Leeds has long had a reputation as one of the UK’s most innovative cities and a vibrant hub of northern creativity. On top of being renowned for its vibrant music scene, the city’s tech sector is growing at a rate more than double the national average, meaning areas such as gaming, film, animation and digital marketing – all of which are closely affiliated with the music industry – are booming.
By studying music in Leeds, you’re entering an environment that celebrates live music and creativity, and allows you to immerse yourself in a flourishing community of students, artists and innovators – from busking and indie gigs to club nights and major festivals. The Leeds music university experience you’ll gain at ICMP will provide you with the skills, connections and opportunities you need to launch a successful career in the music industry.
FINGER ON THE PULSE
Celebrated for its eclectic music scene, Leeds is home to a host of legendary artists and bands who have long shaped the sound of the UK. From the iconic Kaiser Chiefs to the genre-defying alt-J, synth-pop duo Soft Cell, superstar Spice Girl Mel B, and pop-punk ‘tubthumpers’ Chumbawamba, Leeds has spent decades as a hothouse for groundbreaking music.
The city’s live music scene is equally impressive, with popular venues like O2 Academy Leeds, The Wardrobe, Brudenell Social Club, Belgrave Music Hall and The Key Club offering platforms for established acts and emerging talent alike. These sites are more than just places to perform – they’re the heartbeat of Leeds’ music community, where passionate artists and fans come together to support new music.
A thriving creative landscape
Leeds’ rich musical history and ongoing commitment to nurturing new talent provides an empowering backdrop for your UK music school studies. The city is a melting pot for the arts, recognised as one of Great Britain’s top digital hubs and teaming with creatives working in fashion, design, advertising and entrepreneurship. In a place like this, you’ll be surrounded by innovation and inspiration at every turn.
The music industry offers a huge range of career paths and, no matter where your ambitions lie, we’re here to help you unlock your full potential. Our undergraduate music courses in Leeds provide access to state-of-the-art, purpose-built facilities to give you the practical, real-world experience you need to become an industry professional.
making this historic hub your home
Part of the Civic Quarter’s iconic Electric Press building, the ICMP Leeds Campus is a symbol of the city’s continuous reinvention and dedication to creativity. Blending historic charm with modern facilities, the industrial building has been repurposed as a creative and cultural hub, and is shared by many artistic organisations, including Leeds creative college SAE Institute.
Located in the centre of the city, the building is a short jaunt to Leeds Train Station and within walking distance of some of Leeds’ most iconic cultural landmarks, such as Leeds Art Gallery and the Leeds Grand Theatre. Jam-packed with brand-new music equipment and software, The Electric Press is the ideal home for ICMP Leeds and the perfect place to network and connect with Leeds’ many creatives.
Industry Partnerships
We partner with over 40 leading music manufacturers and software developers, making ICMP one of the most connected UK music schools. Our Leeds music school provides exclusive access to collaborations with brands, labels, publishers, promoters and management companies, building a network that can open doors to unique opportunities and connect you with key players in the wider music industry. We take immense pride in the ongoing success of our graduates and are constantly innovating and expanding our network to ensure both current students and alumni receive top-tier education and training. At ICMP, a lifelong music career is firmly in your reach.
Join our inspiring creative community
As a student at ICMP Leeds, you’ll not only benefit from the city’s cultural offerings but also its strong sense of community. On a daily basis, you’ll connect with like-minded peers, engage in interdisciplinary projects, and participate in a wide range of events designed to broaden your artistic horizons.
Choosing to study music in Leeds means you’re not just learning about your chosen music discipline – you’re becoming part of a lively and supportive community that values creativity, innovation and collaboration. Leeds’ deep musical heritage and thriving contemporary scene make it a brilliant place to begin your learning journey in music and an amazing launchpad for your future music career.
Our friendly Admissions Team can talk you through what's on offer and answer any questions about technical specifications, course specifics or the application and audition processes. Whatever your musical career goals are, we’re here to help you reach them. Call us on 020 732 80222 or email enquiries@icmp.ac.ukuk.
We also run regular open days, offering you a chance to meet our team, hear all about our brand-new campus and discover how ICMP can help your music career.
Cutting-edge facilities and equipment
As an ICMP student, you’ll have access to our brand-new state-of-the-art facilities, designed to the same professional standards as our London and Liverpool campuses. These include fully equipped rehearsal rooms, recording studios and performance spaces, ensuring you have everything you need to practice and perfect your craft. As an ICMP Leeds student, you can also book our ICMP London facilities, rooms and spaces for recording sessions or gigs, letting you seamlessly connect with the capital’s exciting music scene.
Photos are from our London campus, you can expect the same spec in Leeds!
Join a supportive community fuelled by music and creativity
At ICMP Leeds, you’ll experience a dynamic community atmosphere where regular masterclasses, gigs and networking events are a staple of the student journey. You’ll have countless opportunities to collaborate with peers and professionals as you engage in real-world experience and build your personal portfolio. You’ll also work directly with film, gaming, animation, audio production and digital marketing students from the globally acclaimed SAE Institute, who also call The Electric Press home.
ICMP Industry Tutors
Our teaching faculty at ICMP Leeds is made up of music practitioners who bring both professional experience and educational knowledge to the classroom. These seasoned musicians, accomplished academics and respected industry practitioners are committed to providing you with high calibre music education. Whether your interests lie in performance, songwriting, music production, event management or music business entrepreneurship, you’re choosing to study at a truly outstanding music school in Leeds.
Connecting you to industry from day one
ICMP Leeds is deeply connected to the music industry, offering unparalleled access to top music equipment and software brands, as well as relationships with record labels, music publishers, promoters and management companies across the UK. All courses at our Leeds music school directly link you with the music industry, so you’re not only learning about your music field of choice, but creating a solid professional network – one that’ll serve you well throughout your career.