Music Merit Scholarship 2026
CALLING ALL MUSICIANS!
- Are U an instrumentalist, vocalist, or composer?
- Do U live on Long Island or in New York City?
- Are U currently in grades 2–12?
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is launching its Music Merit Scholarship search — and we want U to apply!
WHAT IS THE MUSIC MERIT SCHOLARSHIP?
Usdan's Music Merit Scholarship is a prestigious, audition-based scholarship program that recognizes top talent among young instrumentalists, vocalists, and composers in the Long Island and New York City areas.
Recipients receive:
- Award amounts ranging $560 to $8,740 or 10–95% of tuition towards Usdan’s 4- or 8-week Classic Program in Music taking place between June 29 and August 21, 2026.* View table of rates below
- The official title of Music Merit Scholar
- Induction into the Usdan's illustrious scholar alumni community, upon completion of the program
- High-level performance and learning opportunities from Usdan's impressive Music faculty, many of whom trained at some of the country's top conservatory and doctoral programs including Juilliard, Boston Conservatory at Berklee, Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, and Stony Brook University
SESSION & DATES |
TUITION (FULL PRICE) |
AWARD RANGE |
WHAT YOU'LL PAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-week: Jun 29 – Aug 21, 2026 (closed Friday, July 3) |
$9,200 | $920-$8,740 | $460-$8,280 |
| 4-week A: Jun 29 – Jul 24, 2026 (closed Friday, July 3) |
$6,300 | $630-$5,985 | $315-$5,670 |
| 4-week B: Jul 27 – Aug 21, 2026 | $5,600 | $560-$5,320 | $280-$5,320 |
*Scholarships and discounts cannot be combined.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
The Merit Scholarship Program is open to
- Instrumentalists currently in grades 4-12 who have at least one year playing their instrument and the ability to read music
- Vocalists currently in grades 2-12
- Composers currently in grades 6-12 who have the ability to read music
Applicants can apply as an instrumentalist, vocalist, or composer and must major in a one of the below Majors in our Music Program according to applicant type and grade level.
Not eligible? We have other scholarship opportunities!
What is a major at Usdan?
A major is two hours of instructional time (or two periods) in their Music Major (Orchestra, Band, Piano, Vocal or Jazz Ensemble, or Composition). In addition to their Major, students may choose a one-period (or one-hour) Minor class of their choice — we have over 50 classes from Ceramics to Chess — and one hour of recreation time.
WHAT ARE THE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS?
All applicants must complete and submit:
- The brief application form
- A 5-10 minute audition (either live or pre-recorded) or 16-measure recorded original composition
- A copy of the applicant's audition or composition sheet music
- A teacher recommendation letter. Letters can be emailed directly to enrollment@usdan.org no later than three (3) days before your audition or two weeks after you applied if you submitted a recorded audition or composition.
WHAT ARE THE AUDITION REQUIREMENTS?
Instrumentalists and Vocalists
Instrumentalist and vocalist applicants should prepare about 5-10 minutes of solo music for an audition, which they can either perform live in-person or virtually via Zoom. Students who audition live may be asked to play scales and/or perform sight reading. Students should not play band or orchestra pieces from school. NYSSMA pieces are recommended, although specific pieces are not required. 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.
Composers
Composer applicants should submit a recording of at least 16 measures of an original classical or jazz music piece for any instrumentation. The recording should be an mp3 or a video recording. Along with the recording, applicants should submit a copy of the sheet music and a sentence or two about the inspiration behind their piece.
WHERE AND WHEN DO THE AUDITIONS TAKE PLACE?
Composers should submit their recording, sheet music, and text about their piece when they fill out the application.
Instrumentalists and vocalists can choose to:
- Audition live, in-person on Usdan's campus
- Audition live, virtually via Zoom
- Submit a pre-recorded audition with their application no later than May 1, 2026. Students wishing to submit a pre-recorded audition should submit a video of them playing their solo in its entirety with their application. Recordings should not exceed 10 minutes in length.
Please note, preference will be given to students who choose to do a live audition, either on campus or virtually.
APPLICANT TIP! Apply and audition early in the process to give yourself the best opportunity for an award! Although we aim to award scholarships through June 2026, funds will become limited.
On Campus Audition Dates
Auditions will be 15–20 minutes long and include a brief get-to-know-you interview. Applicants may be asked to play scales and/or perform sight reading. More dates to be announced soon!
Saturdays, April 18 & 25 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, May 3 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 16 | 11:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Virtual Audition Dates
Virtual auditions will take place on Zoom. Auditions will be 15–20 minutes long and include a brief get-to-know-you interview. Applicants may be asked to play scales and/or perform sight reading. More dates to be announced soon!
Tuesdays, February 10 & 24 | 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesdays, February 11 & 25 | 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 30 | 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 | 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
DO I NEED TO ENROLL BEFORE APPLYING?
Although enrollment is not required to apply to the scholarship, we encourage applicants to enroll as soon as possible. By enrolling before audition results, applicants are:
- More likely to secure a spot in top choice Minor and Recreation classes
- More likely to secure a spot on the bus. Bus transportation via central pickup locations is included in tuition!
- Able to take advantage of flexible payment plans and smaller monthly payments
Plus, our generous refund policy makes it easy to withdraw.
JUDGING 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
WHEN IS THE APPLICATION DEADLINE?
Music Merit Scholarship applications close on May 1, 2026.
WHEN DO APPLICANTS RECEIVE THEIR RESULTS?
Audition results will be shared on a rolling basis within four weeks of the audition date. Recipients will have up to two weeks to accept their scholarship award.
OTHER FAQs
What makes Usdan's Music Program stand out from others?
A keystone department since the founding of Usdan in 1968, the Music Department is led by the finest conductors and instructors in the area and has launched students into conservatory programs, music education careers, and professional performance careers. Notable alumni include Juilliard conductor Adam Glaser; LA Phil musician Elyse Lauzon; and singers Jane Monheit and Mariah Carey. In addition, we offer Leadership opportunities for our high school-aged students, where they gain valuable work experience serving as mentors to younger students and assisting in camp operations. Unlike more traditional music day programs in the New York City area, Usdan’s program immerses students in nature on our beautiful 140-acre campus and combines the joys of summer camp with top-notch instruction. Students leave Usdan not only with improved skills but also with meaningful friendships and boosted confidence. Our program is inclusive, welcoming, and nurturing. We value process over product and joy above all else. Read more.
Questions? Email us at enrollment@usdan.org or call us at 631.643.7900 Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.