Monthly Newsletters - August 2025

Discover YOUR Talent this Fall in Music, Dance, or Drama!

Dear Students and Parents,

 

One of my favorite things about my office here in Mandeville is the glass on my door. Why you ask? It’s because I can instantly determine whether I want to open the door (based on who is standing there). Kidding – it’s because pretty much every day, one of our younger students (whom I don’t necessarily know) enjoys stopping by to knock on my door with a smile just to say, “Hi!” This week, we’re in the middle of week 2 of Summer Camp, and I am blessed to have more frequent visitors! As classes change, I find myself often turning to my left to observe a pulsing fog on my window that slowly reveals small noses, curious little eyes, and best of all - lots of big smiles! The smiles are what it’s all about here, and it’s exceptionally rewarding to witness our young minds discovering their talent and finding which instruments or programs interest/come naturally to them.

 

It’s important to keep in mind that in and of themselves, discovery and exploration don’t typically sound or look all that spectacular. At this stage of learning, it’s honestly all about the joy of experiencing the arts for the first time and building up a positive self-image and self-confidence. Banging around on the piano, singing along in the car when those favorite tunes come on, squeaking away on the clarinet, breakdancing in the kitchen, banging on pots or pans, or even random talk shows in the living room will eventually (through weekly lessons, practice, and dedication) be transformed into something amazing!

 

was pretty full of energy and sadly (to my teachers) a somewhat annoying “clown/know it all.” I really loved coming to classes, but I had a funny way of showing it. In my piano lessons, I’d try to get Mr. Russell off track as quickly as possible to show me his famous magic tricks. Each week I had a new excuse for not practicing (my brother was doing a John Cage 4’33” practice marathon; my damper pedal was too squeaky, and it was messing with my internal pitch, causing me to hit wrong notes; someone retuned my piano so that every note sounded the same; my neighbor ate my pet rabbit after it got out of the cage and into their yard – ok, that last one was actually a true story – poor Lightning), and the list went on. Thanks for hanging in there with me anyway, Mr. Russell! In my violin ensemble, I’d use extra rosin to ensure maximum creakiness on the strings and sometimes initiate a bow fight with one of my classmates (sorry about that, Ms. Bobbie). The daughter of my trumpet teacher once mentioned that I was often a “topic of discussion” at the dinner table – I’m guessing that wasn’t in a good way and not sure if tears were involved (my bad, Mr. Jay). I’d like to publicly apologize to all of my former teachers if I caused any stress in your lives – I’m truly grateful for your patience. If you keep reading, you’ll see how your investment in me paid off!

 

Discovering one’s talent in the performing arts is powerful. It can happen anywhere at any time, so if you missed camp, it’s okay – fall classes are just around the corner (more on that below)! I was recently discussing this very topic with a colleague who also teaches at a public school. She mentioned reaching a student who was not doing well in school at all, was often overlooked by other teachers and just hadn’t found their “thing,” so to speak. By the end of the year, that student was enrolled in drama class and received a theater award. The child had never won any kind of award before, and it was a life changing moment for them. Having just that single instance of positive self-discovery, success, and a teacher who took the time to invest in and believe in them has forever altered the way they will approach, perceive, and experience everything else in life. On that note, if you haven’t thanked your teacher lately, here’s your reminder to do so!

 

Now, as much fun as it is watching our students discover their talent in music, dance, and acting here at camp, I found myself needing a quick break this week and ventured off to one of my favorite places in all of Covington! So as I graced Walmart with my presence on this particularly fine July afternoon (they have the best deals on Vienna sausage), I couldn’t help but notice all of the Back to School marketing going on! I was just telling someone the other day, what happened to long Summers where school started after Labor Day? Everything is rush, rush, rush now and there’s just never enough time to relax. No, we need school uniforms, haircuts, new shoes. We need pencils, erasers, gluesticks, markers, notebooks, and we need them (preferably on sale please) right now. It’s exhausting!

 

Fortunately for all of us, Mrs. Aubry here at LAAPA recently went shopping and put together an essential “Back to School” supply kit for our new and returning students!

 

Now through August 15 (while supplies last), any new or returning students who enroll in lessons for the new school year (or current students who want to add a new program) will receive a FREE Back to School supply kit with markers, crayons, notebooks, tote bag, pencils, erasers, and scissors, as well as a FREE first lesson and FREE membership! You can’t beat that in either time or money savings, folks.

 

You can find more information and claim this special offer at https://www.laapa.com/promo or just call/text us at 504-208-2301.

 

So back to my story – what happened to me you may wonder? I somehow ended up with two degrees in music. It was honestly either that or engineering, and let’s just say that we should all be grateful that I’m not building bridges. Not every student will decide to continue or pursue the arts full time as a career, but anyone who takes lessons will always have the core training and appreciation as well as a creative and emotional outlet, not to mention the overall experience that translates into other areas of life.

