CONDUCTORS' CHOICE 2026
CALLING ALL MUSIC EDUCATORS!
- Are U a music educator on Long Island or in New York City?
- Do U teach young instrumentalists, vocalists, or composers in grades 2-12 who live on LI or in NYC?
- Do U want to provide your students with opportunities to continue their music education over the summer?
Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts is giving you the opportunity to nominate your students for a small scholarship award to study music this summer!
WHAT IS CONDUCTORS' CHOICE?
Conductors’ Choice gives music teachers on Long Island and in New York City the opportunity to nominate their students for a small award to continue their music education at Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts this summer. Nominated students should exhibit musical passion and drive and be interested in expanding their musical knowledge.
Nominated students receive:
- $750 towards 4-week session tuition or $1,500 towards 8-week session tuition. View table of rates below
- 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 FAMILIES PAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8-week: Jun 29 – Aug 21, 2026 (closed Friday, July 3) |
$9,200 | $1,500 | $7,700 |
| 4-week A: Jun 29 – Jul 24, 2026 (closed Friday, July 3) |
$6,300 | $750 | $5,550 |
| 4-week B: Jul 27 – Aug 21, 2026 | $5,600 | $750 | $4,850 |
*Scholarships and discounts cannot be combined.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO BE NOMINATED?
Music Educators, including private instructors, may nominate:
- 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
Nominated students can enroll as an instrumentalist, vocalist, or composer and must major in one of the below Majors in our Music Program according to applicant type and grade level.
Not eligible? Or does your student require more in scholarship? We have other scholarship opportunities including our audition-based Music Merit Scholarship!
APPLICANT TYPE |
MAJOR |
CURRENT GRADE |
| Instrumentalist | Orchestra | 4–12 |
| Instrumentalist | Concert Band | 4–12 |
| Instrumentalist | Piano | 4–12 |
| Instrumentalist | Jazz Ensemble | 7–12 |
| Vocalist | Junior Vocal Ensemble | 2–6 |
| Vocalist | Senior Vocal Ensemble | 6–12 |
| Composer | Classical Composition | 6–12 |
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.
HOW TO NOMINATE YOUR STUDENTS
- Create a list of the students you would like to nominate. We welcome you to nominate all your students and especially those who exhibit musical passion and drive.
- Complete our online nomination form. If you chose the option in the form above to have Usdan send the permission form the parent directly, please skip to Step 5.
- Send the parents of your students the permission form to complete.
- Email completed parent permission forms to enrollment@usdan.org. You should submit one permission form per student.
- Check your email for your students’ award letters and forward it to your student. Award letters will be sent on a rolling basis directly to the nominating teacher and parents/caregivers who opt to share their email address on the permission form.
WHEN ARE NOMINATIONS DUE?
All nominations must be submitted by March 31, 2026
WHEN DO STUDENTS NEED TO ENROLL?
Students must enroll by April 15, 2026 in order to take advantage of the award. 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
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.