Monthly Newsletters - "Getting Started in Music, Dance, & Acting Lessons - FAQs", Student Spotlight - Mia Tillman, Student News, and more!...
Getting Started in Music, Dance, & Acting Lessons - FAQs
Dear Students, Parents, Faculty, and Staff:
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, and I am interested in taking lessons, too! What ages do you teach?”
We teach Kids, Teens, and Adults! Whether you’re a brand new beginner or already experienced, our faculty are excited to get you started!
“When do lessons start for Fall? Am I too late?”
At LAAPA, we operate year round and students sign up for lessons every day with us. While it’s never too late to get started, we do have a limited number of available time slots with our amazing faculty this time of year. If you’re thinking of getting started, please give us a call/text to find a spot that may work for you before the most popular lesson times are gone!
“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, former Associate Director, Mr. Russell Tucker. 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.
~ Ryan Cullen, Academy Director
Join the Fun This Fall!
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
"The Night Before New Year's" is Coming!
Auditions for our Winter Holiday Production, “The Night Before New Year’s”, will be September 10!
See https://www.laapa.com/nbny for details!
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!
Happy September Birthdays!
We'd like to wish the following Students a very Happy Birthday this Month!
Addelynn S. (7) , Adeline E. (5) , Aiden S. (12) , Alison A. (18) , Amanda J. (13) , Amelia H. (5) , Angela (9) , Ann K. , Anna M. (18) , Anna Karolina R. (10) , Annabelle G. (10) , Annalise H. (7) , Annie C. (9) , Aoibheann L. (4) , Arabella A. (9) , Arel C. (4) , Aubrey C. (7) , Ava B. (9) , Ava S. (10) , Benjamin C. (10) , Bowen W. (7) , Briggs A. (3) , Cailu J. (12) , Caleb C. (11) , Callie G. (4) , Calvin B. (14) , Camila G. (13) , Carter M. (11) , Chelsea C. (9) , Christopher R. (12) , Christopher D. (15) , Claire P. (8) , Daniel L. (2) , Daniel R. (18) , Darlene F. , Dean B. (11) , Declan G. (9) , Delaney N. (8) , Donald D. , Dwight S. (11) , Dylan M. (15) , Elijah L. (9) , Elise M. (9) , Elizabeth S. (6) , Ella B. (14) , Ella C. (11) , Emily A. (14) , Evan G. (12) , Evan W. (15) , Gabriel B. (8) , Gage F. (13) , Hannah C. (18) , Harrison S. (16) , Henry C. (5) , Henry M. (12) , Henry O. (11) , Irie N. (7) , Isabella F. (6) , Isabella P. (11) , Jack M. (2) , Jacob S. (12) , Jakeb N. (10) , James M. (6) , Jayden G. (8) , Jayden J. (13) , Jazelle O. (15) , JD A. (9) , Jeff D. , Jospeh A. (11), Jude C. (20) , Kade H. (12) , Kahlan D. (13) , Kalilu M. (5) , Karen G. , Katelyn W. (19) , Kay On W. (6) , Kerrison C. (8) , Kody C. (12) , Laura R. , Lilian S. (17) , Lily H. (14) , Logan L. (9) , Luke A. (8) , Madeline B. (6) , Madelyn B. (17) , Madison J. (10) , Madison P. (10) , Marielley P. (7) , Mary C. (8) , Matthew C. (23) , MayLan D. (6) , Mei R. (8) , Melody M. (18) , Mia T. (9) , Mikaela W. (11) , Miracle J. (11) , Mirsa P. (8) , Natalya E. (8) , Nevaeh V. (6) , Ofelia A. (6) , Oliver R. (10) , Onyx M. (6) , Ray C. , Richard H. (13) , Robert G. (8) , Ruby M. (7) , Sadie P. (15) , Samir P. (15) , Scarlet A. (14) , Scotty C. (10) , Sofia L. (9) , Tanyra E. (14) , Thomas H. (13) , Tracy M. (27) , Tyler S. (17) , Victoria T. (10) , Vivian R. (10) , Walker W. (11) , Yahanna N. (9)
Video of the Month - Auditions for "The Night Before New Year's" | September 10 | LAAPA
Make history with us as we debut our latest all original Holiday Show this December - "The Night Before New Year's!" Calling all Singers, Actors, & Dancers! Auditions September 10 - learn more at laapa.com/nbny.
Important Dates
Take a moment to review the following upcoming dates:
September 5:
Labor Day
(no classes)
September 10:
Auditions for "The Night Before New Year's"
River Ridge and Mandeville Campuses
September 17:
Student Praise and Worship Concert
Mandeville Campus
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.
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!
