Learn More About Music, Dance, Drama, and Summer Camp at LAAPA
Thanks so much for your interest in our programs at LAAPA! Below you'll find the highlights of our program offerings and general philosophy of teaching.
Music Programs
At LAAPA our music programs are available to kids, teens, and adults starting as early as 18 months with our Toddler Music programs. Private lessons are offered year round as early as ages 4-5 and are available for teens and adults as well! We encourage all new students to take advantage of our comprehensive music curriculum which focuses on technique, repertoire, terminology, sight-reading and ear training in each lesson. However, the needs and interests of each student are very different, and your teacher will tailor each lesson plan to your unique goals. At LAAPA we also believe that education in the performing arts should be fun! That's why our teachers strive to ensure that each and every lesson is not only progressive and goal oriented, but also enjoyable. Students are welcome to and encouraged to bring in songs that they'd like to learn - whatever the style may be.
Music Programs Offered
Dance Programs
At LAAPA, we teach dance classes to students ages 18 months-adult. At 18 months, children begin their dance studies in our parent & tot classes. Our pre-ballet and pre-hip hop/acro classes begin as young as 4 years old, so our students can gain the necessary flexibility and body control. Once our students reach the age of 7, they are ready for any of our Level I classes. Because ballet is the foundation of all other dance styles, Ballet I is the most popular level I dance class that we offer for ages 7-up. However students may enroll in Hip Hop/Jazz I or Contemporary/Modern I as well! We also welcome older beginners and work with each student at their specific level making all of our classes fully inclusive and tailored to your child’s needs. There are no auditions required to get started with our beginning level programs. Students who are older beginners should meet with the Coordinator of Dance Studies prior to enrolling to be placed in the best possible class for their age even if they are brand new beginners.
Are There Dance Competitions?
LAAPA is a "non-competition" school. Our students do have ample opportunities to perform on stage for family and friends in a various productions. Students interested in additional performance opportunities may join the LAAPA Dance Company. Invitation to the Dance Company is "by audition/by teacher nomination".
Dance Programs Offered
Drama Programs
In our drama program, we offer group classes for ages 7-11 (Acting I, Musical Theatre I) and 12-adult (Acting II, Musical Theatre II). Acting III is offered by audition for advanced students ages 13-up. Our student actors meet weekly for 75 minutes and are introduced to scene work, monologues, and a variety of improvisation and theater games which foster self-confidence, team-building, and expression.
Our musical theatre classes are a great choice for students who love to sing and dance! Each class consists of 75 minutes of both vocal training as well as dance choreography. Classes focus on introducing students to both classic and contemporary Broadway style musicals.
Drama Programs Offered
Summer Music & Dance Camp
Summer Camps are held each July for ages 5-14! These are a great option especially for beginning students unsure of their specific interests in the performing arts! Campers get to try out up to 6 of our instrumental/dance/drama programs each day. We then hold a performance showcase for families of campers at the end of each week. Camps are held each July from 9 AM - 3 PM at our Mandeville and River Ridge campuses. For tuition and this year's dates/themes, please laapa.com/camp.
About our Faculty/Philosophy of Teaching
All of our Faculty members are either University trained educators or have equivalent professional experience and certifications. Our teachers are carefully chosen for their talents as personable educators first and for their abilities to effectively communicate key concepts to students in a variety of different ways. This ensures that students are always presented with a learning method most suited to his/her individual needs. Our faculty are here for one reason, and that is to help each student develop a love for the performing arts.
At LAAPA we believe that education in the performing arts should be fun - especially for brand new beginners who are growing their interest! That's why our teachers strive to ensure that each and every lesson is not only progressive and goal oriented, but also exciting and enjoyable. Students are welcomed and encouraged to bring in songs that they'd like to learn - whatever the style may be.
Attend In-Person or Online
LAAPA is one of the few schools in New Orleans to offer students the option of attending any of our programs online or in person! Students may additionally attend online some weeks and in-person other weeks should they choose.
What Styles Do You Teach?
Our faculty members are quite diverse in their backgrounds. We teach rock, pop, jazz, classical, country, contemporary, christian, bluegrass, ragtime, hip hop, church music, and more. Whatever your musical tastes/interests may be, we have an instructor that we know you'll love!
What is the Tuition/Cost for Music Lessons & How Long are Lessons?
