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

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

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. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. This class can be taken for the

This class offers students a unique opportunity to explore the rich traditions of both classical chamber music or jazz in a small ensemble setting. Whether performing in string quartets, brass or woodwind quintets, jazz combos, or duos, students will develop their musicianship through close collaboration, listening, and interpretation. With guidance from experienced music educators and professional performers, students will experience the intimate nature of chamber music while improving their technique and musicality on their instruments. Throughout the course, students will strengthen their

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

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

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

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.