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
- 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. - Jazz piano: introductionCourse start date: Thu 24 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Della RhodesMeet the jazz idiom as you explore time feels and harmonic progressions at your piano. For pianists at grade 5 and above, with some knowledge of chord structures (triads and 7ths), this session in our pianos room will give food for thought and practice.Full fee £29.00 Senior fee £29.00 Concession £29.00 - Piano tasterCourse 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 - Piano: advanced performance workshopCourse start date: Thu 31 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Maria RazumovskayaWelcome to the Summer School edition of Piano: advanced performance workshop! The advanced performance workshop is for pianists playing at Grade 8 standard and above, comprising two three-hour sessions. This insightful class will address issues of interpretation and style as well as dealing with aspects of technique and performance practice.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Piano: multi-piano workshopCourse start date: Fri 1 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
This brand new Summer School three-day intensive course is designed for intermediate to advanced level pianists looking to explore the exciting world of multi-piano performance, under the expert guidance of acclaimed pianist and teacher Nadia Lasserson.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £90.00 - Piano: healthy technique clinicCourse start date: Mon 4 Aug 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lewis KestertonExplore the foundations of healthy piano playing and discover how technical difficulties at the keyboard can be overcome in this Summer School workshop. These classes offer you the opportunity to troubleshoot technical challenges in realtime within a musically diverse and supportive group.Full fee £89.00 Senior fee £89.00 Concession £62.00 - String ensembleCourse start date: Tue 16 Sep 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Robert PuzeyCome and play string repertoire in a friendly group, and develop your confidence in ensemble playing. Suitable for those who have been playing violin, viola, cello or double bass for at least two years, playing at Grade 3 standard or above. To apply for the ensemble please click the pink 'Start your interview' button and someone from the music department will be in touch. Break week 21 Oct 2025.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00 - 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 - Violin and viola 3ACourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Robert PuzeyThis course is for players who have been learning violin/viola for two to three years (playing at Grade 2-3 standard), take the next step to learn vibrato, positions above 1st, and improved bow control. This course continues with Violin and viola 3B next term. Break week 20th October 2025.Full fee £219.00 Senior fee £219.00 Concession £153.00 - 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 3ACourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025 (and 4 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jonathan WilsonThis fourth year of our piano programme begins with repertoire of a grade 2 standard. Improve your hand co-ordination, musical phrasing, reading and finger technique, and improve your confidence.Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £167.00 - Tap dance: improversCourse start date: Mon 28 Apr 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jacqueline PertPractice and improve your basic Tap skills and increase your vocabulary of steps and sequences. Gain a greater understanding of rhythm, tempo and syncopation. Suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.Full fee £189.00 Senior fee £189.00 Concession £132.00 - Piano/keyboards 1DCourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Sarha MooreThis is the second year of our beginners piano programme and repertoire will be of a pre-grade 1 standard. Improve your eye/hand coordination, your reading and finger technique.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £174.00 - Piano/keyboards 1BCourse start date: Thu 8 May 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
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