Leeds College of Music

Leeds' musical prowess consistently makes headlines, whether that's down to University of Leeds graduates Alt-J winning the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize or the gaze of the classical music industry regularly falling on the city for the Leeds International Piano Competition. Classical fans are spoilt for choice with Opera North's daring programming and the Leeds International Concert Season, while a major jazz scene supported by Jazz Yorkshire and Leeds Improvised Music Association teems with festivals, workshops and masterclasses. And while Leeds has produced its fair share of household names over the last few years – think Kaiser Chiefs, The Cribs and Corinne Bailey Rae – what really makes this city tick is its independent scene, its innovative promoters having recently triumphed with boutique indie festival Beacons (in nearby Skipton) and warehouse-style club Canal Mills. So whether you're after psych, noise, folk, house or anything in between, you can grab live music every night of the week in venues as varied as the Howard Assembly Rooms, Brudenell Social Club, City Varieties and Faversham (and countless arts spaces, courtyards, basements and pop-ups). Touring bands stop off at the University of Leeds and the Cockpit; and with the infamous Leeds Festival, recently opened 02 Academy and upcoming Leeds Arena, the city can also host the world's biggest acts.

Leeds' musical prowess consistently makes headlines, whether that's down to University of Leeds graduates Alt-J winning the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize or the gaze of the classical music industry regularly falling on the city for the Leeds International Piano Competition. Classical fans are spoilt for choice with Opera North's daring programming and the Leeds International Concert Season, while a major jazz scene supported by Jazz Yorkshire and Leeds Improvised Music Association teems w...