If I am a zero in music, but am willing to learn, can I still apply for the 42R?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 01:25:02 -0400

If I zero in music but willing to learn, can i still apply for the 42R? Because there are auditions to get in the job and i sure i will fail?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 3 at 2020 1:34 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 01:34:03 -0400

No, you must pass the audition, not all jobs in the Army are entry level positions. Most musicians in the Army have a degree in music and a decade or so of experience in multiple instruments.

Response by SGT Chris Stephens made Oct 3 at 2020 11:23 AM

SGT Chris Stephens — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 11:23:19 -0400

You must pass the audition to get the MOS. If you can't pass the audition, you won't get the job.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Oct 3 at 2020 2:42 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sat, 03 Oct 2020 14:42:34 -0400

Don't know about the Army for sure, but the Air Force requires auditions. Those who exhibit talent, skills, and abilities in music may be selected to joint Air Force musical organizations. I the prospective member has enough talent and experience, they may come into the Air Force well above E-1.

If you're interested in military music programs, look into the types of support personnel working with the bands and vocal groups. I suspect they have admin, supply, transportation, and electronics technicians assigned to the units to support the performing artists.

Response by SFC Bob Arnold made Oct 5 at 2020 3:44 AM

SFC Bob Arnold — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 03:44:42 -0400

You may pass the audition, but there is an order of merit list based on performance ability. If they need only one trombonist, they select the top rated one.

The school is now very short as every student must be a master of their instrument. The school only teaches you what you need to become an Army musician.

Response by CPT Lawrence Cichelli made Oct 5 at 2020 10:00 AM

CPT Lawrence Cichelli — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 10:00:42 -0400

Sorry, no. You have to be able to play before you become a 42R. Yes, I was an Band 1SG, CDR and Senior Group leader and had to conduct auditions. You need to be able yp play at a very senior HS or college level before you can pass an audition. The audition consists of having a prepared piece, paying scales, for other than percussion and sight reading. Yes you have to be able to read music even playing drums. If you can't do these, you will fail. This is the one and only MOS that I know of where the Army won't teach you, you have to be qualified before hand. Sorry to bring you the bad news, but I have to be up-front with you on this.

Response by SMSgt Bob Wilson made Oct 5 at 2020 4:09 PM

SMSgt Bob Wilson — Mon, 05 Oct 2020 16:09:16 -0400

Doubtful!! Do something you are good at, not something you hope will keep you out of combat.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 26 at 2023 4:33 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Oct 2023 16:33:57 -0400

Absolutely, you can apply for the 42R position with no prior music experience. However, one aspect you should take into consideration is learning and understanding song structure basics, like verses and choruses, is key. If you are lost and don't know where to start, visit https://audiotipz.com/song-structure/.

Song Structure: How to Structure Your Song for Maximum Impact - AudioTipz

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down the elements of song structure so you can harness them in your own songwriting.