Monthly Newsletters - September 2020

Enroll NOW for Fall Music & Dance Lessons

Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff:

Our first ever Summer Recitals were a huge success, and we’re so grateful to our community for helping us put on safe and socially distant productions to safely recognize the success and accomplishments of our students.

While we’re certainly hoping to be able to welcome back larger audiences soon, many of you commented on how nice it was having the smaller, quicker shows.  This is certainly something that we will think about in terms of regularly incorporating into our annual programming for the future!

We are extremely excited about Fall finally being here, school officially starting once again and the possibilities that the new school year brings!

During this time each year we love to welcome our eager new music and dance students to the Academy.  A huge shout-out to our 100 + new students who began lessons this August.  We are so glad to have you join the LAAPA family!

With Fall being a popular time for new students to get started in music lessons and dance classes, we are chatting with prospective students and parents daily and wanted to share a few common Q&A’s.

“My child is interested in getting started in lessons this Fall. I was also interested – what ages do you teach, can adults take lessons?"

We teach Kids, Teens, and Adults! Whether you’re a brand new beginner or already experienced, our faculty are excited to show you how to play, sing, dance to your favorite songs!

“I’m interested in getting started in lessons, but I’m very concerned about current health conditions. What has been done on campus to ensure cleanliness and safety?”

We have a 13 point checklist! From Global Plasma solutions iWave air sanitizers inside each HVAC system to regular disinfecting between each student/class, our staff and faculty are on top of keeping our classrooms safe and healthy! You can learn more about our complete plan at https://www.laapa.com/campus-safety.  Online lessons are also available to all students not yet ready to attend in person.  Learn more at https://www.laapa.com/online

“I want my child to take music lessons or dance classes, but my child doesn’t seem all that interested.”

"Just try it; you’ll like it." As a youngster, these were my father’s words of wisdom at Cullen family dinners.  Many times I was indeed very surprised – “this man is a genius,” I often thought to myself. Other times, I thought, “I knew I shouldn’t have listened to him.”  (One of my brothers secretly opted out of all of his advice though, and a huge pile of moldy cauliflower eventually became dislodged from underneath the table near his place one evening…but I digress.)

The important thing to note here is that children need to experience a variety of things in life in order to discover what they like.  Asking children ages 5, 6, 7, 8, etc. to make these kinds of decisions on their own is unfair in my opinion, and the world would surely be at a loss for many talented amateur and professional musicians, dancers, and artists had parents not insisted on private piano lessons or ballet classes for them during their formative years.

“I want my child to take music lessons or dance classes for fun, but I don’t want to have to make them practice.”

Sharing the joy of learning to play, dance, and sing is our specialty, and here at the Academy we have the most inspiring instructors you will ever meet. The time students spend with their teachers each week will only take them so far, and in order to make progress, practicing outside of classes is paramount.

One of the biggest myths in music and dance education is that all students should be naturally inclined to just go to their instrument or practice space and get down to business every day exactly as their teacher has asked of them without any parental support, encouragement, or guidance. 

If this happens in your house, that is amazing and congrats. The majority of students thrive on incentives, encouragement, and reminders.

I myself (with two degrees in music) was not a natural practicer – just ask my teacher, Mr. Russell Tucker, Associate Director. My incentive back then was that he’d show me some magic tricks during lessons if I was doing well! (Ask him to show you the magic pencil trick.)  Today, students can also earn tickets each week for a job well done in their lessons! Tickets can be redeemed for fun prizes from our treasure chest! 

In short, every student's success will be dependent upon parental support and involvement.

Finally, I always like to mention that music and dance classes are more than just the instruction - they build the character and feed the soul of students.  Whether or not they choose to continue in the arts down the road, the skills they have developed will always be a part of who they are. So if you’ve been on the fence for awhile now about whether to give music and dance a shot in your life - you really can’t go wrong!

~ Ryan Cullen, Academy Director

Back to School - Lessons Available Online or In-Person!

At LAAPA, we offer the most comprehensive Music & Dance Program in the Greater New Orleans area with three campuses located in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville. For over 40 years, we’ve provided lessons to tens of thousands of students in Piano, Guitar, Voice, Violin, Drums, Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Tap, Brass, Woodwind, Bands, Preschool Music, and more!

Covington: 985-590-4545
Mandeville: 985-674-2992
River Ridge: 504-738-3050

Enroll Today!

Student News

Covington School of Music drum student Wesley performed a going away recital before his big move! While we’re sad he missed our August recital, we’re so glad he was able to put on a special private performance for his family. You will be missed, Wesley!

August was full of recitals! We held four recitals over three different weekends throughout the month, and each of them was incredible! It is always such a joy watching our students perform. Pictured is Marlowe Corbett from our River Ridge School of Music and Dance Recital performing Roar.

Faculty member Mollie Fought welcomed her beautiful new baby, Harper, into the world! Mrs. Mollie will be returning to River Ridge School of Music and Dance for Thursday’s Pre-Ballet classes and Saturday’s Parent & Tot and Pre-Ballet classes in September. We look forward to having her back!

Congratulations to Mandeville School of Music and Dance student, Elise Santos for graduating from ukulele and beginning guitar lessons! We have so enjoyed watching your progress and growth these past 2 years.

