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
380 courses available
Recorders: return to playingIf you already know the fingering for C to G (or F to C), can read music and play in tune and time, this course will develop your technique and musicianship further. Please bring your own instrument(s). The class is for all recorder types (descant, treble, tenor and bass).
Break weeks
Term 1 26th - 30st Oct 2026
Term 2 15th February 2027
Term 3 3rd and 31st May 2027Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00- Classical ballet: beginners
Designed for the 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 £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £195.00 - Ballet at the barre: online
A live online ballet barre class which you can join from the comfort of your own home.The work you do at the barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for complete beginners.
Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - Early music ensemble
An ensemble for musicians interested in learning the skills of playing consort music in different instrumental combinations (broken consort). It will be a journey exploring the variety of sound combinations in 17th century repertoire. To apply for the ensemble please click the pink 'Start your interview' button and someone from the music department will be in touch.
Break weeks
Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026
Term 2 15th February 2027
Term 3 3rd and 31st May May 2027Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £263.00 Concession £230.00 - Fretted instruments ensemble
An ensemble class for players of any fretted instrument: guitar, banjo, ukulele, mandolin, bass guitar or any other! There will be individual parts for each player suited to their abilities; together we will play all sorts of music. This course is for experienced players, the ability to read one of the following will be necessary: chord symbols, tablature or musical notation. Challenging and fun - the music/repertoire will be tailored to your various abilities.
Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £160.00 - Piano/keyboards 3C online
Work on grade 3 standard repertoire to improve your hand coordination, musical phrasing, reading and technique, and improve your confidence. This course is suitable for students working towards ABRSM Grade 3.
Online
Mon 14 Sep 2026Simon AtkinsFull fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £174.00 - Jazz dance: beginnersThis class is suitable if you are new to dance or if you want to develop your existing skills and confidence.
You will discover the basics of modern jazz dance, learn about posture, co-ordination and essential technique. Learn warm-up exercises, turns, steps and basic kicks along with amazing dance routines. It will help to build your fitness and tone your body too.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00 - Acting: beginnersExplore the fundamentals of acting on this practical course, designed for people with little or no experience of acting. Increase your confidence and discover your potential in a safe and supportive environment.Full fee £329.00 Senior fee £263.00 Concession £230.00
- Screen acting: advancedThis is a practical and intensive screen acting course, designed for students to learn how to create characters and be at their best when working within difficult and pressurised circumstances. Ideal for those who have previously studied screen acting and are planning to make the leap into finding work. Also for those who have already broken into the industry but want to make sure they’re at their best when on set.Full fee £349.00 Senior fee £349.00 Concession £244.00
- Clarinet advanced workshop
This course is for students who have a minimum of five years' experience on clarinet (playing at grade 6 standard or above), come and work on both technique and solo repertoire and enjoy some group playing. Offered every term.
Break weeks
Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026
Term 2 No scheduled break week
Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027Full fee £279.00 Senior fee £223.00 Concession £195.00 - Violin and viola 4A
This course is for students who have been learning for three to four years and are fluent in 1st and 3rd positions (grade 3-4). Come and study higher positions, vibrato and a variety of bow techniques. This course continues with Violin and Viola 4B next term.
Break weeks
Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026
Term 2 No scheduled break week
Term 3 31st May- 4th June 2027Keeley Street
Mon 14 Sep 2026Robert PuzeyFull fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £160.00 - Piano/keyboards 4B
For pianists with around three years' experience. Work on grade 4 standard repertoire to improve your hand coordination, musical phrasing, reading and technique, and improve your confidence. This course is suitable for students working towards ABRSM Grade 4.
Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £174.00 - Piano/keyboards: intermediate online
For pianists playing at around grade 5 standard. Improve your technique, coordination, phrasing, music reading, aural skills and playing confidence. This course is suitable for students working towards ABRSM Grade 5 and above.
Online
Mon 14 Sep 2026Simon AtkinsFull fee £249.00 Senior fee £199.00 Concession £174.00 - Classic jazz guitarIf you have played jazz styles and are familiar with some standard tunes, this course will develop your technical and musical skills in 'comping', soloing, and playing with others.
Keeley Street
Mon 14 Sep 2026Martin WheatleyFull fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £160.00 - Clarinet 2A
This course is for students who have played Bb clarinet for at least a year. Come and improve your technique and performance skills, and explore a variety of styles and repertoire. Continues to Clarinet 2B next term.
Break weeks
Term 1 26th - 30th Oct 2026
Term 2 No scheduled break week
Term 3 31st May -4th June 2027Keeley Street
Mon 14 Sep 2026Chris GoodmanFull fee £229.00 Senior fee £229.00 Concession £160.00
Can't see a course you want?
Add this category to your waiting list to set up alerts and we will update you when new courses are released online.