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
- Radio and podcast presenting: beginners (online)Course start date: Mon 27 Oct 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Allis MossWhat makes a good radio presenter? From ad-libbing to reading scripts (including your own if you want) to interviewing and reading the news. This course will help you develop a skillset for presenting, whether it’s radio broadcasting or online podcasting. The course is supported by a media technician who willl edit student recordings from each session. It is suitable for anyone wanting to kick-start a podcast or radio career, enhance presenting or performance skills or if you’re just looking to improve general confidence at the mic.Full fee £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £139.00 - Big Band: from 1920s Chicago to London 2000sCourse start date: Mon 3 Nov 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Albi GravenerWe will explore the history and evolution of the big band and large ensemble in jazz throughout the 20th century.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £71.00 Concession £62.00 - Great works: Bach's Christmas OratorioCourse start date: Mon 8 Dec 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Edward BreenDiscover Bach’s Christmas Oratorio. Learn about the forms of this work and the history behind the first performances.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - The essential history of jazz in 20 cutsCourse start date: Mon 12 Jan 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Albi GravenerThrough a selection of 20 iconic albums, we will study the key figures, the innovators and the star soloists of 20th century jazz, as well as some important artists you might be less familiar with. Break week: 16 Feb 2026.Full fee £269.00 Senior fee £215.00 Concession £188.00 - Exploring classical music 3Course start date: Mon 20 Apr 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Neil LuckDo you want to know more about Western classical music? Explore selected topics and key works in Romantic and modern music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. NB: Break week 4 & 25 May 2026.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £175.00 Concession £153.00 - Debating: beginners (online)Course start date: Mon 16 Feb 2026
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Gavin IllsleyDebating requires the ability to speak English persuasively in public and, crucially, to respond rapidly to other people’s objections to what you say. We will cover the theory and practice of debating, and you will progress quickly in areas of content, strategy and style. A great mental workout. This course will be taught online.Full fee £139.00 Senior fee £139.00 Concession £97.00 - Great works: Arvo Pärt's PassioCourse start date: Mon 30 Mar 2026
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Edward BreenEstonian composer Arvo Pärt (b.1935) is one of the most frequently performed classical composers of our times. Explore his setting of St John’s passion and learn about his compositional techniques.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Exploring classical music: module 3
Course start date: Mon 28 Apr 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 Romantic and modern music on this informative 10-week course. Ideal for people with no specialist knowledge. NB: Break week 5 & 26 May 2025.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00
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