At the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts' (LAAPA) Mandeville School of Music, it is our goal to provide students of all ages with the tools needed to enjoy music for a lifetime and only the finest in arts education.It is for this reason that all instructors on staff are university trained professionals in their respective areas of expertise. All Faculty members hold a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree in Music. Many hold or are currently working towards either Master of Music or Doctor of Musical Arts degrees.
Our Faculty members come to us from some of the finest University Schools of Music around the world including the Bellhaven College of Music, Berklee College of Music, Florida State University, Loyola University of New Orleans, New England Conservatory, Oberlin Conservatory, Ohio State University, Southeastern Louisiana University, University of Denver, University of Miami, University of New Orleans, and the University of Southern Mississippi.
Since 1978, thousands of students have taken music lessons with Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts at our three school locations located in Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes.
We don't think our Academy is the best choice for music lessons simply because of our large student base. Rather, we think we're the best choice because our students tell us we are! Visit our website to see what our parents and students are saying about their experiences with LAAPA.
Served areas
- Abita Springs, Covington, Folsom, Hammond, Mandeville, Madisonville, Sildell
Highlights and features
- University Degreed Professional Faculty with over 35 Instructors to meet your needs
- Programs for students of all ages from birth-adult
- We teach the styles you want to learn - instruction in Classical, Pop. Jazz, Rock, and more
- Ability to schedule private lessons for 2 or more family members at the same time
- Regular (optional) Recitals held in professional auditoriums with state of the art sound
- Weekly 45 minute theory class is included with all private lessons for no additional fee
- Administrative Desk Staff available to assist you during all teaching hours
- Free Recording studio time for all students
Associations and certifications
- Music Teachers National Association Corporate Member
Offices
Working hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM ÷ 9:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 9:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 9:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM ÷ 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM ÷ 9:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM ÷ 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Working hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM ÷ 7:30 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM ÷ 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Working hours
| Monday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM ÷ 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM ÷ 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Services
The short and simple answer is that we bring dreams to fruition in a professional, inspirational, and truly fun environment. Our highly qualified instructors are all passionate, entertaining, positive, uplifting, and able to motivate. Many students come to us to of course to gain or increase their technical proficiencies with the intention of one day becoming a music or dance performer, educator, or related professional.
Registration for lessons and classes is currently available online (select program below), by telephone, or in person during regular school office hours. We welcome new students in all of our programs throughout the year. Each July, students ages 5-16 are invited to join our Summer Music and Dance Camps.
We have three convenient locations; each of which serves many different neighborhoods throughout Jefferson, Orleans, and St. Tammany Parishes. Contact information for each campus may be found below. The Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts has three convenient campus locations in the Greater New Orleans area.
Brand New to Music Lessons? Wherever you choose to enroll, ask questions to ensure that the music instructor will meet your needs. Our beginners guide below will serve as an excellent point of reference. If you've been researching how to get started in music lessons for yourself or a child, what is needed, what to expect, then you're in the right place!
A wise pianist once said, "I realized a long time ago that my chords don't work without a good bass player!" In practice, the bass serves as a musical pillar that supports every other instrument. Bass instruction begins at age 8 at LAAPA due to the general size of the instruments. Weekly lessons are offered in either 30, 45, or 60 minutes private sessions.
Videos
Why Take Music Lessons in Metairie, Mandeville, and New Orleans at LAAPA?
Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts has 3 convenient campus locations in the Greater New Orleans area and offers music lessons in piano, voice, guitar, violin, drums, and more. Dance classes for children and adults are offered at the River Ridge School of Music & Dance and include instruction in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, parent & tot, and more! It's never too late to get started in music lessons or dance classes, so call us today to get started!
Reviews (29)
Tristan
Feb 22, 2022
The staff alone are incredibly friendly and understanding. I have Casey as a guitar teacher and he’s helped me catch on fast and learn a lot more than I could ever have on my own. He also likes to work with stuff that keeps me interested so we try and incorporate some of the music I’m into to rather lessons. I’ve only been here a few weeks but I’m enjoying it a lot.
Taheerah B.
Mar 03, 2021
My 2 year old loves movement, so I was looking for a dance program that catered to toddlers. I found LAAPA, and after doing some online research, I called. A young lady answered ALL of my questions. Believe me, I had lots of questions. Hubby and I decided to put the little one in Parent and Me Ballet. Although it says Parent and Me, it is geared to help the tots learn the foundation of ballet.
Miss Mollie, her dance instructor, is a sweetheart! There are anywhere from 3-5 girls, and she is keeps them moving. She has so much patience, and her energy and smile makes any little one comfortable. My daughter loves coming here especially since Mommy and Daddy get to participate (a little).
Miss Mollie, her dance instructor, is a sweetheart! There are anywhere from 3-5 girls, and she is keeps them moving. She has so much patience, and her energy and smile makes any little one comfortable. My daughter loves coming here especially since Mommy and Daddy get to participate (a little).
