Business Details
48 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Performing Arts Education in Louisiana
Since opening our doors in the River Ridge community in 1978, our studio has been privileged to enrich the lives of many families across Jefferson Parish through a comprehensive curriculum, a diverse and skilled faculty, and modern amenities. We find great fulfillment in fostering a lasting passion for music and dance that now includes not only our initial students from the early 80s but also their descendants.All of our instructors are university-trained experts devoted to working with students across a broad range of ages and expertise. Whether you are just beginning or continuing your training, you will be warmly welcomed. Unlike the traditional piano lessons focused solely on classical music, our method is adaptable to the specific styles that students wish to explore. While we emphasize fundamental techniques, we believe that encouraging students to engage with music and dance they love is key to their ongoing success.
Services
Piano Lessons
Guitar Lessons
Voice Training
Ballet Classes
Drum Instruction
Drama Workshops
Online Music Lessons
Summer Camps
Dance Classes
Toddler Music Programs
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of proven excellence in performing arts education.
- Our faculty includes 60+ professional instructors with diverse expertise.
- Flexible scheduling available 6 days a week with online and in-person options.
- Customized programs for beginners to advanced students across all age groups.
- Family-friendly environment with safety-certified campuses and G-rated content.
Associations and certifications
- Music Teachers National Association
- Music Academy Network
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
What people say
Patient instructors
Family-friendly environment
Transformative impact
Flexible scheduling
Professional facilities
Services
Piano Lessons
Piano instruction at LAAPA combines tradition with creativity, allowing students to explore various genres while developing strong technical foundations. Our faculty are committed to helping each student reach their full musical potential. Lessons are held on quality acoustic pianos, ensuring optimal training for dynamic control and technique development.
Guitar Lessons
Whether youre looking to play for fun or pursue music seriously, LAAPAs guitar lessons provide a clear path forward. Lessons cover technique, theory, and performance, with time set aside for practicing songs that inspire you. Students benefit from professional guidance and individualized instruction. We also offer optional group classes to enhance your overall music education experience.
Voice Lessons
Our comprehensive voice program is designed to help singers of all ages discover their unique sound while building essential skills like tone production and diction. LAAPA instructors create customized lesson plans and offer enrichment options such as theory, ensemble, and songwriting. Whether singing for fun or preparing for auditions, our students grow with confidence and passion.
Ballet Classes
We provide a comprehensive ballet program that introduces proper technique, terminology, and choreography in a supportive environment. Whether your child is just beginning or ready for advanced study, our instructors guide them through each stage. Students benefit from consistent instruction and performance opportunities. Registration is ongoing, making it easy to join when youre ready.
Hip Hop Classes
Our Hip Hop dance curriculum introduces students as young as four to the energetic world of street-inspired choreography. The program fosters physical coordination, musicality, and self-discipline through fun routines and foundational exercises. With skilled instructors and a supportive environment, every dancer is encouraged to grow and shine on stage.
Questions
What age groups do you cater to?
We offer programs for toddlers (1.5+), children, teens, and adults across all disciplines.
Are online lessons available?
Yes, we provide virtual music and dance instruction with the same expert instructors as in-person classes.
Do you offer performance opportunities?
We host optional recitals, festivals, and professional theater productions for students throughout the year.
What safety measures are in place?
Our campuses feature observation windows, security cameras, background-checked staff, and strict sanitation protocols.
Can I try a class before committing?
We offer trial lessons and complimentary strength conditioning classes for new students.
Videos
Reviews (14)
Jes H.
Feb 12, 2026
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We asked for a non-traditional approach to piano and Mr. Corey delivered. He's working with my son in a way that works best for him, not just doing the same as he might do with every student. He's helping to build my son's confidence while challenging him at the same time.
Ann Wenche Haug
May 13, 2025
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My girls piano teacher is the absolutely best. She is professional, she is kind and always inform me about their progress and how I can help them at home. Her warmth and kindness has helped my girls get completely comfortable with her, at their young age.
S. B.
May 06, 2025
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Claire absolutely LOVES working with her vocal coach Allison N! She has helped her improve so much! Thank you Allison!!
