Summer Music Camp on Long Island
AN OUTDOOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP EXPERIENCE
Usdan’s Music Department features large ensemble concert bands and orchestras, in addition to vocal ensembles, jazz ensembles, and piano and guitar classes of varying levels, all led by our incredible music faculty, made up of experienced educators and professional musicians and conductors.
Students who are interested in taking Music for their Minor as well as their Major have the opportunity to do so by starting a new instrument or by continuing their instruction in a different instrument than the one they are using for Major.
A combination of large-ensemble work and small-group sectional study allows students in our Concert Band and Orchestra Majors to experience a mix of both group and solo performance development. In all Music classes, faculty aim to expand students' love of music with a wide range of repertoire from diverse genres, time periods, and composers.
To ensure that our ensembles best serve the group, instrumentalists in our Concert Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble Majors must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and an ability to read music.
Music students learn in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s surrounding woodland campus.
ALLEGRO MUSIC PROGRAM
Like the musical notation for which it is named, Usdan’s Allegro Music Program is fun-filled and upbeat—a camp experience that expands students’ appreciation of music. The program follows the same outline as Usdan’s Classic Program and offers a more affordable tuition to take a specific combination of courses, including a Major in our Music Department. For four or eight weeks, musicians and vocalists in our Allegro Music Program immerse themselves in music and nature on Usdan’s 140-acre campus.
Each camp day, the Allegro Music Program offers students two hours of instrumental or vocal instruction in their Major, one hour in a Minor class of their choice, and one hour of U Time as their Recreational Activity, during which they swim or choose from an array of fun games and activities. The day is capped off by a live performance in our 900-seat amphitheater. Bus transportation via central pickup locations is included in tuition. Door-to-door busing is available in certain Long Island areas for an additional fee.
Tuition
- 4-week A Session and 4-week B Sessions: $3,500
- 8-week Session: $6,000
SUMMER CAMP Busing FOR LONG ISLAND, NYC, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens Kids
For over fifty years, Usdan has offered an enriching arts, music, theater, creative writing and dance summer camp experience to children all over the region, from Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn in New York City, to Port Washington and Huntington, and all over Nassau and Suffolk counties. Usdan offers busing to and from camp from convenient central pickup locations. For more information on busing, please visit our Transportation page.
Classes
Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip-Hop
Available for
- 4-Week A
Minor classes
Absolute Beginner Guitar Minor
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Learn the fundamentals of guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students begin by learning the structure of the instrument and basic technique; then they move on to simple melodies, chords, and scales. Students ultimately experience ensemble practice and performance, deepening their musicality through listening activities and improvisation and exploring their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. This Minor includes a free guitar, which students take home with them at the end of the session. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session but cannot be taken for both.
Enrollment Note: This is a popular course with limited enrollment and tends to fill quickly. If you are interested in this course, we recommend enrolling as soon as possible.
“It is a fun environment where everyone has the ability to play and learn.”
—Aryan
“I liked improving my guitar skills.”
—Anabella
Absolute Beginner Piano Minor
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not for both.
- This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not for both.
In this preparatory piano class, students learn the fundamentals of piano playing by
studying the geography of the keyboard, pentascales, full-octave scales, contrary-motion scales, note reading, rhythm, triads with inversions, and simple arpeggios. Repertoire is selected from method books as well as traditional favorites and contemporary pieces from pedagogical collections. Young pianists receive their instruction under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.
Enrollment Note: This is a popular course with limited enrollment and tends to fill quickly. If you are interested in this course, we recommend enrolling as soon as possible.
“I learned more about piano and made friends in the process.”
—Jordan
“The teacher was very supportive and nice.”
—Miguel
Chamber Ensemble
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3-12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
For advanced musicians seeking to refine their techniques in small, intimate ensembles of 2 to 10 musicians. In supportive group settings held in open-air spaces around campus, Chamber Ensemble students hone their skills through the study and practice of tone, interpretation, scales, intonation, and more.
Led by music educators and instrumentalists, this course provides students dedicated time to further their mastery of their instrument, deepen their musical vocabulary, and prepare themselves for admission to selective music programs or schools.
Pre-requisites: This class is by audition only. Open to brass, woodwind, percussion, orchestral string, and piano. To be eligible to take this class, students in grades 3–6 must play NYSSMA level III or IV. Students in grade 7–12 must play NYSSMA level V or VI to be accepted. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.
Composition: Classical Music
4-Week A
Major: Grades 6-12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 6-12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Whether you’re a practicing composer, or a seasoned musician who wants to dive into the world of composition, this class is for you. Composition Major students continue to learn or enhance their skills in music notation, composition, and orchestration under the instruction of an experienced composer and music educator. Students spend their days writing, developing, and refining either a new composition project, or a project they have already begun, primarily in the Classical genres. In class, students have ample time to bring their compositions to life by collaborating with professional musicians and composers. The class culminates in a performance of each students’ work by students, faculty, or guest performers, and each student walks away with a recording of their work.