Our tuition is $37.00 per half hour of instruction. Students may choose a 30, 45, or 60 minute weekly private lesson (with the longer lessons being more suited to students ages 10-up). Toddler Music/Preschool music classes are $18.75/class. Our membership fee is $50 annually. Instrument rentals are also available for drums, violin, guitar, and band instruments.
What is the Tuition/Cost for Dance Classes & How Long are Lessons?
We offer dance classes from 45 minutes up to 2 hours weekly. Tuition starts at $15 per class for a 45 minute weekly class (ages 18mos-3) and $16.25 per class for a one hour weekly class. Private instruction is available at $37.00 per half hour. Our membership fee is $50 annually.
What is the Tuition/Cost for Drama Classes & How Long are Lessons?
Drama Tuition is $21 per class for a 75 minute weekly class. Private acting lessons are available at $37.00/half hour. Our membership fee is $50 annually.
Complimentary Enrichment Classes & Workshops
At LAAPA, your primary program is just the beginning! Your tuition additionally includes a variety of enrichment classes that students may also attend each week at no extra cost. These are 45 minute group classes including: Music Theory Lab (ages 5+), Songwriting Lab (ages 7+), Vocal Lab (ages 7+), Choreograpy Lab (ages 8+), and Drama Improv Lab (ages 7+). A complimentary recording session is also available to all music students annually who are ready to release their music to the world or simply document their progress! See laapa.com/current-students/enrichment-classes for current enrichment class schedules.
In addition to our Enrichment Classes, all of our music faculty regularly host monthly workshops on a variety of topics. Once enrolled, you'll have access to book all of these classes within the online application! Of course, all of these bonus classes are completely optional!
What Happens if I Have to Miss a Lesson?
Life happens - we understand, things come up! LAAPA is one of the few schools in the area to offer makeup lessons for any reason with or without advanced notice/doctors notes! For music students, LAAPA is the only school in the area to offer 1 hour makeup workshops for students! Whenever you miss a private music lesson, just inquire at the front desk to schedule a makeup workshop. For dance and drama classes, you may attend another similar level class. Check with the front desk for options.
What are the Facilities Like?
Our three campuses are centrally located in Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville and are within a short driving distance from most areas in Greater New Orleans. All of our students have the option to attend in person or online in any of our music and dance programs! Our campuses and operating procedures meet and exceed all current health and safety guidelines. Our brand new state-of-the-art Lesson Planning Software allows students to receive all of their lesson plans in a digital notebook with audio/video clips from each lesson. Every lesson can be viewed on any device at any time so that you'll always be able to track progress.
We take great pride in ensuring that our facilities are regularly updated and offer the latest in educational technology. All of our teachers have access to in studio iPads and professional grade instruments/gear. Teachers and students have access to record demos and other projects at our Mandeville campus which boasts a full 32 track ProTools based recording studio with Steinway and Yamaha grand pianos, Korg Kronos & Nord Keyboards/Workstation, and premium microphones. You can take a virtual walk through of all campuses below!
What are the Performance Opportunities at LAAPA?
All of our music students have the opportunity to perform each December and June in professional auditoriums to share what they've learned with family and friends. Student performers range from complete beginners to very advanced students...so you will fit right in! Again though, concerts are completely optional. Our dance students perform in a casual December showcase for family and friends on campus each December and in our full dance recital productions each June. Our drama and musical theater students have the opportunity to perform several times a year both on campus in our showcases and in our full musical and drama productions.
Scheduling/Registration:
For scheduling, please let us know what you are looking for Monday-Friday between 9 AM -8 PM and Saturday between 8 AM - 4 PM and we can make some suggestions for you!
Whenever you're ready to get started, it's quick and easy to enroll via the button below. If you'd like to explore a few different scheduling options when enrolling, just list your preferences in the notes section. Of course, we can confirm your registration right over the phone as well.
Checkout our Brochure
Finally, here are a few direct links to our website that you may want to check out if you haven't already done so!
Whenever you're ready to get started, just let us know, and we can either pick out a schedule or setup a school tour to view our facility in person and see our students and teachers in action!
Take the Next Step and arrange your first lesson by enrolling online!
Get Started!Upcoming Events
Questions? Click below to check out our list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Can't find the answers you're looking for? Call, text or email - we're here to help Monday-Thursday 8 AM - 9 PM, Friday 8 AM - 7:30 PM, and Saturday 8 AM - 3 PM.
Please note that during holiday breaks, the office will be open between 9 AM and 5 PM. It is always best to call the office before dropping by the Academy in person during holiday breaks.
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Arrange your first class by contacting us today or click below to enroll online.