Performing Arts Courses & Classes in London and Online
City Lit offers performing arts courses in the heart of Covent Garden in Central London during the evening, daytime and at weekends. Explore our range of subjects including acting, (including accredited acting courses), dance, radio and screen, and voice, speech and communication as well as a full range of music courses, such as piano, singing, strings and wind instruments to jazz and pop, music technology, music theory and history
Our courses are labelled clearly for beginners or those with previous experience and you can speak to a specialist advisor to help you choose the right level. If you would you like some help or advice:
For music courses email music@citylit.ac.uk. You can also view our music auditions and advice page.
For drama, dance and speech courses email drama@citylit.ac.uk
- Comedy improvisationCourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark PhoenixHave fun acting, with theatre games and character exercises. Build your confidence, meet new people while you will learn and practice the key techniques needed for performing improvised comedy scenes. - Singing 1Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Siobhan BlakeStart singing and explore your voice in this fun, confidence-building course. These classes will introduce you to healthy use of your singing voice and basic musicianship through a selection of songs from a variety of genres. Break weeks 5th and 26th May.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00 - Piano/keyboards 1B
Course start date: Tue 29 Apr 2025 (and 6 other dates)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Cheslav SinghA near-beginners’ course for pianists. If you have completed Piano/keyboards 1A or and have basic keyboard and music reading skills in C position, this course will introduce you to more notes.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £160.00 - Exploring classical music 1Course start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Edward BreenDo you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Medieval to (early) Baroque music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. NB: Break week: 27 Oct 2025.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00 - Classical ballet: beginners Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Giovanna LambogliaDesigned for the complete beginner or for those wanting to go back to basics. Develop knowledge and skill in this enjoyable Ballet class which provides a fun and satisfying way to improve alignment, muscle tone, flexibility and coordination. The classes will also help to improve any other dance styles you might be practicing.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £151.00 Concession £132.00 - Piano/keyboards 1A Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 8 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jonathan WilsonThis is the beginning of our piano programme, designed for absolute beginners to both piano and music-reading. This classic course is the perfect way to start your piano playing.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £139.00 - Music theory: grades 1 and 2Course start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Selena KayLearn the basic principles of musical language and notation: rhythmic values, time signatures, pitch on treble and bass clefs, simple major scales, intervals and key signatures, and the most common musical terms and signs. Break week 27th October 2025.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £174.00 - Choral singing for pleasure Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Richard Hartley-WilsonWhether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this choral class will give you something to look forward to on a Monday. We sing many genres from musical theatre to pop plus more traditional pieces. This course is very popular, so booking early is essential. Break weeks 5th & 26th May 2025.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £174.00 - Choir at lunchtime Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Richard Hartley-WilsonCome and spend your lunchtime singing a range of music, in interesting choral arrangements. It's good for the mind, body and spirit. Sing music from across all genres, have fun and leave with a spring in your step. There's no better pick-me-up at lunchtime! Break weeks 5th & 26th May 2025.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £104.00 - Clarinet 1ACourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: George SleightholmeLearn the basics of playing clarinet in a friendly environment, using a range of fun music. Suitable for complete beginners. Break week 27th October 2025.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00 - Sing with confidenceCourse start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Katherine StrohmaierIf you are nervous of singing in public, scared to open your mouth or just want to know how your voice works, this course is for you. Classes are fun and cover a wide range of musical styles, so there is something for everyone. Break weeks 5th & 26th May 2025.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £159.00 Concession £139.00 - The saxophone story Course start date: Mon 22 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Albi GravenerHow did a musical joke became arguably one of the most distinctive and expressive of all instruments? We will focus on this strand within the history of jazz but not exclusively. - Exploring classical music 2Course start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Neil LuckDo you want to know more about classical music history? Explore selected topics and key works in Baroque, Classical and early Romantic music on this highly informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. Break week: 16 Feb 2026.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00 - Stand-up comedy: beginners Course start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Kean Street Wellbeing Centre
Tutors: Robert HitchmoughExplore the main skills you need to write and perform stand-up comedy. This course is suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £174.00 - Improvisation Course start date: Mon 27 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark PhoenixEnrich and develop your skills in this improvisation course. Working in a safe and supportive atmosphere, you will learn and practice the key techniques needed for performing effective improvisations.
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