Elena Mutonono
May 03, 2025
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Our favorite teacher is Mr. Christian V. His drum lessons are energetic and fun, and my son has improved as a player thanks to Mr. Christian's dedication. Having an amazing music teacher makes a lot of difference on your kid's progress. Mr. Christian inspires my son to do better with each lesson!
Allison Bhatia
May 03, 2025
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Ms. Ceylon has set the bar high for her Pre-Ballet students, and my daughter is learning and developing so many wonderful dance skills!
Sue Schneider
Mar 07, 2025
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We love the River Ridge School of Music. Our grandchild is progressing to the heights with her voice instructor Miss Olivia. Kennedy enjoys her lessons and the Mary Popkins Jr play was an extraordinary experience. Sometime she will always remember.
Jaime Macaluso
Sep 06, 2024
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Started taking adult ballet with Bridget a few weeks ago and Im loving it! Shes very patient with beginners and does a great job of explaining things but not holding back the rest of the class while she does so. Excited for next week already!
Carter Cheree L.
May 13, 2023
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Ms Bethany is an amazing piano teacher! My son has learned so much, and he looks forward to his lesson each week! He is now playing the piano beautifully! She is an encourager and makes learning fun. I cant speak more highly of her! Such a JOY!
Amanda P.
Mar 14, 2023
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I am not a student but I certainly recommend the school. I called the school because I needed help finding some sheet music that is important to my grandfather and I. Mrs Janette took the time to help me find the sheet music. It means the world to us!
John Stephens
Nov 29, 2022
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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.
R. Hardee
Dec 07, 2018
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We have enjoyed having our daughter, Christy, take guitar lessons with Mr. Bill and vocals with Ms. Kadi. Christy has been a student with River Ridge Academy for over 3 years. She continues to progress through their instructions. The teachers adapt easily to the learning styles of their students, making it enjoyable for them to stick with it and progress. We appreciate the positive and encouraging environment Christy walks into every week.
Her teachers serve as mentors in the midst of their music lessons. Mr. Bill and Ms. Kadi will keep us involved with our daughters growth and where she has to push harder. We are happy to be a part of the school and appreciative for our contact having referred our family to River Ridge Academy.
Her teachers serve as mentors in the midst of their music lessons. Mr. Bill and Ms. Kadi will keep us involved with our daughters growth and where she has to push harder. We are happy to be a part of the school and appreciative for our contact having referred our family to River Ridge Academy.
Lauren McHugh
Oct 12, 2018
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We love River Ridge School of Music. My 8-year old daughter takes piano lessons with Candice Moses. Candice is an excellent teacher and wonderful with children. My daughter has really progressed in the past year and always looks forward to her lesson with Candice. We highly recommend!
Ramesh Prabhu
May 01, 2018
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I have my son enrolled here. He has been taking guitar lessons with Mr. Bill for the past 3 years. He is kind, friendly and a fantastic instructor. My son loves coming to LAAPA. It is an outstanding school for music.
Nicole Bruzik
Nov 14, 2017
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We have been participating in the Preschool Music classes for about 2 years now. Ms. Kadi is wonderful - patient with the kids, the activities are engaging, and look fun. They get a nice survey of kinder music - songs, sequencing, instruments (get to play real instruments sometimes as well as kinder instruments). My just-turned-5-year-old boy has been learning music basics from these classes, but he thinks he's just singing and moving and having fun.
We have also been participating in the parent & tot dance classes for about a year. Ms. Mary is sweet and the choreography is such that the kids don't even realize they're learning to dance. My just-turned-3-year-old girl always looks forward to the Fire Jump and the Princess Walk and recently started dancing without needing Mom out there with her. The classes are really enjoyable, for parents and kids, both.
We have also been participating in the parent & tot dance classes for about a year. Ms. Mary is sweet and the choreography is such that the kids don't even realize they're learning to dance. My just-turned-3-year-old girl always looks forward to the Fire Jump and the Princess Walk and recently started dancing without needing Mom out there with her. The classes are really enjoyable, for parents and kids, both.