Rooted in the River Ridge community since 1978, our studio has been a trusted institution in Jefferson Parish, offering a comprehensive curriculum, a diverse teaching staff, and modern amenities. We take great pride in inspiring a love for music and dance across generations, now instructing not only the original students from the early 80s but also their children and grandchildren.Every faculty member holds a university degree in their respective disciplines and possesses a genuine enthusiasm for educating learners of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a novice or have had some previous lessons, you will feel welcomed and supported. Our teaching philosophy differs from the conventional, rigid approach; we encourage students to focus on their preferred music and dance styles. While fundamental principles remain a core focus, nurturing students' passion through the exploration of their favorite songs is at the heart of our method.
Business details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- Online or In-Studio Lessons for all skill levels
- Thorough sanitization and advanced air purification systems
- Local, personable university-trained faculty
- Customized lessons tailored to student interests
- Unlimited makeup workshops for missed classes
- Complimentary music theory and masterclasses yearly
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Our piano lessons are designed to build a solid foundation in technique, theory, and expression, guided by professional educators passionate about teaching. We welcome beginners and advanced students alike, with flexible lesson formats and styles. Whether your goal is classical mastery or playing your favorite songs, were here to help you succeed. 
We provide private guitar lessons tailored to the needs of each student, from beginner to advanced. Students can learn acoustic or electric guitar while exploring genres such as rock, classical, and jazz. Instructors incorporate favorite songs and artist styles into each session to keep learning fun and motivating. Optional group enrichment classes are also available weekly. 
Our Voice Lessons at LAAPA offer professional vocal instruction for beginners to advanced singers, ages 5 and up. With flexible lesson durations and expert educators, students receive individualized training in vocal techniques and performance. Optional enrichment labs provide added learning opportunities in a relaxed, creative setting. Experience the difference of structured, supportive vocal education. 
Our ballet program fosters both technical skill and artistic expression, offering structured levels from pre-ballet to advanced. Students explore movement through disciplined practice, imaginative games, and stage performance. With highly trained faculty and small class sizes, we ensure quality education. Enrollment is simple, and dancers may begin lessons at any point during the year. 
We proudly offer year-round Hip Hop instruction that balances structured learning with creative expression. Our students explore techniques found in popular dance styles while building strength, flexibility, and stage presence. From beginner to advanced levels, we guide dancers through challenging routines that prepare them for performances, auditions, and team opportunities. 
Reviews (15) Sawyer Ott
May 16, 2025
Linda Y. Long
May 16, 2025
We love Ms.Karissa! Ms.Karissa teaches my child in the baby pre-ballet class, and we absolutely love her! We have been taking her class for 2 years now. She is always so warm, kind, and encouraging. She has such a bubbly and cheerful personality that instantly puts both the kids (and parents) at ease. She creates a welcoming and supportive environment where every child feels included and loved. Were so grateful for her patience and positive energyshe truly brings out the best in every little dancer!
Virginia Huffty
May 12, 2025
I take private guitar and voice lessons here at LAAPA and love it! I was a little wary at first since their programs are geared mostly towards children, but I wanted to give them a shot since theyre so close to my house. In the few months Ive been meeting with Mr. David Nathan Ive seen my vocal ability improve and strengthen as well as an expansion of my guitar skills and understanding of music theory in general. Mr. Nathan is highly knowledgeable about music theory and a very skilled musician himself and I feel lucky to get time to pick his brain! Id also like to shoutout the wonderful substitutes Ive encountered in my makeup sessions Seth Guerra, Brian King, and Marley Wall they as well have a wealth of impressive music knowledge and are very helpful. I highly recommend LAAPA & Mr. David if youre an adult beginner, or intermediate and trying to fill in some gaps in knowledge and skill like myself. Everyone has been super friendly and accommodating. Overall a great creative environment.
Parker Downs
May 09, 2025
Christina Debram
May 08, 2025
David Grimes
May 08, 2025
If youre looking for a guitar instructor who makes you feel comfortable and truly engages you in your lessons, Shelby Grosz is the teacher for you. With a lot of patience and a keen eye for detail, he can help you improve your form, technique, and even tackle any bad habits you might not even realize you have. From my experience, Shelby is versatile enough to work with any style of music you're into and can teach at any skill level.
