About Us

The Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts (LAAPA) is the premier, private academy of music, dance, and the performing arts in Mandeville and the Greater New Orleans, LA area.

Founded in 1978, the Academy has since grown to three campus locations with over 950 music, dance, and theatre students. Our mission continues as we strive to provide students of all ages with a lifetime appreciation for music, dance, and the performing arts.

Our schools of music located in Covington and Mandeville, LA offer music lessons for children and adults in all styles! Beginners are always welcome at LAAPA. Our River Ridge School of Music & Dance campus, located in Harahan, just outside of New Orleans, additionally offers dance classes and instruction for children ages (walking - adult).

Our music and dance programs include private and group piano lessons, acoustic guitar lessons, electric guitar lessons, electric bass lessons, voice lessons, violin lessons, lessons and classes in viola, cello, trumpet, french horn, trombone, tuba, flute, clarinet, saxophone, drums, composition, choir, rock band, jazz band, string ensemble, preschool music, ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, creative movement, parent and tot, and summer music and dance camps.

At LAAPA, we strive to make each lesson fun and enjoyable! Our faculty members enjoy teaching students at all levels from beginning through advanced. We teach the songs, styles, and steps students are interested in learning! From classical, to rock/pop, jazz, blues, hip-hop, funk, christian, and more.

Whether you're a brand new beginner to private music lessons and/ or dance classes or experienced and ready to take your training to the next level, our professional, University Degreed Faculty will customize a lesson plan for you based on your needs and goals.