Performing Arts Courses & Classes in London and Online

Burlesque is an empowering and expressive performance art. Learn the basics of burlesque movement and dance, in this glamorous and fun class exploring the posture, deportment, style and elegance of showgirl movement.

100 years ago a 26-year-old New York songwriter realised that his name appeared on a concert poster advertising An Experiment in Modern Music, featuring a piece composed by him. He had five weeks to complete it, and the result was Rhapsody in Blue.

What is vibrato and how is it used? Learn about the history of vocal vibrato and arguments surrounding its use.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was a brilliant conductor, composer, and educator, and a sometimes controversial public figure. We explore his music in the context of the arts in America, looking especially at his effortless assimilation of popular and classical styles.

The music history book club meets towards the end of each term to discuss novels and biography with musical themes and references relevant to the music history programme. This term’s book is The Jewels of Paradise: Donna Leon.



This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.

Are you interested in finding out more about classical music but not sure where to start? This taster course will



introduce you to the history of music through a careful choice of works.

Explore the making and meanings of four classic albums released 1966–1973 that reflect and define their era: The Beatles’ Revolver, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On, David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust and Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon.

What is opera? And how do you approach watching and listening to it? Explore the ostentatious, sometimes overwhelming, world of opera through study of two major works and styles.

There’s so much more to Mime than the striped jumper, beret and box!



The course will cover basic techniques in Mime towards developing and creating worlds alongside opening your body up to expressionistic styles. Through technique and improvisational based classes we will play and explore some of the most renowned exercises in Mime and build on them. Engaging your imagination and developing your awareness of your body as a tool for theatre craft.

Explore your enthusiasm for drumming with African rhythms and their variations. Enjoy improving your individual and group playing skills and learn how to apply a variety of percussive instruments in any musical style or setting.

Learn how to express your physicality in a dynamic fashion and gain basic knowledge of the main principles of contemporary dance, with influences from other techniques. General level - suitable for both beginners and improvers.

Rodgers and Hammerstein - Together they created a series of innovative and influential American musicals. Their musical theatre writing partnership has been called the greatest of the 20th century. We will be looking at some of the big ensemble numbers from shows such as Oklahoma, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I and The Sound of Music alongside a couple of lesser known shows. Alongside soloists required for the ensemble numbers you are invited to bring a piece of your choosing from the vast catalogue of songs by these exceptional composers. Please write to music@citylit.ac.uk with your choice of solo.



















Please contact music@citylit.ac.uk if you would like to sing solo.

If 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 6 & 27 May 2024.

Whether 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: 6 & 27 May 2024.