Can anyone clue me in as to how you go about becoming a musician for the Coast Guard? Thanks.

The below comes directly from the USCG Band website uscg.mil/band; I wish you the best of luck.

The United States Coast Guard Band recruits only the most highly skilled musicians, and the audition process is extremely competitive. Openings are announced on the Band's website and notices are sent to college and university music departments. Auditions are held at the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut. The audition process is much like that of any major symphony orchestra, with a screened preliminary round to ensure anonymity, and musical requirements that include performance of a solo, concert band and orchestral excerpts, and sight reading. Candidates are advanced to a final round based on their demonstrated musical ability; the winner of that round must complete an interview and reference check in addition to meeting Coast Guard requirements. The Director makes the final decision to award the position to the winner(s) who then enlist in the United States Coast Guard for a period of four years at the rank of Musician First Class (E-6).

While there are no degree requirements to become a member of The United States Coast Guard Band, current musicians are graduates of our nation's finest music schools, many holding advanced degrees from such renowned institutions as The Juilliard School, Indiana University, University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, Eastman School of Music, Oberlin College, New England Conservatory, University of Michigan, University of Illinois, and University of North Texas. Many band members choose to make their career in the band, often serving the Coast Guard as musicians for twenty to thirty years.

The Coast Guard is an Equal Opportunity Employer.For further information contact:

Chief Musician Gregory W. Martin
U.S. Coast Guard Band
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
15 Mohegan Avenue (pb)
New London, CT 06320

Phone: 860-444-8467
Fax: 860-444-8475
Email: MUC Greg Martin

The U.S. Coast Guard Band - 15 Mohegan Ave. (pb) New London, CT 06320

Contact Us

Thanks!