What's it like to be a US Navy Musician?

Question

Hey everyone,

I've recently been giving serious consideration to joining the Navy as a Musician. I completed my second year of music school back in May and I am a percussionist. I would like to know what happens after boot camp for musicians and what life is like for full enlistment. Also, I'd like to know about the pay scale. Thanks!

Answer 1

Life for a Navy musician is a good one, especially for the military. Boot camp is easier (you practice when others are doing things like physical training, etc.), your postings tend to be in more populated areas as opposed to remote camps or ships and you probably won't get killed in combat.
You can't just enlist as a musician. You have to audition to be guaranteed a music spot and it's very competitive, especially as a percussionist. If you compose or arrange, you'll have a much better shot at it.
Not sure about the pay but you will generally move up faster as a muso than in other positions.
If you're a jazz player, the Navy Jazz Emsembles are the best and most prestigious...good luck!

Answer 2

A gentleman I know that was a Navy musician told me the musicians don't move around too much either. He stayed in the same area for many years, which allowed his family more stability.

Answer 3

MU has its ups and downs. You don't deploy but you travel a lot for ceremonies and stuff. I also hear you have to audition and be proficient in a minimum of 4 instruments. You go through the same basic as everyone else!

Answer 4

if you are lucky enough to score an audition and are luckier enough to score a chair, you would come out of Boot Camp a minimum of E5 and possibly E6.(everybody else..max is E3) The you are assigned to one of the standing Navy Bands(one in Italy, Japan and DC that I am sure of, there are probably more)