The Bandmaster Course is 2 years duration. At the end of the second year students are examined in all key subjects having been assessed throughout the interim period. .  On completion of training, students may be eligible for the award of a NQF level 6.

Course Description:

• Band Direction
• Ceremonial performance
• Compositional, orchestration and analysis techniques 
• Principles of music teaching and subordinate
• Unit management and musical event coordination
• Recruiting strategies

There are additional supporting training objectives that are interwoven throughout the course:

• Command, Leadership and Management
• Historical studies
• Corps of Army Music support to Operations
• Power of communication and standards of conduct of a Regular Army Bandmaster

Minimum Educational Qualifications:

• Hold a BMus (Hons), BA(Mus) or equivalent at NQF Level 6 from a recognised Higher Education institution in the UK. Exceptionally, candidates without a degree will be accepted on promotion of evidence of professional competencies, validated during the selection process.
• Provide evidence of literacy and numeracy key skills both at a minimum level 2.
• Corps of Army Music applicants must have at least 6 years reckonable service from commencement of the Bandmasters course

Overseas Student Bandmasters

Kneller hall is also home to a number of foreign musicians, and since its inception, has facilitated the training of foreign and commonwealth Bandmasters from a vast array of countries spanning the globe.

In recent years Kneller Hall has hosted Student Bandmasters from:

• Malawi
• Oman
• Singapore
• Thailand
• Jamaica
• Australia
• New Zealand
• Malaysia
• Trinidad and Tobago

Overseas Student Bandmasters undergo the same training schedule as British Students.

On completion of the course however, foreign students will return to their respective countries to take up posts in line with their own customs and rank structures, many becoming commissioned immediately.