Major students should have at least one year of experience reading music and have a deep interest in music composition or experience composing. A laptop/tablet with music software, such as Musescore, downloaded is recommended for this class, but not required.
This class is being offered as a Minor as well. Students looking for a more intensive composition experience are invited to take both the Major and Minor classes.
Composition: Found Sound
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
An exploratory, auditory experience for curious ears. Led by knowledgeable musicians and composers, Composition: Found Sound students work collaboratively to discover, record, and evaluate the sounds of their environment, and turn what they hear into unique, auditory compositions.
Equipped with various recording devices and the freedom to explore 140-acres of natural beauty abuzz with artistic energy, students in this Minor learn to identify the myriad sounds that surround them, discover which sounds speak directly to their hearts, and turn their recordings into compositions that capture their individual, sonic personalities.
At the end of the course, all students share their work and receive a recording of their composition.
Pre-requisites: No prior experience necessary. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.
Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip-Hop
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 7-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Don’t Blame the World, It’s the DJ’s Fault! In this course be in the mix of the history of Hip-Hop — learn what it takes to be a DJ from the creators of Hip-Hop: The Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee DJ Kool Herc and The First Lady of Hip-Hop Cindy Campbell.
Artists will learn how songs speak to each other and put together a DJ mix that represents a multitude of their identities. Learn the art of mixing, crate digging, selecting, and playing music using professional DJ controllers and software. Explore the elements of Hip-Hop in a historical context that also activates a contemporary intergenerational lens for the love of music. Build on active listening skills and improvisation to create an original DJ set that gets the crowd jumping.
The summer will close with a listening party that plays back the sets created by the emerging DJs.
Pre-requisites: No prior experience required. We encourage all passionate music lovers to apply. Students will be asked shortly after enrollment to submit an application form for entry into the class.
Composition: Musical Theater
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4-12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
For musical theater lovers looking to understand what it takes to create and pull off a time-stopping musical theater moment. In this Minor, students are invited to unpack how memorable moments in musical theater are constructed under the guidance of an accomplished musical theater composer — Usdan’s own Ben Boecker. Ben is a Usdan alum and faculty member who has written two original musicals for Usdan Camp U! The Musical and Better Than A Bully: The Musical, which made their debuts at Usdan in 2023 and 2024, respectively.
Over the course of four weeks in an open-air music studio, Composition: Musical Theater students develop deeper understandings of musical theater’s vocabulary by experimenting with the mechanics of song, including how to enter a tuneful moment and return to a scene’s dialogue without missing a beat.
At the end of the class, all students share their work and receive a recording of their composition.
Pre-requisites: No application or prior composition experience required. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.
Composition: Songwriting
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 6-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Students will experience the craft of songwriting using direct and indirect musical elements including poetry, percussion, and singing. We provide comfortable spaces for artists to discover their inner lyricists. Turn your stories into songs, write authentic lyrics that focus on arrangement through understanding chord progressions and melodies. We will use our everyday inspiration to write songs collectively and individually. Students will develop a natural understanding of musical vocabulary while experimenting on the basics of a hook and chorus in alignment with the structure of the overall song. The class will share their songs for a recorded in-studio performance.
Concert Band
4-Week A
Major: Grades 4-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 4-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Under the guidance of skilled educators and professional musicians and conductors, four concert bands offer exceptional collaboration and performance opportunities for budding musicians. Students participate in one hour of concert band rehearsal and one hour of sectional study each day, during which they study with a faculty member who specializes in their instrument area. Woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists are welcome to join. Students rehearse in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. Repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. At least one year of playing an instrument and the ability to read music is required.
Guitar Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Improve your guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students focus on improving their technique and playing of melodies, chords, and scales. Students experience ensemble practice and performance, deepening their musicality through listening activities and improvisation and exploring their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. One or more years of experience playing the guitar and the ability to read sheet music is required.
“I liked the music we played. The teacher was very nice and thoughtful.”
—Graham
“I learned different guitar-playing techniques.”
—Naomi
Jazz Combos
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 7-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 7-12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Travel further into the world of jazz in an intimate, creative setting. In this course, students explore jazz’s most iconic repertoire in small instrumental groups. By putting the focus on group dynamics, collaboration is encouraged among students, providing them the freedom to contribute creatively with their peers and instructor on arrangements, form, harmony, and instrumentation.
Jazz Combo students learn from a practicing jazz musician and educator about jazz’s most influential musicians and musical traditions. This course offers a unique opportunity for students with 1–2 years of jazz experience to further their performance skills and deepen their understanding of what lies at the heart of jazz — improvisation, collaboration, and creative interpretation.
Pre-requisites: Available for saxophone, trumpet, trombone, jazz guitar, jazz bass, jazz piano, and drums. Recommended for Jazz Ensemble and Band Majors. This course is designed to help students expand their knowledge, nurture their passion for jazz, and enhance their performance ability.
