EREnlistReadyASVAB & Army CareersOpen web app

Administration · Army career profile

42S Special Band Musician

As a Special Band Musician, you'll perform in the U.S. Army Band, U.S. Army Field Band, U.S. Military Academy Band, or the 3rd Infantry (The Old Guard) Fife and Drum Corps. You'll also plan in or lead bands, orchestras, combos, and jazz groups, and perform in street parades, concerts, and more.

ASVABThe current public GoArmy profile does not list a qualifying line score
Training10 weeks of Basic Training + 1 or more auditions passed
Physical demandsModerate
ClearanceNo security-clearance requirement is listed on the current public GoArmy profile

What the job involves

Typical duties

  • As a Special Band Musician, you'll perform in the U.
  • S.
  • Army Band, U.
  • S.

Transferable experience

Skills learned

Instrumental TechniqueStage PerformanceMusic TheoryWorking as a teamSelf-discipline, confidence, and intelligence

Education insight

Training may support future education.

Estimated potential recommendation range: 0–9 semester hours.

EnlistReady estimate based on the longest training segment stated in the current public profile (10 weeks). Actual recommendations appear on an individual Joint Services Transcript and each college decides what it will accept and how credits apply.

Related degree ideas

  • Business Administration
  • Public Administration

Civilian connection

Potential civilian jobs related to 42S experience.

Military experience does not guarantee civilian employment or a salary outcome. Requirements vary by employer, location, education, certification, licensing, and experience.

Potential role

Professional musician

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Large employers, Government agencies, Professional-services firms

Search current Professional musician jobs on Indeed ↗
Potential role

Human resources specialist

Illustrative salary information: $38,000–$85,000 illustrative U.S. range; verify the matching BLS occupation and local market

Example employers: Large employers, Government agencies, Professional-services firms

Search current Human resources specialist jobs on Indeed ↗

Verify important details

Official and supporting sources

Keep exploring

Related administration MOS options

27DParalegal SpecialistAs a Paralegal Specialist, you’ll be an integral part of the U.S. Army’s legal system. You’ll be expected to provide legal and administrative support in all areas of criminal law, family law, international law, civil and administrative law, contract law, and fiscal law. You’ll assist judges, Army lawyers, and unit commanders with legal matters and judicial work.36BFinancial Management TechnicianAs a Financial Management Technician, you'll be managing resources and financial operations as part of the Army's Finance and Comptroller Corps. You'll use your expertise in math to provide financial advice and recommendations for units looking to purchase services and supplies for their missions. You'll also be in charge of military pay, overseeing services with commercial vendors, auditing, accounting, banking operations, and more.42AHuman Resources SpecialistSupports personnel records, career actions, official documents, and data analysis.42RMusicianAs a Musician, you’ll uphold a time-honored tradition of entertaining our Soldiers, performing in a variety of ensembles, and serving as a musical ambassador of our nation. A musician in the Army is an opportunity to work for the largest employer of musicians in the world. Whether it's a ceremonial performance or a concert to boost the morale of Soldiers, U.S. Army Bands members have the opportunity to serve their country while making music. In order to qualify for this honor, you must demonstrate a high level of proficiency and versatility on your instrument and pass auditions.

Compare this MOS with other Army careers.

Use the EnlistReady web app to save MOS options, add private notes, take the career quiz, and compare up to three profiles.

Open the career explorer