Best Short Courses in Music & Performing Arts UK 2026

UK's leading contemporary music college — music production, DJ, electronic music, and music business short courses.

LCCM (London College of Creative Media) is the UK's premier institution for contemporary popular music education, with strong industry connections across the London and global music industry. Their short courses cover music production (Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools), DJ skills, electronic music synthesis, audio engineering fundamentals, song writing, and music business.

LCCM short courses are available in-person at their London campus and online, ranging from 1-day introductory workshops to multi-week evening courses. They provide hands-on access to professional studio environments and industry-standard equipment. LCCM's alumni network and industry relationships provide genuine pathways into the music industry beyond the classroom.

Guildford and London campuses — contemporary performance and music production with strong live industry focus.

ACM (Academy of Contemporary Music) has campuses in Guildford and London and is known for its hands-on, industry-connected approach to contemporary music education. ACM offers short courses alongside degree programmes in music performance (guitar, drums, bass, keys, vocals), music production, and music business. Their summer schools and short programmes provide intensive industry-focused training.

ACM's performance short courses emphasise live performance skills, stage craft, and ensemble playing — making them particularly valuable for musicians wanting to develop live performance careers. Their music business short courses cover sync licensing, music marketing, playlist pitching, and artist management in the streaming era.

World-ranked conservatoire — summer schools and short courses for classical and contemporary musicians.

The Royal Academy of Music (RAM) is one of the world's leading music conservatoires and consistently ranked among the top five globally. Alongside its full-time undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, RAM offers summer schools, open access courses, and masterclass series open to external participants.

RAM summer schools cover orchestral conducting, jazz, musical theatre, and instrumental masterclasses. These intensive programmes — typically 1–2 weeks — provide access to RAM faculty and the exceptional learning environment of one of the world's great music institutions. Prices vary but summer schools typically run AUD £500–£2,000. RAM also offers open days and short workshops throughout the year.

RADA short course programme — acting technique, voice, Shakespeare, screen acting — open to all levels.

RADA (Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) is one of the world's most prestigious drama schools. RADA Studios — their continuing education arm — offers an extensive programme of short courses accessible to adults without professional acting experience. Courses cover acting technique (including Meisner and Stanislavski approaches), voice and speech, Shakespeare and classical text, screen acting, physical theatre, comedy, and public speaking.

RADA short courses run from single evening workshops (approximately £50) to 2-week intensives (£1,500–£2,500). They are attended by aspiring actors, experienced performers seeking CPD, and business professionals wanting to develop communication and presentation skills. RADA in Business also offers corporate performance training applying acting methodology to professional communication.

Specialist performing arts school in London — evening and weekend classes in acting, singing, and dance accessible to all adults.

ArtsEd (Arts Educational Schools London) is a leading performing arts school in Chiswick, London, known for its musical theatre, acting, and dance training. Their part-time and short course programme — available evenings and weekends — covers acting, singing technique, musical theatre performance, dance (ballet, jazz, tap, commercial), and audition technique.

ArtsEd part-time classes are popular with working adults building performing arts skills alongside other commitments. The quality of teaching reflects the school's full-time conservatoire standards — graduates of ArtsEd include many West End performers. Part-time classes are charged per term (approximately £200–£500 per term depending on class type).