Our newly opened, state-of-the-art campus located on Highway 437 in Covington stands at the center of LAAPA School of Music & Dance - Covington, where we serve more than 200 students across the Northshore region, including Bush, Folsom, Franklinton, Hammond, Madisonville, Mandeville, and Slidell, Louisiana. We also proudly support students commuting from Mississippi communities such as Carriere, Picayune, and Gulfport. The campus, situated in historic downtown Covington, features multiple music studios, a dedicated dance studio with a floating Marley floor, and a 100-seat performance theater designed to host student showcases, rehearsals, and performances.
We design our programs to provide a complete and flexible educational experience, offering students the option of online or in-person attendance. Our school delivers the largest variety of music programs in the region, supported by university-trained faculty committed to instruction at every level. We maintain thoroughly sanitized studios and equipment between uses, reinforced by hospital-quality HVAC systems utilizing Global Plasma Solutions and Nu-Calgon technology, consistent with standards found in leading institutions such as Harvard University and government facilities. Our instruction spans beginners through advanced students, serving both children and adults. We further support learning with optional makeup workshops for missed lessons, weekly 45-minute music theory classes at no additional cost, one complimentary annual recording session in our studio, an in-house educational printing press publishing faculty-developed teaching methods, and optional performance opportunities for all students.
We design our programs to provide a complete and flexible educational experience, offering students the option of online or in-person attendance. Our school delivers the largest variety of music programs in the region, supported by university-trained faculty committed to instruction at every level. We maintain thoroughly sanitized studios and equipment between uses, reinforced by hospital-quality HVAC systems utilizing Global Plasma Solutions and Nu-Calgon technology, consistent with standards found in leading institutions such as Harvard University and government facilities. Our instruction spans beginners through advanced students, serving both children and adults. We further support learning with optional makeup workshops for missed lessons, weekly 45-minute music theory classes at no additional cost, one complimentary annual recording session in our studio, an in-house educational printing press publishing faculty-developed teaching methods, and optional performance opportunities for all students.
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Convenient online and in-person attendance options available flexibility
- Largest variety of music programs in the area
- University trained faculty who love teaching passionately students
- Thoroughly sanitized studios and equipment between students and classes
- Hospital-quality HVAC systems using advanced air purification technology
- From beginners to advanced students children and adults programs
Payment methods
- Cash
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Services
Ballet classes are available at various times each week for students beginning at age four across Covington, Harahan, and Mandeville campuses. We consider ballet the foundation of all dance training and encourage students to begin here. Each class introduces and reinforces key positions, techniques, and terminology. Students showcase progress in Spring recital and Christmas Show with original choreography. 
Our Hip Hop program offers classes throughout the week for children starting at age five. The dance form is energetic and free, drawing from jazz and African traditions and pop culture. We ensure a family-friendly setting and use only suitable music for all participants. Students develop rhythm, style, and technical ability while preparing for future dance opportunities and performances. 
Parent & Tot Toddler Dance Classes for ages 1.5 to 4 offer supportive creative movement introduction. Instruction emphasizes foundational dance concepts including body awareness, musicality, positions, waiting in line, and imagination development. Parent participation uses props, activities, and guided games to reinforce learning effectively. Students develop communication, memory, creativity, and social skills in comfortable attire. 
Piano Lessons are offered for children, teens, and adults at all skill levels, from introductory to advanced study. Instruction is delivered in private sessions that focus on technique, theory, and stylistic versatility. Our approach integrates structured progression with engaging, goal-oriented practice. Students are also encouraged to participate in enrichment classes and performance events. 
We offer a comprehensive guitar instruction program for beginning, intermediate, and advanced learners pursuing structured musical development. Our professional instructors design individualized curricula that encourage steady progress while adapting to each students experience and personal style. Instruction is available on both acoustic and electric guitar. We focus on building strong foundational technique and musical confidence through every lesson. 
We maintain a comprehensive vocal instruction program built on individualized training for singers of all ages. Lessons are held weekly in private formats lasting 30, 45, or 60 minutes. Instruction develops range, ear training, breath control, and tone production while supporting confident stage performance and accurate pitch across all levels within our established program. 
At Louisiana Academy of Performing Arts, violin lessons are available for all age groups. Each student receives tailored instruction designed to match individual learning styles and advancement. Our curriculum supports growth from beginner fundamentals through advanced violin mastery. We aim to build both performance skill and a deeper appreciation of musical artistry. 
