CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!

• Are U an instrumentalist or vocalist?
• Do U live in NYC or Long Island?
• Are U currently in grades 2–12?

Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is kicking off the Music Merit Scholarship search — and we want U to apply!

WHAT IS THE MUSIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP?

Usdan's Music Merit Scholarship is an audition-based scholarship program for young instrumentalists and vocalists interested in attending Usdan this summer as Music Majors.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Instrumentalists and vocalists in grades 2–12 who have at least one year of experience and can read sheet music are encouraged to apply. The Merit Scholarship Program is for students interested in our Music Program, majoring in one of the following programs, according to age group. 

The Music Merit Scholarship Program does not apply to the Allegro Program. At this time, the Music Merit Scholarship Program is not open to classical pianists.

WHAT ARE THE AUDITION & APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?

Applicants should prepare about 5-10 minutes of solo music. NYSSMA pieces are recommended, although specific pieces are not required. Students may be asked to play scales and/or perform sight reading. Students should not play band or orchestra pieces from school.

• For high school applicants we recommend a NYSSMA level V-VI
• For middle school applicants we recommend a NYSSMA level IV
• For elementary applicants we recommend a NYSSMA level II-III

Students must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and must be able to read sheet music. Students must also submit a teacher recommendation letter. Letters can be emailed directly to enrollment@usdan.org. Teachers can use our recommendation letter tips for help writing their letters.

Students are not required to enroll in Usdan before their audition but are encouraged as classes may fill up before final decisions are released.

HOW TO APPLY 

Students should submit a brief application through Submittable and complete an audition. Students can choose to audition live on campus or virtually via Microsoft Teams. Alternatively, applicants can submit a pre-recorded audition with their application. Please note, preference will be given to students who choose to do a live audition, either on campus or virtually.

LIVE AUDITIONS

Live auditions will be conducted on campus March 16, April 5, April 26, May 3, and May 17, 2025 or scheduled via Microsoft Teams. Auditions will be about 10 minutes long and include a brief get-to-know-you interview.

PRE-RECORDED AUDITIONS

Students wishing to submit a pre-recorded audition via Submittable should submit a recording of their solo in its entirety. Recordings should not exceed 10 minutes in length. 

AUDITION DATES

On-campus audition dates: 

• Sunday, March 16
• Saturday, April 5
• Saturday, April 26
• Saturday, May 3
• Saturday, May 17

Live virtual audition dates: 

• Tuesday, February 25
• Tuesday, March 25
• Tuesday, April 8
• Tuesday, April 29
• Tuesday, May 13

Audition results will be shared on a rolling basis, within three weeks of the audition date.

CRITERIA

Music Merit Scholarship recipients will be selected based on the following criteria: 

• Technical Skills 
• Passion and Motivation 
• Usdan’s Instrument and Music Needs Based on Enrollment 
• Teacher Recommendation

WHAT IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?

Music Merit Scholarship applications close on May 1, 2025.

WHAT AMOUNT OF SCHOLARSHIP DO RECIPIENTS RECEIVE?

Award amounts will vary from $540 to $8,407.50 or 10-–95% of tuition towards Usdan’s 4- or 8-week Classic Program in Music only taking place between June 30 and August 22, 2025. Scholarships DO NOT apply to the Allegro Music Program. View rates.