LAAPA's Mandeville Campus is one of three locations of the Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts. Originally founded on the Northshore in the early 90's, LAAPA has brought the joy of music, dance, and theater to thousands of students in St. Tammany Parish. The number one goal of our instructors is to instill a lifelong love of and appreciation for the performing arts through inspirational and progressive lesson planning. Seeing our students grow as musicians and dancers during our various performance opportunities each year is our greatest reward!
Our students have access to the largest variety of performing arts programs under one roof right here in Mandeville! Whether you're brand new to music, dance, acting, the performing arts, or already experienced, we know you'll feel right at home at our school. In addition to being master educators, musicians, and dancers, all of our instructors are extremely approachable, down to earth, and friendly. Our faculty work with children and adults of all levels, from brand new beginners to advanced students. Your teacher will take the time to get to know your personal goals and interests and will customize a weekly plan to meet those goals!
Highlights and features
- Attend music, dance, drama classes in-person or online
- Over 45 years teaching performing arts in Louisiana
- Customized lessons for all ages and skill levels
- State-of-the-art studios with professional recording facilities
- Regular optional performances in professional venues
- Strict safety and sanitation protocols for all students
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Our piano lessons offer students of all ages and skill levels the opportunity to grow musically in a fun and supportive environment. Each lesson is tailored to individual goals, with instruction available in classical, jazz, pop, and more. Taught by university-trained professionals, students receive personalized attention and structured guidance. Whether online or in-person, we make learning enjoyable and rewarding. 
Our violin lessons are tailored for students ages 5 to adult and offer personalized instruction across a variety of musical styles including classical, fiddle, and jazz. Each weekly lesson is available in 30, 45, or 60-minute sessions, with optional enrichment labs included at no extra cost. We combine Suzuki and traditional methods for a well-rounded foundation. Beginners and advanced learners alike benefit from our experienced faculty and engaging curriculum. 
Students in our drum program receive expert instruction on percussion fundamentals and advanced techniques, with lesson options tailored to their personal musical interests. From rock and jazz to Latin and pop, we cover a wide range of styles. Our enrichment labs provide a valuable opportunity for collaborative learning in music theory, drama, and songwriting at no additional cost. 
Our ballet classes welcome students ages four through adult, offering a structured curriculum that supports every dancer's journey. From foundational steps in pre-ballet to advanced pointe work in Ballet III, our experienced instructors guide students in building strong technique, discipline, and artistic expression. Recitals showcase student progress through original choreography. Enrollment is available year-round in-person or online. 
Our acting courses combine foundational technique with opportunities for public performance. From beginners to advanced students, every actor is coached to find their voice and take creative risks. With training in methods like Meisner and Stanislavski, our program supports artistic development. Audition-based advanced classes prepare serious students for college-level drama and theatrical leadership roles. 
Our Musical Theater classes welcome students of all levels who are passionate about singing, dancing, and acting. Taught by both vocal and dance instructors, these sessions blend classic and contemporary Broadway showtunes. Small class sizes allow personalized attention, helping students build confidence and refine their skills. Students participate in multiple mainstage productions each year.
Reviews (31)
George Babbel
May 17, 2025
Kacee Kidder
May 09, 2025
Mariana Luchian
May 09, 2025
Tony Peperone
May 07, 2025
Samantha Reno
May 07, 2025
Louis Haar
May 07, 2025
Anita Blanchard
May 07, 2025
Dad Coyne
May 06, 2025
Roma Amor O'Connor
May 06, 2025
We are beyond grateful for Mr. Ryan Kintz, who has been an exceptional piano teacher for our two children. Their dedication, patience, and passion for music shine through in every lesson, making learning both fun and inspiring. Mr. Ryan tailors each session to our kids' unique needs, fostering their skills and confidence while keeping them motivated. His kind and encouraging approach has not only improved our children's piano abilities but also instilled a lifelong love for music. We highly recommend Mr. Ryan to any parent seeking a truly outstanding teacher!
Dustin Seidler
May 05, 2025
Learning By The Pound
May 05, 2025
Janell Magenheimer
May 05, 2025
Our experience at Mandeville School of Music and Dance has been wonderful. My daughters take guitar and piano lessons with Mr. James.we had to change our schedule but could not change our teacher. They insist that Mr. James is always their teacher! Hes great with both of my girls ages 9 and 11. Definitely recommend him for beginners! Hes the best!!!
Jeffrey Loose
May 04, 2025
Have experience playing but always wanted to finally understand the concepts and terms of music theory. Found the perfect instructor Ryan Tingle. Ryan has in depth solid knowledge of theory with broad professional practical experience across multiple instruments. At lot of basic didactics at the keyboard plus we work through pieces of music and discuss what's happening - meters, chord types and progressions, harmonic progressions (including physics lessons), scale modes, etc. Never quite know what we're going to discuss at a lesson, spent 45 minutes discussing electric guitar effects one evening, but it's always immersive and intellectually rewarding. I may even get around to learning how to play better but that can wait.
