The Royal Marines School of Music ( RMSoM ) was founded as the " Royal Naval School of Music " in 1903 at Eastney Barracks , Portsmouth , where the Royal Marines Museum is now located . In 1930 it moved to Deal , Kent , a historic Royal Navy base and shipyard . Between 1940 and 1950 , it moved to various locations around the country before returning to Deal . Eleven band members at the school were killed during the Deal barracks bombing of 1989 . The school relocated for the last time in 1996 and returned to Portsmouth , making its home in the former detention quarters within HMS " Nelson " Today all Royal Marines Bands are required to provide every imaginable musical ensemble including wind bands , orchestras , quartets and dance bands , as well as traditional Military ( parade ) Bands . To achieve this , all RM musicians , except solo specialists , are required to attain an above-average standard on both a string and a wind instrument . As a result of this special versatility , Royal Marines musicians are recognised around the world as being both thoroughly professional and highly talented within the military musical world , and the music world generally . The " Solo Specialists " have to become exceptionally highly talented on their chosen single instrument . The Corps of Drums receive an equally thorough training and pride themselves on maintaining the highest standards of drill , bugling and drumming . Their glittering presence at the front of all Royal Marines Bands on the march gives the bands a visual impact that is second to none . The Drum Majors are selected from the Corps of Drums
Deal barracks bombing
Deal barracks bombing
Royal Marines Band Service