Liverpool is one of the most influential music cities in the world—a place where The Beatles were born, legendary venues shaped modern pop culture, and creative energy thrives everywhere you go. Whether you’re an aspiring vocalist, instrumentalist, music producer, DJ, songwriter, or performer, Liverpool offers some of the best music schools in the UK.
This comprehensive guide explores the Top 15 Music Schools in Liverpool and Their Fees, providing detailed insights, course structures, and what each school is best known for. All institutions listed offer reputable training, strong industry links, and the creative environment needed to turn passion into a professional music career.
Top 15 Music Schools In Liverpool And Fees
1. Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA)
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, co-founded by Sir Paul McCartney, is one of the most prestigious performing arts universities in the world. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Music, Music Production, Songwriting, Sound Technology, Performance, and Management of Music, Entertainment & Events. LIPA is known for world-class tutors, cutting-edge facilities, and industry-driven learning.
Courses Offered:
BA (Hons) Music
BA (Hons) Music (Songwriting)
BA (Hons) Sound Technology
BA (Hons) Music Production
BA (Hons) Theatre and Performance Technology
MA in various performing arts disciplines
Annual Tuition Fees:
UK Students: £9,250/year
International Students: £17,500 – £18,500/year
LIPA remains a top choice for students seeking elite-level music and performing arts education.
2. Liverpool Hope University – School of Creative and Performing Arts
Liverpool Hope University offers a balanced mix of academic study and hands-on musical training. The School of Creative and Performing Arts is known for its strong programmes in music performance, composition, music production, and music education. Students have access to professional-grade recording studios and performance spaces.
Popular Courses:
BA (Hons) Music
BA (Hons) Creative Music Technology
MA in Musical Performance
Fees:
UK Students: £9,250/year
International Students: £12,500 – £14,000/year
This university is ideal for students seeking an affordable and supportive learning environment.
3. University of Liverpool – Department of Music
The University of Liverpool offers one of the oldest and most respected music programmes in the UK. Its Department of Music focuses on performance, composition, music technology, and musicology. The school is known for innovative research and strong industry partnerships.
Courses Offered:
BA (Hons) Music
BA (Hons) Popular Music
BA (Hons) Music Technology
MA in Classical and Popular Music Studies
Fees:
UK Students: £9,250/year
International Students: £20,000/year
The University of Liverpool is perfect for students seeking an academic-theory and performance blend.
4. Liverpool Media Academy (LMA)
LMA, co-owned by members of Take That, is one of the fastest-growing music academies in the UK. It is known for modern music courses tailored to today’s entertainment industry. Students train in audio engineering, DJing, performance, music business, and production.
Courses:
BA (Hons) Music Performance
BA (Hons) Music Production
BA (Hons) Sound & Audio Engineering
Fees:
UK Students: £9,250/year
International Students: £16,000 – £17,000/year
LMA is ideal for modern musicians seeking industry-focused training.
5. Access Creative College Liverpool
Access Creative College has been training musicians for over 30 years and is supported by artists like Ed Sheeran. They offer diploma-level and degree-level courses with pathways in performance, production, sound engineering, and DJ skills.
Courses Offered:
Music Performance Diploma
Music Production Diploma
Audio & Sound Engineering
Artist Development
Fees:
UK Students: Free for 16–18 Diploma Students
Adult Fees: £3,000 – £6,000 per level
International: Contact for pricing
Access Creative College is great for young musicians beginning their career.
6. Liverpool School of Music
This private institution offers specialised training in performance, composition, and music tutoring. It is known for flexible learning and one-to-one instruction for students preparing for auditions or exams.
Programmes Offered:
Piano, Guitar, Drum, Vocal Lessons
Music Theory & Composition
Private Masterclasses
Fees:
Lessons: £20 – £40/hour
Monthly Packages: £120 – £300
Ideal for personalised music training.
7. Merseyside Academy of Music
A well-known community music school offering affordable training for beginners, intermediates, and pre-professionals. The academy focuses on instrumental training, performance groups, and music education.
Courses:
Piano, Guitar, Violin, Drums, Vocals
Ensemble Classes
Music Theory
Fees:
£15 – £30 per session
Exam preparation packages: £180 – £300
Perfect for those seeking low-cost but quality lessons.
8. Liverpool Community College – Music Department
Offering vocational diplomas and foundation degrees, Liverpool Community College focuses on practical training. It’s especially popular among students interested in studio engineering and live sound.
Courses:
Music Technology
Music Performance
Sound Engineering
Foundation Degree in Music
Fees:
Diplomas (16–18): Free
Adult Fees: £2,000 – £6,000
International: Contact for details
A strong option for practical and technical music training.
9. Studio 76 Liverpool
Studio 76 is a contemporary performing arts training hub offering focused music, singing, and performance coaching. It’s known for preparing students for professional auditions.
Courses Offered:
Vocal Coaching
Artist Development
Performance Technique
Fees:
£25 – £50 per hour
Development packages: £150 – £500
Ideal for aspiring singers and performers.
10. Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA) Liverpool – Music & Performing Arts
PQA offers music and performing arts programmes for teenagers and children. Their curriculum blends singing, performing, acting, and musical theatre.
Courses:
Music & Singing Training
Pop Music Performance
Musical Theatre Workshops
Fees:
£25 – £30 per session
Term Fees: £350 – £450
Perfect for younger musicians.
11. Liverpool Performing Arts School (LPAS)
A popular music and arts school offering part-time and full-time training. LPAS provides singing, acting, and instrumental coaching with a strong emphasis on emotional expression and stage presence.
Courses:
Vocal Performance
Musical Theatre
Piano & Guitar Lessons
Fees:
£20 – £40/hour
Full-time programmes: £2,000 – £5,000/year
A versatile option for stage-focused training.
12. Jam Factory Music School
Jam Factory specialises in band performance, studio recording, and modern music genres like rock, pop, and indie. Their teaching style focuses heavily on creativity and collaboration.
Courses Offered:
Band Coaching
Guitar, Drums, Vocals
Studio Experience Sessions
Fees:
£15 – £30 per lesson
Recording packages: £100 – £300
A great choice for band members and young performers.
13. Wirral Music School (Near Liverpool)
Located just outside Liverpool, this school attracts many Liverpool students due to its strong music instruction quality. Wirral Music School offers lessons for children and adults.
Courses:
Piano, Guitar, Brass, Strings
Voice Training
Exam Prep
Fees:
£15 – £35/lesson
Monthly packages: £90 – £250
An excellent alternative for students in Merseyside.
14. Liverpool Drum Academy
A specialised school focusing exclusively on drum training. They offer a structured programme from beginner to professional level and include hands-on training with advanced drum kits.
Courses:
Beginner to Advanced Drumming
Rhythm Development
Live Performance Training
Fees:
£20 – £40 per session
Block bookings: £150 – £300
A top pick for drummers.
15. Grace Note Music School
Grace Note is a community-driven music school offering affordable lessons in multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, ukulele, violin, and drums. They serve students of all skill levels.
Courses:
Instrumental Lessons
Music Exam Preparation
Group Training
Fees:
£12 – £25 per session
Monthly: £60 – £180
A friendly and budget-friendly learning option.
Conclusion
Liverpool’s music education scene is rich, vibrant, and diverse—ranging from world-class conservatories like LIPA to community-based schools offering personalised, affordable training. Whether you’re pursuing a professional music career or simply want to develop your skills, Liverpool provides options for every budget, age group, and musical style