The Institute Of Contemporary Music Performance
About
At the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance, we want you to graduate feeling emboldened and inspired, with the tools, connections, self-confidence and head start you need to drive your career in the music industry forward. ICMP, with campuses in London, Leeds and Liverpool, has been developing and delivering music education and training to students of contemporary music for more than 40 years, longer than any other UK music school.
Institute of Contemporary Music Performance (ICMP)
At ICMP, we are dedicated to helping you graduate inspired, confident, and fully equipped to take your career in the music industry to the next level. With over 40 years of experience—longer than any other UK music school—and campuses in London, Leeds, and Liverpool, we have been at the forefront of contemporary music education.
We understand that every student is unique. That’s why our approach is tailored to your individual needs, potential, and aspirations, giving you the tools, connections, and head start required to succeed in today’s competitive music industry.
ICMP offers a specialist range of industry-aligned programmes, including:
- Masters Programmes
- Undergraduate Degrees
- 1-year Higher Education Programmes (Cert HE)
- Short Courses
Our courses cover Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting, Music Production, Music Business, Live Event and Festival Management, and Music Marketing—each designed to give you real-world skills and industry insight.
Our vision is simple: ICMP graduates shaping the future of music. We achieve this by inspiring, empowering, and supporting you through innovative, high-quality music education that prepares you to thrive in a dynamic and evolving industry.
All ICMP students can use our facilities for course-related practice free of charge outside of timetabled hours, and we're open 7 days a week! Students can also access facilities outside of term time, for example, during the summer break.
- Recording Studios - As an ICMP student you have access to a comprehensive range of industry-standard recording and production facilities.
- Practice Rooms - All ICMP music colleges contain practice rooms so you can perfect your craft.
- Live Performance Studios - Live performance is at the heart of ICMP and we pride ourselves on our wide range of live performance rooms with stages and sound-isolation booths.
- Technology Suites - Our wide range of technology suites allows you to work on powerful Apple iMac computers loaded with Pro Tools, Ableton or Logic Pro X so you can build your tracks, develop ideas, and edit and mix your final work.
- Production Suites - ICMP students get exclusive access to our electronic music production studios and production rooms.
- Teaching Studios - ICMP hosts an impressive range of teaching studios – from large lecture rooms that accommodates many students, to our standard classrooms that typically house around 14.
Your five steps to ICMP
Step 1: Start your application
To start applying to ICMP, fill out the Apply Now form in the school's website. This brief form provides the school with the details for the friendly Admissions team to get in touch to discuss your interests and aspirations.
Step 2: Complete your application
International applicants, who are sponsored by ICMP, are required to submit a personal statement alongside their full application form.
Step 3: Your audition/interview
Once we have reviewed your application, we will contact you to book your audition/interview for your chosen course. Our auditions are very relaxed and free of charge and we will guide you through the process, supplying supporting literature to allow you to.
Step 4: Making you an offer
Once you have completed your audition and we have reviewed your application, you can look forward to receiving a formal offer from us.
Step 5: Accepting your offer
Once you have received your offer, we recommend accepting as soon as possible as we have limited places on all ICMP courses. Once you have accepted, you will receive a welcome pack with further information and guidance on how to prepare for becoming a student at ICMP. You will also gain access to a wide range of information and activities prior to your arrival.
As an international student coming to the UK to study a full-time course of more than six months, you must apply for a Student visa (under the Student Route) before coming to the UK to start your course.
Applying for a Student Visa
To apply through the Student Route, you’ll need to show that you have the required level of English and can support yourself financially during your studies in the UK.
You’ll also need to prove that you have an unconditional offer from an approved educational institution. To demonstrate this, ICMP will issue you with a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) number. This is a unique number assigned to you when ICMP provides information about you and your course to UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You will be sent a CAS statement by email, which contains this number and other information about you and your course. You should use this information to help you complete the relevant sections of your online visa application. You will need to enter your CAS number in your online visa application and UKVI will use this number to check the information held on their system about you, your course, and the documents they expect you to provide as part of your visa application.
A personalised approach to learning – At ICMP’s London, Leeds, and Liverpool campuses, we ensure you graduate emboldened and inspired, equipped with the tools, connections, confidence, and head start to drive your music industry career forward.
London’s vibrant music scene – Immerse yourself in London’s dynamic music ecosystem while benefiting from ICMP’s expert guidance and hands-on learning across all campuses.
Connected to the global music industry – Our industry links span the globe, giving you unparalleled opportunities to network, collaborate, and kick-start your professional journey.
A creative and inspiring learning environment – We continually invest in world-class facilities at all campuses, providing the ideal environment to develop your talent and achieve your ambitions.
Experienced and inspirational tutors – Learn from professional practitioners and award-winning tutors who bring real-world expertise straight into the classroom.
Small class sizes and high-contact hours – Enjoy a highly personalised learning experience, with small classes and extensive contact hours that maximise your growth and progress.
Recognised, proven, and respected higher education institution – ICMP is a trusted and respected member of the UK higher education community, with an extensive portfolio of accreditations and certifications to support your career ambitions.