We emphasize comprehensive percussion training for students from ages five to adults, including drum set fundamentals, cymbals, snare techniques, and auxiliary instruments like tambourine, shakers, triangle, bells, and woodblocks. Instruction remains varied and engaging, as learners continuously encounter new instruments that expand their musical versatility and performance readiness throughout instruction overall development and practice sessions.
Reviews (16)
Dylan Gaker
Jun 04, 2025
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Heather Jones
Apr 29, 2025
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Steve Fava
Mar 15, 2025
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Adam Pagani
Jan 25, 2025
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Kathy Kerdolff
Jan 02, 2025
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Ashleigh Garner
Sep 20, 2024
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Jonathan Hernandez
Sep 19, 2024
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Ben Vici
Feb 05, 2023
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Our experience with LAAPA has been excellent. My family is enrolled in both guitar and violin lessons.
Our guitar instructor, Brian King, is very thoughtful and methodical about his approach to teaching. He is also very personable, which makes virtual lessons enjoyable.
Our violin instructor, Pacian Ayme, has helped bring us from absolute beginner status to performing at a recital with an ensemble within 6 months. She works to challenge us while also making playing fun.
LAAPA has been an excellent avenue for advancing our musical interests.
Our guitar instructor, Brian King, is very thoughtful and methodical about his approach to teaching. He is also very personable, which makes virtual lessons enjoyable.
Our violin instructor, Pacian Ayme, has helped bring us from absolute beginner status to performing at a recital with an ensemble within 6 months. She works to challenge us while also making playing fun.
LAAPA has been an excellent avenue for advancing our musical interests.
Toby Hughes
Feb 02, 2023
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I am very excited to highly recommend Skiles as a guitar instructor. He taught my seven year old grandson and did an exceptional job! Very nice guy. Kept his attention. Quickly assessed where he was each lesson and moved him from there to wayyyy on down the road to learning how to play, and, therefore, enjoy the guitar. And, he stayed focused and used every minute to teach. Not alot of pressure but just kept him focused. And, I definitely feel like I got my money's worth for each lesson. Great job, Skiles. And, great job, Covington School of Music. Every time I dealt with an employee, whether on the phone or in person, I got royal treatment every single time. Definitely a 5 star organization.
Tonya Pruett
Sep 16, 2022
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Kevin is an excellent teacher and clearly has expansive musical knowledge and experience. He brought out the inner pianist in my son in just two sessions. His style of teaching allows my son to be creative, expressive, and enjoy the lessons. I stopped leaving the room because every lesson turned into a full-on jam session! My son cannot stay off the piano at our home since Kevin became his instructor.
Melissa Gammage
May 16, 2022
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The Preschool Music teacher we have, Ms.Angelia, is is absolutely excellent with my 3 yr old daughter. My daughter can be a bit of a handful at times but she gets so much developmental growth from these lessons. The price is very affordable and it is so worth it for the quality of the learning experience directed toward small children. LAAPA have been all over outstanding and I highly recommend taking classes here!
Brenda Garner
Jan 17, 2022
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Jay Blue
Apr 12, 2021
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My piano instructor Ryan is great in every way. He is patient and thorough with explaining music theory. He has a great skill and gift of hearing me play something and figuring out what I was trying to play. Awesome Awesome guy. I couldn't ask for a better instructor for someone my age in their 40s trying to learn to play the piano.
Kelli Goings
Mar 13, 2020
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I truly cant say enough about LAAPA. The staff members are always enthusiastic when greeting the students and are always ready to help. Gary Randall, my oldest daughters teacher, is a phenomenal piano player. He is very encouraging & talented. Peter Harper teaches Ukulele for my daughter. He always challenges her & keeps her engaged. I cant put a price tag on watching my girls flourish in these classes. Music is the gift of a lifetime! Money very well spent. Great job LAAPA. You have exceeded my expectations. From a very thankful parent
Jeane Farrell
Mar 26, 2019
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Covington School of Music is a wonderful place to send your child for music lessons and Mrs Haydee is an amazing piano teacher for young children. My daughter just started a few months ago and I am so impressed by how much she has learned and how improved her skill set is. Mrs Haydee is so patient and by far exceeded my expectations.
Barbara Branson
Oct 29, 2018
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Chris Tally is a fantastic instructor. Patient, extremely skilled with string instruments, presents information in sequenced steps that are appropriate for each individual, and is really involved in the St Tammany music scene. Very talented musician and singer. I take private & group lessons from Chris and am learning a lot! Super nice guy!