enlistment, where the candidate will be required to take the following oath / declaration:-
I........................................................................................., do solemnly swear (or declare) that I will be faithful to Ireland and loyal to the Constitution and that while I am a member of the Defence Forces I will obey all lawful orders issued to me by my superior officers and that while I am a member of the Permanent Defence Force I will not join or be a member of or subscribe to any political organisation or society or any secret society whatsoever and that, if I become a member of the Reserve Defence Force, I will not, while I am a member of the Reserve Defence Force, join or be a member of or subscribe to any secret society whatsoever.
Training
All new entrant Instrumentalists will be required to undergo a Military Induction course.
Unit Assignment
Instrumentalists will be assigned to Defence Forces Band Units according to the needs of the Defence Forces. Band Units are based in the following locations:
- Collins Barracks, Cork
- Custume Barracks, Athlone
- Cathal Brugha Barracks, Rathmines, Dublin
Read more about Military Bands