Jessica Bourne
Oct 28, 2020
Sandy Blum
Jun 15, 2020
Nicole Lynchard Stein
Jan 24, 2020
Klondike Steadman
Jan 14, 2020
Judy Morse
Dec 28, 2019
Tawanna White
Jan 29, 2019
Wanda Cullen
Oct 18, 2018
Destiny Paige Catoire
Oct 17, 2018
Well we have just started but the staff has worked with us tremendously on what kynslee truly wanted & made it happen!! Her teacher voice lessons started this week with Mrs Neely, & she seems so be such a sweet dedicated woman, we look forward to growing & learning with her! Next week she will start tumbling & meet her tumbling instructor and we absolutely cannot wait! Thanks for making our experience great so far we look forward to building a family with Mandeville school of Music & Dance
Mary S.
Jun 06, 2018
Robert W. Theriot Jr
Apr 03, 2018
Meghan Thiele Messenger
Jan 26, 2018
Justin Klein
Nov 30, 2017
Tohnya Holmes
Nov 23, 2017
Dwana Smith
Nov 09, 2017
My soon-to-be 6 year old son has been taking piano lessons for nearly a year now and he absolutely loves it. He began with Mrs. Maria who was just wonderful with him. Since her departure, Ms. Hannah has taken over and the transition has been great. She is very patient, fun and enthusiastic about teaching. She is flexible with presenting lessons to him keeping it fun and exciting for his age. The staff is very kind and professional. He enjoys being a student.
Kim White
Oct 04, 2017
Melanie Bledsoe
Jul 19, 2017
Ernest Barrow
Jun 18, 2017
Theresa Gigante
May 13, 2017
Karen Suedmeier
Apr 05, 2017
Sandy Skaggs-Coop
Oct 27, 2015
Ned Casso
Oct 23, 2014
Curtis is an amazing teacher at the Mandeville location. My son has been taking guitar for about a year, and Curtis loves to play the music my son likes, and it's one of those things that you see in your child's eyes. Glad we chose this school and I am grateful for the time Curtis has spent with Cameron.
Shelly Hebert
Jul 21, 2013
I've been a student of LAAPA's Covington campus for 2 yrs now and absolutely love it! I've always wanted to learn the guitar since I was a young girl but kept putting it off through the years. At first I was a bit hesitant to enroll, mainly because I'm now a grown adult in my early 40's and always thought schools like these were just for the kiddies.
But it's really not like that at all. A friend recommend LAAPA and the teachings of Mr. Josh Theriot, and couldn't be happier. Everyone's nice, helpful, and understanding. Although I'm learning guitar at slow rate (....it's my fault, I don't get to practice enough LOL), Mr. Theriot is very patient. Lessons with him are fun but yet educational.
But it's really not like that at all. A friend recommend LAAPA and the teachings of Mr. Josh Theriot, and couldn't be happier. Everyone's nice, helpful, and understanding. Although I'm learning guitar at slow rate (....it's my fault, I don't get to practice enough LOL), Mr. Theriot is very patient. Lessons with him are fun but yet educational.
Liz Moore
My two children have been taking piano & violin lessons at LAAPA since January 2007. I am very pleased with the progress they have made over the years. The teachers are mostly young, progressive, energetic and uplifting musicians with strong technical skills. They continually encourage and challenge my children. The professionalism of this particular school is much higher than most other venues of music instruction.
Because I am so pleased with my children's progress, I began taking guitar lessons at LAAPA last year. My playing skills are now beyond what I ever imagined I would be capable of. I would highly recommend this outstanding music school to anyone who is interested in studying music.
Because I am so pleased with my children's progress, I began taking guitar lessons at LAAPA last year. My playing skills are now beyond what I ever imagined I would be capable of. I would highly recommend this outstanding music school to anyone who is interested in studying music.
Michelle Silva
My daughter has been taking voice lessons at the school for two years. She loves going to class and her teachers are extremely professional, engaging, and make it fun to learn. I've seen my daughter really find her voice and learn how to feel confident on stage. She now auditions for drama roles in her school plays, and recently received a role in the ensemble for a JPAS production.
All of the administrators at the front desk are very patient and helpful. Their phone etiquette is extraordinary!!! I've seen it get quite busy in the lobby, and when someone calls, the administrator is super polite. We have a wonderful relationship with the school, the teachers (Ms. Meghan & Ms. Jessica) and feel that everyone supports the students in doing their best.
All of the administrators at the front desk are very patient and helpful. Their phone etiquette is extraordinary!!! I've seen it get quite busy in the lobby, and when someone calls, the administrator is super polite. We have a wonderful relationship with the school, the teachers (Ms. Meghan & Ms. Jessica) and feel that everyone supports the students in doing their best.
Ben J.
Jessica Rogers
Andrea Carmichael
We have been blessed with Ms. Autumn Beck at LAAPA Covington and we couldn’t have asked for a better teacher. She is calm and understanding. She is thorough and helpful. She gives the extra push when she sees the need and slows down if more time is needed. My son has progressed quickly in piano because of her patience and talent. Thank you Ms. Autumn! We know we are in great hands with you and look forward to seeing you every week!