Hannah Pfeifer
May 03, 2025
I loved my time here at LAAPA! I was a piano student at LAAPA for 10 years and was with Dr. Vera for 7 of those years. She was an amazing teacher! She was always so kind and compassionate and I truly enjoyed getting to take her class. She not only taught me piano and music skills, but she also took the time to get to know me which made my time so much more enjoyable. I highly recommend!
Lynnette Rivera
May 03, 2025
Dr. Vera has been my piano teacher for about eight years now and she is the sweetest, most understanding teacher Ive had! She always helps me with my music sheets when Im struggling, and shes very patient when I try to fix my mistakes. I really like her suggestions for potential songs to learn. Her music lessons always make me want to come back to learn more!
Carolina R.
Carolina R.
Joy Kampen
May 03, 2025
Erin Acosta
May 02, 2025
Bri Steilberg
Apr 19, 2025
My 8-year-old son has been attending LAAPA, and I truly cant say enough good things about this dance company. From day one, the experience has been nothing short of wonderful. The teachers are not only incredibly talented but also so patient, encouraging, and passionate about what they do. Theyve created such a positive and inspiring environment where my son feels supported and excited to learn. Its amazing to see his confidence and skills grow each week. Ms. Paige and Ms. Maddy have truly been such phenomenal teachers. Were so grateful to be part of the LAAPA family!
Gina Maria Morse
Jan 28, 2025
My son took violin lessons with Mr.Riccardo who was always professional, courteous, and an overall excellent teacher. He was able to teach my son in a manner that was easy for him to understand violin posture, fingers, and reading music. My son felt confident yet challenged and always looked forward to his lessons.
Portia Garrett
Nov 12, 2024
My 6 year old son started drum lessons with Mr. James a few months ago. Each week he looks forward to his lesson to see what they will be learning next. Mr. James is very kind, patient and encouraging. Although its only been a few months I can see my sons growth as well as his passion for drums growing. I am so glad to have started this musical journey with LAAPA!
Jenny Schneider
May 21, 2024
Brandon Connolly
Jan 02, 2024
Kelly Wilkins
Mar 23, 2023
M. B.
Dec 12, 2022
There isn't a single negative thing to be said about LAAPA. The staff are so friendly and helpful. My daughter has been taking piano lessons for two months with Mr. Ryan Kintz. She adores her lessons; Mr. Kintz is very patient and knows how to keep my daughter engaged in the lessons. Her favorite part is at the end of the lesson when they play duets - she on the piano and he on the guitar.
Alisa Brown
Nov 23, 2022
My daughter has been a student at LAAPA for four years, and has recently begun instruction with Dr Vera this summer. Dr Vera has been amazing at helping her develop her vocal abilities and gain confidence in her voice. She has been reenergized in her music education and is loving the change of instruction.
L. S.
Jan 22, 2020
Jennifer has been working with me for over a month and I have been so happy with my lessons! She is very knowledgeable about music and does a great job of making me comfortable enough to be able to open up and sing. Each week she helps me to build my confidence a little more. I am looking forward to all of my lessons still to come!
Lauren Strohkirch
Lauren Strohkirch
Rebecca A.
Sep 21, 2018
Ernest Barrow
Jan 15, 2018
Erin Piske
May 06, 2017
We love Mandeville School of Music. My daughter adores her teacher Mrs Rebecca. They play duets & she makes learning music fun & interactive & rewards them with tickets they can redeem for a treat from a treasure box. We've had a delightful experience here & would recommend to all our family & friends!
Carol Peter
Apr 22, 2017
We have been absolutely thrilled with LAAPA since my daughter started taking in January. She takes piano with Carolyn Russell who is an amazing teacher and coach. Because of Carolyn, my daughter has excelled at piano. She also takes saxophone with Morris who has also been amazing and she has also excelled under his teaching and love for music. She participates in the jazz band and has been a great experience and opportunity for her.
We've been so impressed with the caliber of teachers, their love of music and how they want the best for their students. LAAPA AND the staff have all been so supportive, encouraging and accessible all of the time. They've been a blessing to my daughter and to us! Would recommend them to anyone wanting to advance their child's love and gift of music!
We've been so impressed with the caliber of teachers, their love of music and how they want the best for their students. LAAPA AND the staff have all been so supportive, encouraging and accessible all of the time. They've been a blessing to my daughter and to us! Would recommend them to anyone wanting to advance their child's love and gift of music!
Frederick Morton
Mar 15, 2015
EXCELLENT ACADEMY!!!! My daughter attended NOCCA in New Orleans for one year, but found the commute every day along with her studies was too much. So, we had to look very hard to try and find a music school that could compare to NOCCA and this music school fit perfectly and more! Our daughter loves to go every week and the teachers and staff are exemplary. We are very glad we found this music school!!!! Thank you very much!!!!