Here is what our parents and students are saying "My children Avery and Joey have studied at LAAPA's River Ridge School of Music for over 3 years.  I have been very happy with the professional approach the school takes toward providing music lessons.  They offer the classroom facility to teach the children how to read music as well as the hands on instruments.  We love the recitals which helps motivate the children and gives them experience.  The teachers are wonderful and both my boys enjoy the program very much.  I whole heartedly recommend LAAPA for anyone interested in the pursuit of music." Suzanne Provenzano "My daughter Gabrielle was just in 2nd grade when she expressed an overwhelming desire to play the guitar.  At such a young age, playing guitar is difficult, however LAAPA encouraged her to learn and appreciate the process every step of the way.  The teachers have been wonderful and they take a personal interest in not just teaching the basics, but teaching the student what they are interested in learning.  Gabrielle has had the opportunity to perform at music festivals and recitals and has been recognized for excelling in music performance.  She doesn’t ever want to quit playing guitar and has been studying at LAAPA's Mandeville School of Music for over 7 years now!   It has been a wonderful self esteem building experience.   I would recommend LAAPA to anyone looking for the highest quality learning experience in the area of music. "    Cindy Braud "Our children, Ted (11) and Ben (6), study guitar and piano, respectively, at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts' River Ridge School of Music.  The children have made remarkable progress with the musical instruments during the past two years at the academy - thanks to their excellent teachers who closely monitor their performance during each lesson.  The more skillful they have become at playing increasingly difficult musical pieces on the guitar and piano, the more they have become interested and sensitive to music.  When they hear an interesting song, they figure out how to play it on the guitar and piano. The Spring and Christmas recitals each year have also given them the invaluable experience of playing confidently onstage in front of an audience.  Each time we make the trip to the academy and the children look forward to their lessons we know we made the right decision to enroll them at LAAPA." Edward and Annie Cielo Mader "I enjoy the fact that the school has an environment conducive to learning.  The teacher for Faith is very attentive and knowledgeable."  Faith writes, "My teacher makes learning the piano very fun for me."       David and Faith Andras     "At a time when I was concerned for my children’s self image and well being, LAAPA gave much more than music lessons. They nurtured my girl’s natural musical talents. More amazing, the staff and teachers fed their souls and characters. I can see the difference in how my girls view themselves as well as difficult tasks. Children are supposed to feel invincible and LAAPA helped achieve this feeling for my girls. Now as we journey into our second year, Shelbey and Caroline anxiously await their lesson each week. They love working with Ms. Karen and Mr. Dan (Funk Band Man). More amazing, my eldest daughter is the front desk personnel for the Mandeville and Covington schools. A simple music lesson has cumulated into the addition of good friends and family to our lives. Thanks LAAPA!"   Robin Ledet   "I just wanted to take a moment and let you know that Scott is enjoying his jazz piano lessons.  We recently went to see the Preservation Hall Jazz Band in the French Quarter because I wanted Scott to hear the 'Best of the Best.'  We listened through 2 sets, and then the bass player thought that Scott looked like a young Harry Connick Jr.  I told him the Scott played jazz trumpet and piano, and they asked him what tunes he could play, so he said, "Saint Louis Blues."  The band leader then introduced him to the audience and let him play (piano) with them.  They also invited him back!  He was very blessed.  Thank you for all of the wonderful training that he is receiving at your academy." Don Kyser "I am very pleased with the curiculum that is set up for the Kindermusik classes, especially the take home materials.  Isabella has learned a great deal and we look forward to many years with LAAPA." Michelle Stroud   "Matthew started attending LAAPA in February of this year.  In less than a month he had learned a new song and was ready to perform at the recital by May.  He loves going to his lessons and learning about music.  Chandler saw how much Matthew loved his lessons so he wanted to take up drums.  He started just a month ago and loves it.  It really gives them another outlet to express themselves.  We have and continue to recommend their program to anyone."   Liz Broekman   "My son, Benjamin, has attended Kindermusik classes at the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts for three years.  Ben LOVES the classes, and they have benefited him tremendously.  His intentional listening skills are improving, as are his fine motor skills, balance, and coordination.  Ben loves to dance and sing to the songs we learn at Kindermusik.  He even "plays" Kindermusik at home.  He has also developed an interest in musical instruments, especially the piano and guitar, and would like to take lessons at the Academy when he is older." "Kindermusik also gives me an opportunity to interact with my son.  With such busy schedules these days, parents often find it difficult to spend quality time with their children.  Kindermusik classes are the perfect solution.  Ben and I have a lot of fun together and look forward to attending our session every week."   Heidi Hoppe   "I just wanted to take a moment to let you and the faculty of the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts know how much we appreciate and value the music education that our daughter, Megan, received during her 11 years as a student of your school.  Leland and I both understand the importance of music in the development of children.    We are educators and Leland is also a professional musician.  When Megan was six years old, we decided to put her in piano lessons.  We have never been disappointed." "When Megan began piano, we had no idea that she would eventually decide to major in music in college.  We wanted her to gain a love and appreciation of music.  We also wanted her to participate in an activity that would help her develop coordination, discipline, and self-confidence.  We found that the lessons Megan received were always developmentally appropriate, changing in focus and intensity as she grew.  When she became involved in athletics at a high level, she was able to ease back on her music commitment and still continue her lessons.  When she decided to devote herself to musical theatre the intensity of the music increased. By the time she began auditioning for colleges she really appreciated the instruction she had received." "The Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts has been a very important part of our lives.  Thank you for all that you have done for us.  You helped prepare Megan to chase her dreams.  Now it’s all up to her." Sandy Bennett  (Click here for a related press release.)