Jazz Ensemble (Major)
4-Week A
Major: Grades 7-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 7-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
Digging deep into the most American of musical forms, students in this class work in small and medium-sized ensembles, with an emphasis on improvisation and collaboration. Led by experienced educators and professional jazz musicians and conductors, this Major includes one period of ensemble work and one period of rehearsal with the concert band. Repertoire reflects the many styles and eras of jazz, from the earliest forms to contemporary jazz. Instruments include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, piano, and bass. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Admission to the Jazz Ensemble Major is subject to audition; students will be asked to submit an audition recording shortly after enrolling.
“I was able to learn from a professional jazz musician and improve my playing.”
—Sam
“I LOVE THIS CLASS! This class has gotten me to love Jazz. Our teacher is funny, but he takes it very seriously and there isn't any messing around. My teacher and peers are AMAZING PEOPLE! The older members in the group taught me a lot too.”
—Alejandro
Jazz Lab
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 5-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 5-12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Dive into the world of jazz with an exciting introduction to one of America's most iconic and influential art forms. In this course, students explore jazz’s foundational repertoire, understand song forms, and learn the stylistic conventions and common practices that make jazz unique.
In large group ensembles, students learn the art of improvisation from an accomplished jazz musician and music educator and are given the space to experiment with improvising in a supportive and creative environment of like-minded peers.
This course also takes students on a journey through jazz history, by spotlighting seminal recordings and exploring the contributions of jazz's most indispensable artists.
Pre-requisites: Open to all instruments, including strings, this class is perfect for students with at least one year of playing experience who are eager to expand their musical horizons. Our hope is that this course sparks a deep interest in jazz and encourages students to continue their exploration into this musical tradition long after summer ends.
Junior Piano Major (3+ Years of Experience)
4-Week A
Major: Grades 3–6
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 3–6
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
Enhance your musicality and your ability to play as a soloist and in a duet under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, such as miniatures, classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making interpretive and stylistic decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. Three to four years of playing the piano and an ability to read music are required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.
Sample repertoire:
J.S. Bach • Invention no. 1 in C Major, BWV 772
Amy Beach • Children’s Carnival, op. 25, no. 5 (Secrets)
Frédéric Chopin • Prelude in E Minor, op. 28, no. 4
Edward MacDowell • Woodland Sketches, op. 51, no. 1 (To a Wild Rose)
Junior Vocal Ensemble
4-Week A
Major: Grades 2–6
Minor: Grades 2–6
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 2–6
Minor: Grades 2–6
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
If you love to sing and want to deepen your passion for music, join Usdan’s Junior Vocal Ensemble. Under the guidance of professional musicians and educators, students learn a varied repertoire by composers from around the world while making friends and having fun. Vocalists focus on the use of correct diction, breathing techniques, blending, and balance. Junior Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. All levels are welcome.
“We learn in a great environment!”
—Anthony
“I like that we can learn about vocal techniques and how to use your voice correctly.”
—Lisa
Orchestra
4-Week A
Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Young musicians discover the vibrato of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses that form the core of Usdan's four incredible orchestras. Under the guidance of skilled educators and professional musicians and conductors, Orchestra students come together each day for one hour of orchestra rehearsal and one hour of sectional instruction, during which they study with a faculty member who specializes in their instrument area. The orchestras perform major symphonic works and collaborate with other Usdan ensembles. Orchestra students rehearse in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. At least one year of playing an instrument and the ability to read music is required.
Piano Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not for both.
- This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not for both.
A unique program for advanced beginner pianists to develop solo and ensemble repertoire, improving technique, theory, and aural comprehension. Young pianists receive their instruction under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. One to two years of prior piano instruction is required. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.
“This class genuinely got me way better at keys.”
—Ethan
“We get to play all at once and listen to each other.”
—Giuliana
Senior Piano Major (4+ Years of Experience)
4-Week A
Major: Grades 7–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 7–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
- An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.
Enhance your musicality and your ability to play as a soloist and in a duet under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, such as miniatures, classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making interpretive and stylistic decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. At least four years of playing piano and an ability to read music are required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.
Sample repertoire:
J.S. Bach • Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847
Amy Beach • Music for Piano, op. 54, no. 1 (Scottish Legend)
Frédéric Chopin • Nocturne in E-flat Major, op. 9, no. 2
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • Sonata in F Major, K. 332
“I got to duet with other pianists which I don't usually get to do.”
—Aster
“The class was very interactive with both 1 on 1 and group activities with the teacher.”
—Emily
Senior Vocal Ensemble
4-Week A
Major: Grades 6–12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 6–12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Foster your love for music and community in Usdan’s Senior Vocal Ensemble. Under the guidance of professional musicians and educators, students focus on vocal technique, diction, and solo and ensemble singing. Repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. Senior Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. All levels are welcome.
“I liked working with other talented musicians and I learned amazing techniques that would help me in the future.”
—Avani
“We sing and perform a very wide range of music that is amazing to sing. I enjoyed the whole process of learning the music, … and seeing it all come together is an amazing thing.”
—Kennedy