What makes his lessons even better is that he can sing, which really helps tie everything together and enhances the learning experience. Thanks to Shelby, I've reached new levels with my playing!
If you're ready to take your guitar skills to the next level, I highly recommend Shelby Grosz. You wont regret it!
David
What makes his lessons even better is that he can sing, which really helps tie everything together and enhances the learning experience. Thanks to Shelby, I've reached new levels with my playing!
If you're ready to take your guitar skills to the next level, I highly recommend Shelby Grosz. You wont regret it!
David
Shannon Saavedra
May 04, 2025
We started our journey with Lapa a year ago. We were paired with a teacher who was so soft-spoken, gentle and kind in her delivery. It was a perfect start for my Daughters personality. She guided my daughter in the very first steps of piano. Her name is Miss Kimberly. Miss Kimberly, had to move, and we were switched to a few other teachers until we found Z. They were an excellent teacher and pushed my daughter to the next level. Unfortunately their tenure at LAAPA was short lived. We were then paired with Miss Olivia. Miss Olivia is a multi talented, Multifaceted, Fascinating Teacher. Shes perfect at relating to my daughter and fun, yet keeping things technical, and making sure that shes prepared for her next steps in pursuing Piano. Miss Olivia also teaches her music theory. Her knowledge of Piano and Music in general is vast and in conjunction with that, she is an excellent communicator and Teacher. I couldnt be happier with the teachers at LAAPA. Miss Olivia is a treasure.
Katherine Kraus
Apr 08, 2024
Trisha Rae Speeg
Jan 14, 2024
My son is 2 and we do the toddler music class with Reshanda. He ABSOLUTELY loves it! After the second class he was hooked! She starts off class with a couple of songs but his favorite part is free play on the instruments! Definitely recommend for those little ones that are showing an interest in music or singing!
John Stephens
Nov 29, 2022
Ive had a remarkably positive experience with my time under Kilians tutelage at the academy. At our first lesson, he and I established what it was that I wanted to accomplish with him as my vocal coach (technique, control, theory, etc.) and he has helped me grow as a vocalist in immeasurable ways in a relatively short amount of time. Ill say this: my vocal lessons with Kilian are one of the highlights of my week and I look forward to it all week long. Highly-recommended.
Louis Alvarez
Apr 04, 2020
Dr. Mark is an amazing teacher! He is so passionate about what he does , which sparks up my energy in the learning process. Its unbelievable how much Ive learned in just three weeks! His personality definitely plays a big part with my lessons. I can see how much Im getting better each week and its just incredible. Dr. Mark is definitely recommendable for someone like me that is an adult. I look forward to his lessons each and every week!! 5 STARS
Darlene F.
Mar 10, 2019
My instructor,John is so patient and supportive. I can't say enough about what an absolute pleasure it is to have him as my instructor and what a great institution the River Ridge is. Absolutely everyone I have encountered there has gone out of their way to make me feel welcome and supported.
Thank you for a great experience!
Thank you for a great experience!
Alex Donez
Oct 04, 2018
My daughter has been taking ballet lessons here for a little over 1 year. Mrs. Mary is very thorough, patient, caring, and knowledgeable. A true professional. LAAPA is great at keeping us informed with important information through email about rehearsals, schedules, and holiday closures. Highly recommend the school to anybody looking for a great place for their kid to learn dance.
Joshua Taylor
May 19, 2018
My son is a 1st time saxophone player. His instructor, Dr Marc, does a phenomenal job motivating and keeping him engaged. Dr Marc deserves a ton of credit for tapping into my sons musical interest. My son is eager to learn how to read music and is more confident in his abilities to get better because of Dr Marc encouraging words.!
Vinoth Murugesan
Feb 05, 2018
The School of Music and Dance offers good classes on different Instruments and they do have classes on Vocal. I am learning Drums at the River Ridge school and some of my friends are learning Piano and Guitar... All of us are enjoying our experience to learn an Instrument with the school and our tutors. Tutors here are talented with more than one instruments and they are helpful to make us learn the music on the instrument slow and steady. The classes are separated good so we can learn the instrument without any disturbances with so many active classes around you. I am happy to be part of the learning here and i would recommend it to anyone old or young to learn an instrument with the School of Music and Dance at New Orleans, Louisiana.