 

One of my favorite things to do now is play the piano in the living room. This is something anyone can enjoy with some training – no degrees required, and there’s just something about taking that time out that’s a relief from everything else going on. At any rate, I would never have reached this point in my playing if I wasn’t able to have the discovery time years ago to explore my interests. My time to explore music just happened to be as a child, but as adults, we should never stop exploring and must embrace our inner child, so that we don’t worry about making mistakes or possibly embarrassing ourselves when learning something new.

 

Music, dance, and drama truly are gifts that I want all of our current families and future families to enjoy together, and you can do this regardless of your background or years of experience. Remember that everyone was once a beginner! A love of the performing arts and the willingness to invest in it together as a family is the most important thing.

 

~ Ryan Cullen, Executive Director, Mischievous Music Student, Practice Evasionist, & Former Class Clown

Our Fall Referral Contest has begun!

It’s easy to participate in our Fall Referral Contest! From July 30 – October 31, just refer a friend, family member, colleague, neighbor, etc., and when they enroll, have them mention YOUR name as how they heard of us! When they enroll, you’ll automatically be entered for a chance to win, and each time a new student enrolls and mentions your name, you’ll be re-entered! There is no limit to how many times your name can be entered!

Our drawing for the tickets will be posted on our social media channels on November 3! A winner will be selected for all three of our campuses!

We love our community here at LAAPA and strive to maintain a positive, motivating, and fun learning environment conducive for student growth! Thank you all so much for your referrals; they are truly the highest compliment we can receive!

Pure imagination? No, it's really happening!

Willy Wonka JR. Auditions are Saturday 2 August beginning at 4PM at the River Ridge campus. Slots are nearly full - book yours TODAY!

 

Book Audition!

Student News - Got something to share? Send it to us!

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 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 August Birthdays!

We'd like to wish the following students a very Happy Birthday this month!

Addison R [15], Adela K [6], Adriana V [14], Ahmad Y, Alex B [13], Alexandra B [8], Alexis S [16], Allie T [12], Allison H, Amaya R [9], Angelique R [5], Anna M [10], Anna B [15], Anne W, Anuki S [7], Arielle H [10], Audrey P [12], Audrina Joile P [15], Aurora S [8], Avery D [12], Bernadette H [12], Brianna H, Cami F [8], Camila H [6], Carson M [14], Charlise B [13], Chase C [13], Christopher B, Corey T [4], Cullen D [10], Danny M, Danny S [5], David L, Eddie S [7], Ellie D [6], Emily M [10], Emma G, Erika S, Ethan P [7], Ethan D, Eva D, Freddy D, Gabrian O [10], Gemma M [6], Gianna M [3], Grant W [9], Grayson S [6], Haevyn B [6], Hannah H [4], Harper L [5], Hunter M [10], Irinia F, Isaac G [17], Jack V, Jackson C [14], Jackson O [13], Jackson H [6], JD G [14], John-Paul B [17], Jonah S [10], Jonathan L [12], Jude F [6], Jude F [2], Julia F [16], Julia B [14], Julianne G [6], Kathryn B [12], Kelly K, Kenna O [9], Khloe D [10, Kinsley S [13], Kirby S, Konrad B [9], Kristen W, Laken S [3], Leliana G [4], Leo X [12], Lex O [10], Locke B [11], Lola Behr R [6], Lucille P [12], Lucy D [9], Madeline P [14], Mathéo B [3], Matthew C, Mattie Jai C [7], Mayari R [12], Megan G [6], Melody G [4], Micah K [3], Michael M [9], Molly W [12], My’Miracle P [6], Noah G [6], Nora E [14], Nuhiah T [9], Oliver H [12], Pearl A [8], Ray Z [15], Reese G [4], Reilly B, Remy P [12], Rey F [8], Riaan G [9], Richard T [5], Ronelle B, Rowyn P [5], Samantha B, Santiago P [8], Silas P [11], Stephen F [11], Steve G, Summer L [11], Sunnie E, Travis G, Tripp W, Vivi S [9], Yasma F [6], Zachary B [12], Zadie R [8], Zane T [9]

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 $850.

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 - Max Glassman

This month’s Student Spotlight features Covington campus student Max Glassman! It’s been just over one month since Max started piano lessons here at LAAPA!

Outside of LAAPA, he enjoys all sports as well as playing video games. Max’s favorite music genres are hip hop and rap. There isn’t any one specific artist he prefers over the other, as he enjoys a multitude of singers and performers; however, he does have a favorite band, and that is Nirvana. Max hopes to become an engineer in the future!

Max loves lessons with his instructor, Dr. Vera - he says she’s an amazing teacher! There’s not one thing in particular he likes most about his lessons; he enjoys every moment of them. Max has been able to develop his skills here at LAAPA and is appreciative of the kindness shown by everyone. As Max comes from a family of musicians - his grandfather has played all across the Northshore - his family wishes to expose him to all different styles of music and areas of entrepreneurship. With this in mind, his family started a nonprofit group called “Market Munchkins,” in which Max hopes to become one of their featured musicians as well as a vendor - he currently sells works of his own photography and recently purchased his own hot dog stand! All this to say, being a part of LAAPA is truly assisting Max in all areas of life. We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in your bright future!

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!