Defence Force School of Music

09/09/2026

Last week, the Defence Force School of Music farewelled one of our most respected and valued instructors after more than a decade of dedicated service.

For over 10 years, Mr Howard Ward has been an integral part of DFSM training, applying the knowledge and experience gained from an illustrious career in ADF bands to develop the next generation of Band Officers. Culminating in his appointment as Director of Music - Army (2000-2004), Howard's military service provided the foundation for the expertise, leadership, and mentorship that have left a lasting mark on DFSM and the wider military music community.

On behalf of the Commanding Officer, DFSM staff and all those who have benefited from your instruction, thank you, Howard, for your outstanding contribution and dedicated service. We wish you every success and happiness in your next chapter and thank you for the enduring legacy you leave behind.

03/09/2026

🎶 Do you recognise this tune? 🎶

As we look forward to our last At Home Concert for 2026, let us take a moment to revisit one of the audience’s favourite songs from the program - as featured in the iconic film Australia.

🎵 Did you recognise the tune? Let us know in the comments below!

Our final concert for the year ‘Duty, Dedication and Valour’ will feature musicians from the Royal Australian Air Force Band, Defence Force School of Music and Australian Army Band. This program honours the courage, commitment and service of those who have answered the call of duty. We invite you to join us for an inspiring morning of music.

📅 23 September 2026
🕥 10:30 AM
📍 Newman Hall, Defence Force School of Music

🎟️ Tickets are now available:
https://www.trybooking.com/DFQMZ

🎥 Video produced by Mr Paul Burston
🎧 Audio mixed by SGT Jaiden Redman

20/08/2026

19/08/2026

Last week Band Officer Course students from the Defence Force School of Music put their training to the test with the Royal Australian Navy Band Sydney Detachment at St Andrew's Cathedral.

This public performance was the highlight of a week spent working with the Australian Army Band Sydney, the Royal Australian Navy Band, and the NSW Police Band.

In front of a large audience, the Band Officer Course students from and His Majesty's Armed Forces of Tonga had the opportunity to put their training into practice joining the ensemble to perform a diverse range of well known tunes 🎶

19/08/2026

03/08/2026

🌿 Songs of the landscape: Country Scenes awaits 🎵
Our upcoming 'At Home' Concert, Country Scenes is just around the corner!

Musicians from the Royal Australian Navy Band Melbourne and Defence Force School of Music have been working diligently behind the scenes, rehearsing and preparing to deliver what promises to be an engaging morning of music! A vital part of these preparations is the training that supports ADF music capability behind the scenes, including our Audio Engineer Course pictured here.

🗓 26 August
🕥 10:30 AM
📍 Newman Hall, Defence Force School of Music

Inspired by country landscapes, stories and traditions, Country Scenes will take audiences on a musical journey through the beauty and character of rural life.

We would love for you to join us for this special performance and share in a morning of great music and community.

🎟 Tickets available via TryBooking:
https://www.trybooking.com/DFQMZ

23/07/2026

At home in harmony! 🎶

During the First World War, Australian battalion bands would perform concerts to entertain troops and support morale. At Defence Force School of Music's At Home Concerts, musicians show us how music can bring an audience together.

What would you add to the At Home Concert playlist? 👇

14/07/2026

🎶💃 Dance With Me 🕺🎶

Relive the magic of Dance With Me, presented by the Defence Force School of Music. Featuring Australian Army Band Kapooka and members from Australian Army Band Melbourne, our audience was thrilled to be entertained by old classics and new arrangements - We said "Dance With Me" - and the audience didn't miss a beat. 🎺✨

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make this concert such a memorable experience.

Keep an eye out in early August when tickets are released for our next ‘At Home’ Concert presents “Country Scenes”on the 26th of August at 10.30am.

🎥Video produced by Mr Paul Burston
🎧Audio mixed by SGT Jaiden Redman

15/06/2026

✈️From first note to final chord—travel the world with us✈️
On 20 May, the Defence Force School of Music proudly presented our ‘At Home’ concert - “Destinations” as we travelled the musical world. 🎶🌍
The performance showcased the incredibly talented musicians from the Air Force Band, the Defence Force School of Music, the Australian Army Band and Joint Training Command, delivering a memorable musical journey spanning the globe.
May also marked an important milestone for other members undertaking training at the Defence Force School of Music:
🎓 Able Seaman (AB) Mariela Mulder and AB Rachel Moshel both completed their Musician Initial Employment Training and we wish them well in their new careers with the Royal Australian Navy Band. Bravo Zulu.
🎧 AB Kelly Doddridge and Musicians Roxanne De Guzman and Jacob Finlay wrapped up the residential phase of the Audio Engineer Course. We wish them luck in their quest to become fully qualified audio engineers as they now commence the ‘On the Job’ phase of their training.
Congratulations to all members on their achievements—we look forward to seeing your continued success across Defence!

We look forward to welcoming you to our next performance featuring special guests, the Australian Army Band Kapooka:
Defence Force School of Music ‘At Home’ presents “Dance With Me”
📅 24th June 2026
⏰ 10:30am
📍 Newman Hall, Defence Force School of Music
🎟️ Bookings are now available via: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1469961