Is it possible to get promoted this quickly in the Air Force? Is this typical for band members?

Many folks on this post are getting a little too upset about this.

First of all, its pretty standard in all services for a musician of her caliber. Second, don't confuse rank with authority. While she has the rank, but she clearly has no authority. In most cases, rank and authority or equal. However, in other cases, such as military law enforcement, rank and authority are not equal. As a Army MP many moons ago, they taught of a phrase in MP School, "Don't confuse your rank with my authority."

Its really not a big deal folks.

SrA (Join to see) She is not a "girl"; she is an Airman. This is a disrespectful post.

The only thing she did to merit wearing the rank of a Non-Commissioned Officer was to win an audition. I'm guessing that the USAF didn't make her cram in BMT, ALS, and NCOA in those four months. I also think that Technical Training probably consisted of vocal lessons and stage presence.
This promotion is likely contingent on her remaining in the AFSC for the duration of her career. It seems unlikely that they'd let her retrain into, say, crew chief as an E-6 until she had enough TIS to actually wear the rank in the real Air Force.

While I do believe that this is the standard for the USAF Band members, I think that most of us can agree that it also belittles the time, sacrifice, and efforts put forth by those that spent YEARS earning that rank. When we reward individuals with rank on the basis of sheer talent before their career has barely begun, it devalues the rank.

The old saying " It not what you know but who you blow " sure comes to mind.

A little more explanation:

Each branch of the United States military—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard—employs several full-time music ensembles. There are two types of groups:

1) Premier bands. Ensemble members have a guaranteed post, without the worry about being transferred elsewhere. Hired musicians are immediately awarded the rank of E6 (rankings range from E1 to E9—higher is better). The 10 premier military bands are housed in Washington DC or attached to the service’s Academy: Annapolis, West Point, Colorado Springs, etc.

2) Regional bands. While some members stay with the same group for years, reassignment to other ensembles occurs due to manning shortages or openings in overseas bands. Entering status is determined by educational background, as is the case with most everyone else in the enlisted force. Musicians with college credit often begin at the rank of E3. Regional groups are housed on bases across the country and abroad.

The term band here does not mean wind band or marching band. In fact, most of these groups are umbrella organizations consisting of several performing ensembles. For example, the US Army Field Band consists of a concert band, chorus, big band, and pop combo. The US Air Force Band oversees six entities, including a string orchestra, chorus (cleverly entitled Singing Sergeants), brass band, and big band. Large ensemble members are often assigned to chamber groups as well, spanning the gamut of styles and instrumentations: Dixieland, baroque, Celtic, rock, pop, country/western, brass/woodwind quintets, etc.

Source: http://www.savvymusician.com/blog/2010/02/military-jobs/

I believe that if she decides to change jobs, she will be demoted to a rank more fitting for her TIS at that time.

No I had not seen anything about this SrA (Join to see) . That is an amazing promotion rate. If she has some very unique skills that are both needed and in very short supply this speedy promotion may make sense.
As a USAF band member I expect she had much experience prior to joining the USAF. Similar to Doctors and Lawyers who come in at O-3 at least many times, I think band members are lured to the military with a higher than baseline salary expectation.

Yes, read the instructions folks. All Band member start as TSgts. Unlike a regular enlistment, you audition to join. If you are an E-2 and think you have talent...audition. Bands are a formal part of customs and courtesies, they do more than make good music for the troops. They provide music for funerals, diplomats, presidential events to name just a few.

I think I would revert back to what I was taught by some very wise NCO's when I first entered the Air Force. Concern yourself with what you are in control of to change and make better, embrace the suck that trickles from above and press on with pride.

I am late to the party as well, but I find it sad that there are almost 800 comments from people who have no clue what they are talking about. The only band members that get promoted to the rank of E-6 directly from boot camp are the ones who have auditioned and been accepted into a premier band in DC. Other band members who aren't assigned to a premier band usually end up at a regional band starting out as an E-3. I'm talking people with Bachelors, Masters and even some with Docotorate degrees. They do not get rank by being in the lead/solo chair, they test just like everyone else. People really should do their homework before they spew such nonsense.