Students Spotlight - Mia Tillman
This month’s Student Spotlight showcases Mandeville School of Music & Dance student Mia Tillman. Mia takes piano with Dr. Vera, drums and songwriting with Mr. Kevin, and guitar with Mr. Nicoli. Outside of LAAPA, Mia likes to dance, act, and play golf. She loves rock, pop, soul, and Christian music. Her favorite artists are Billie Eillish, Adele, and Whitney Houston. Her favorite band is One Direction. In the future, Mia wants to be a singer, doctor, or writer.
Mia loves that her teachers motivate and challenge her to do her best. She says that they are all helpful and patient when she is learning. Mia loves attending lessons at LAAPA because everyone is kind. Mia enjoys performing for the community and performing in recitals.
Thanks to lessons, Mia has improved her memory, and her music skills have improved. The biggest thing she’s learned is that practice makes perfect! Mia’s favorite part about lessons is learning a new piece. She is always excited to come back after learning a new piece so she can show her teachers how much she’s improved!
Thanks for being a part of the LAAPA family, Mia! We love having you!
A HUGE welcome to our newest students who began lessons or added programs in September!
We are so happy that you’ve chosen to study at LAAPA. We know you will do great things this year!
Abigale Y.
Adalyn M.
Alexander D.
Alexis B.
Alexsia V.
Alice R.
Allie P.
Amelia H.
Angie C.
Anna Karolina R.
Anne B.
Arel C.
Atasha T.
Aubrey D.
Austin G.
Ava D.
Betty B.
Betty D.
Braxton D.
Brenda G.
Bret D.
Bret R.
Caliyah L.
Cambrie N.
Carson M.
Cassie H.
Chase C.
Chloe S.
Chloee N.
Claire E.
Codii N.
Colt B.
Colton L.
Cozette M.
Dale L.
Daniel O.
Daryl T.
Debra H.
Desmine C.
Devin G.
Dylan M.
Eden V.
Edith B.
Elanah P.
Elanor D.
Elijah C.
Ella B.
Eloise A.
Emely M.
Emerson L.
Emily R.
Emma J.
Emma V.
Evan H.
Evangeline T.
Felicity T.
Fernando P.
Finn B.
Gabriel W.
Gigi H.
G-orgio J.
Grace R.
Hadley H.
Haley M.
Hayden L.
Hazel O.
Helen B.
Iris S.
Iris V.
Isaac A.
Isabel M.
Isabella D.
Isabella F.
Isobel H.
Jace W.
Jack L.
Jacob H.
Jacob W.
James L.
Janellie V.
Jayden E.
Jolie T.
Joseph B.
Josie M.
Josue A.
Julia C.
Julianne G.
Juliet W.
Justin C.
Kali K.
Karlisle T.
Kollins C.
Lanna S.
Layla B.
Lenox H.
Liam B.
Lily M.
Lily P.
Lina B.
Lizzie R.
Loretta O.
Luke A.
Lyla N.
Mae L.
Maggie X.
Mallory C.
Mara H.
Maria L.
Maria V.
Marielley P.
Mary Frances G.
Masen P.
Meghan O.
Michelle W.
Milena R.
Miles L.
Mitch D.
Myra M.
Nevaeh V.
Noah M.
Nolan K.
Olivia W.
Paisleigh J.
Phoebe L.
Pierre N.
Rachel J.
Raquel P.
Raymond L.
Rebekah B.
Riaan G.
Riah R.
Riley R.
Robert N.
Ron N.
Rose M.
Sami H.
Scarlet A.
Sophia B.
Sophia H.
Stephen M.
Tatum H.
Trumani T.
Uvuri C.
Wyatt E.
Yarielis A.
Zane B.
Student "Shout Outs!"
“Ms. Bethany is an amazing piano teacher! My son has learned so much, and he looks forward to his lesson each week! He is now playing the piano beautifully! She is an encourager and makes learning fun. I can’t speak more highly of her! Such a JOY!”
~ Carter C.
“Killian is an amazing saxophone teacher and we have the best time together. I’m an adult student, and I have definitely improved since beginning my lessons. We jam out to pretty much everything!
If you’re an adult student considering learning the Saxophone or picking it up again - Killian’s the person to teach you!”
~ Stuart P.
“Evan Taylor is kind and patient with my daughter. He has a extensive knowledge of music and the bass guitar. He adapts his lessons to my daughter’s interest and includes music theory along the way.”
~ Ernest R.
“My daughter and I look forward to the Parent & Tot class every week. Miss Madeline is patient and makes this class fun for everyone. The kids don’t even realize they are learning to dance. I highly recommend this class.”
~ Jillian S.