The Royal Marines School of Music

Musicians and Buglers join the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSM) age 16+ and after the initial 15 weeks military training, start specialist qualification study. This is 2 years and 8 months for Musicians and 2 years for Buglers. All musicians studying at the School have the opportunity to commence study on a BMus (Hons) Degree Course validated by an External Exam Board.

Training for all musicians and buglers, both male and female, takes place at the School based in Portsmouth. The buildings were once the Royal Naval Detention Centre and the thick walls provide a most effective sound insulation for undisturbed practice. Each musician or bugler has their own practice room and some cells have been combined to form larger rooms for ensemble rehearsals. Other facilities include a resource centre, with Internet access and a CD library, computers for music and essay work, a Bar/rest area, a large rehearsal room and, of course, a parade area for Parade Band practices.

There are also Higher Training Courses at Royal Marines School of Music. These are the Musician 1, a 12 week course for qualification to Band Sergeant, and the Bandmasters Course, a years intensive study which for RM musicians following the degree study would gain them an externally validated MMus.

The Royal Marines School of Music is recognised as an Investor In People.