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
- Rhythm classCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark HuggettSupplement your instrumental or vocal study and improve your musical timekeeping. You will play in class, reading and writing rhythms, and work by ear.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Drumming: introductionCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark HuggettFor beginners to learn the practical skills required to play drum kit in contemporary music, including stick technique, four-way coordination, listening and music reading. You will play acoustic and practice kits in class.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - The Patsy Rodenburg approach to voiceCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lloyd WyldeA brief look at the great Patsy Rodenburg's celebrated work in an intensive voice and speech workshop spread over two sessions. - Singing for absolute beginnersCourse start date: Tue 22 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Katherine StrohmaierStart your journey as a singer this summer with this short, enjoyable course. Take your first important steps towards a healthy vocal technique and confidence in your singing.Full fee £69.00 Senior fee £69.00 Concession £48.00 - Debating: intensiveCourse start date: Wed 23 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
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. In this shorter, intensive version of our highly popular course, 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. - Piano taster
Course start date: Wed 30 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Ana Claudia MagalhaesA fun introduction to the piano: learn the basics about the instrument, names of the notes and where they are, and how to play some simple tunes. Find out whether piano is the instrument for you!Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £20.00 - Tap dance: beginnersCourse start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jacqueline PertIf you are new to tap then this is the place to start. Come and find your dancing feet. Suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential. Break week 25 May (Bank holiday).Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £104.00 - 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: Wed 17 Sep 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.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £195.00 - 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: Thu 15 Jan 2026 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
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: 19 Feb 2026.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00 - Classical ballet: beginners Course start date: Tue 6 May 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 £199.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £139.00 - 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 - 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: Tue 16 Sep 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.Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £279.00 Concession £195.00
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