Royal Marines Band Audition and physical stamina test

Before you can start your career as one of the world’s finest military musicians, you need to pass a series of physical tests. Get through these and you can begin your journey in the Royal Navy. To help you prepare, the stages that you’ll have to complete are:

• Audition and physical assessments
  
• Initial Military Training

Each stage has its own tests, with exacting standards you’ll need to meet to prove you’re up to the physical demands of life in the Royal Marines. Many of these tests will directly influence whether you’re successful in your application, while some are pass or fail, so it’s vital that you’re in peak physical condition. 

You will be asked to attend a five-day assessment, which is split into four parts: 

1. Musical Assessment - You will need to perform two prepared, contrasting pieces as well as being asked to play scales to assess your current abilities. You will also be assessed on your sight reading.  

2. Aural perception and elements assessment - Your aural perception and theory ability will be assessed. This includes interval and cadence recognition, rhythmic and melodic dictation, transposition and ability to write scales. 

3. Interview - You will be asked about your background and musical experience, as well as your understanding of the RMBS and general military knowledge. 

4. Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) & Pre-Joining Swim Assessment (PJSA)  

Pre-Joining Fitness Test (PJFT) 

Candidates will be expected to complete the following number of press ups and sit ups in 2 minutes per serial: 

Pre-Joining Swim Assessment (PJSA) 

Candidates will be expected to: 

• Enter the swimming pool 
• Tread water for 2 mins 
• Swim 50m (2 lengths of the pool) within 4 minutes 
• Exit the pool unaided

The Royal Marines Band Service is, first and foremost, a military unit, so a high level of fitness is paramount.  

The PJFT tests you for a base level of fitness. You will need to continue working on your strength and cardiovascular fitness in order to successfully complete all elements of Initial Military Training, which is a physically demanding course. 

In order to enter service candidates must be able to confidently swim two lengths of a pool. You must declare your swimming ability, and this will be tested and developed thoroughly during Initial Military Training. 

Address:

HMS Nelson, 
Queen Street, 
Portsmouth, 
PO1 3HH 
UK