This year our Christmas Show will be a magical performance of The Nutcracker Prince! Our auditions will take place on Friday, September 18 (Mandeville Campus) and Saturday, September 26 (River Ridge Campus) for any students interested in performing. All musicians and dancers are encouraged to audition, and everyone who auditions will receive a part!

For more information and audition times, please visit
https://www.laapa.com/nutcracker

On Saturday, October 3, our River Ridge Musical Theater I class will be putting on a special performance of Seussical the Musical Jr. 1:30 pm in PH-A. Each student may bring up to 3 guests. We look forward to seeing you there!

Send Us Your News!

We love getting your news, success stories and comments. If you'd like to share your news with us, please e-mail at studentnews@laapa.com. Please note that we publish our newsletters monthly, and if you don't see your submission in this edition, it will be published as soon as space is available! Connect with us on Facebook at facebook.com/laapaface, youtube.com/laapatube, and now on Twitter at @laapatweets.

Recording Studio

Our recording studio is located at the Mandeville campus and features a 32 track ProTools system, 4k video cameras, premium mics and equipment. Click the button below to learn more, schedule a studio tour or Book Your Session today!

Learn More!

Happy September Birthdays!

We'd like to wish the following Students, Faculty, and Staff a very Happy Birthday this Month!

Students: Aiden S. (10), Alyssa S. (14), Amanda J. (11), Amelia C. (5), Ann K. (71), Ava B. (7), Ava S. (8), Aydin S. (9), Benjamin C. (8), Benny P. (4), Braedon E. (8), Brooke W. (17), Cailu J. (10), Calvin B. (12), Carleigh Q. (17), Carolina H. (10), Chance H. (6), Charlie B. (5), Charlie Marie J. (4), Christopher D. (13), Coby T. (8), Cullen M. (9), Dan L. (50), Darlene F. (62), David S. (54), Declan G. (7), Dhyuti  M. (8), Dylan M. (13), Elise B. (7), Ella C. (9), Elle  P. (9), Emily F. (8), Evan G. (10), Gabriel B. (6), Hannah C. (16), Harrison S. (14), Helen B. (6), Henry M. (10), J.R. R. (77), Ja’leia H. (7), Jaycee H. (14), Jayde C. (9), Joel C. (11), Jude C. (18), Jurnee  G. (5), Kahlan D. (11), Kamia B. (10), Katelyn W. (17), Katherine T. (14), Keira L. (9),  Ken D. (73), Kyle K.  (17), Kylon W. (9), Lillian S. (15), Lola H. (14), Lucy G. (41), Madison P. (8), Mae E. (5), Maja B. (12), Marianna M. (11), MayLan D. (4), Melody M. (16), Mikaela W. (10), Miles B. (11), Nevaeh T. (5), Nick F. (13), Nicolina C. (14), Olive W. (7), Oliver S. (26), Penelope R. (8), Richard H. (11), Ricky P. (16), Samantha S. (5), Samir P. (13), Scotty C. (8), Taylor P. (8), Thomas H. (11), Tiernan P. (18), Victoria T. (8), Wesley H. (13), William A. (7), Yahanna N. (7), Yvonne  T. (8), Zoey B. (7)

Video of the Month - Dance - What to Wear to Dance Class

Ms. Desiree and the dance faculty discuss how to dress to impress for your dance classes at LAAPA!

Important Dates

Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:

New Artwork by Michaela Howell

We are very fortunate to work with local artist Michaela Howell. Many of her paintings and art are on display at all three of our school campuses!

Michaela recently brought in new artwork that can be viewed at both of our Northshore campuses. The beautiful piece above is available for purchase at our Mandeville location for $425

Interested in purchasing art from Michaela? Inquire at the front desk!

With down home country humble beginnings Michaela has always been very resourceful. She cuts, sands, primes, paints, and in some cases stains her abstract versions of the wooden instruments, creating very hands-on works of art. This resourcefulness has “Played” out very nicely in her most current work. Though the recycling of varying musical instrument components including guitar strings, violin knobs, music sheets featuring the instrument showcased, Michaela portrays a ‘current’ sense of style combined with a very vivid color pallet, creating a symphony for the senses!

View More!

Student Spotlight - Emma Lapene

This month’s student spotlight is River Ridge School of Music and Dance student, Emma Lapene. Emma is currently studying flute with Dr. Mark and Hip Hop / Jazz II with Mrs. Alyssa.

Emma’s favorite part about taking lessons at LAAPA is learning new dances and choreography in her hip-hop classes. She enjoys lots of different genres of music, but her favorite band is Panic! At the Disco. Outside of dancing and playing flute, Emma enjoys writing short stories. Unsurprisingly, she said she’d love to teach English and writing when she grows up!

Emma’s mom shared what she loves about LAAPA: “We chose LAAPA for the excellent staff and small class sizes. Emma can be shy, and all of the teachers/staff have made her feel welcome and comfortable. She absolutely loves her classes and teachers! Dr. Mark has really helped her with flute. His encouragement and teaching has definitely shown in her band performance at school. Emma has so much fun in hip hop with Mrs. Mollie and Mrs. Alyssa. She’s so excited for every class. Thank y’all so much for all you do!”

A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in July!

We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!