Our Summer Art Camp Classes

Students will start by learning the structure of the instrument, basic technique and apply everything they learn to playing music together. While learning simple melodies, chords and scales, students will experience ensemble practice and performance. Students will deepen their musicality through listening activities and improvisation, and explore their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. No experience necessary.

In this preparatory piano class, students learn and develop the fundamentals of piano playing by familiarizing the geography of the keyboard, pentascales, full octave scales, contrary motion scales, note reading and rhythm, triads with inversions, and simple arpeggios. Repertoire is selected from method books as well as traditional favorites and contemporary pieces from pedagogical collections. Additional fee of $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

Students will start by learning the structure of the instrument, basic technique and apply everything they learn to playing music together. While learning simple melodies, chords and scales, students will experience ensemble practice and performance. Students will deepen their musicality through listening activities and improvisation, and explore their creativity through a series of music games, warm-ups, and fun approaches to composition. Instruments include violin and viola. No experience necessary. 

A unique program for advanced beginner pianists to develop solo and ensemble repertoire, advancing technique, theory and aural comprehension. 2 years of prior piano instruction required. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

“I liked how pianists can get a chance to play with other pianists in an ensemble.” -Gregory

“I liked the extensive repertoire of classical, modern and everything.” -Kevin

This intensive course offers students a taste of the collaborative effort of making a short animation. Students learn hand-drawing and digital imaging skills as they try their hands at every facet of the animation process, from conceptualizing characters and plot, creating frames, and layering audio. All levels welcome. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks and $350 for 4-weeks.

“Animation allowed us to be creative and turn our art to life” -Ashton

“It offered different kinds of artistic styles to use while animating” -Rayan

“Amazing teachers and great support in learning animation” -Ruby

Archery is a Usdan favorite! Students strengthen their concentration and confidence through careful focus and technique in a safe environment. Additional fee of $350. 

“I learned to do something most people have never done!” -Sofia

Through barre exercises, students are encouraged to recognize their individual anatomy and learn how to practice ballet in a secure and effective way. Moving away from the barre fosters a relationship to direction and movement as well as an understanding of different movement qualities, such as fluidity, suspension, sharpness in turns, and lightness in small and big jumps. The class culminates with a performance showcasing a piece the students have been working on. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

Please note: Dance classes will be run based on student selection. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

“I like that we're challenged to the best of our abilities” -Aissatou

Learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows! Students will study various dance forms drawn from musical theater and jazz traditions. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment.

Please note: Dance classes will be run based on student selection. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

Often described as "the music of friends," chamber music is written for small ensembles of two to 10 musicians. Chamber music students are coached by Usdan’s renowned faculty in several chamber groups over the course of the session. Must play NYSSMA level V or VI to be accepted. Audition required for 3 week minor. 

Calling all young dancemakers, movers and shakers! In this class, faculty will guide students in making original dance phrases in response to choreographic prompts. Students will work solo, in duets and in small groups to explore elements of dance, such as spatial pathways, speed, levels and effort. Class will culminate in a showing, featuring the young makers in their original class choreography. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment.

Please note: Dance classes will be run based on student selection. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. This course offers an introduction to classic cartooning techniques and characters, including thumbnail sketches and breakdowns, penciling, inking, and page layout. Students develop and design their own characters and stories from conception to finished product. All levels welcome. For major classes, a brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

“We learned techniques and were also free to work on our own stuff.” -Anya

Four concert bands offer exceptional collaboration and performance opportunities for budding musicians. Students participate in one hour of full band rehearsal and one hour of sectional study each day. Students are placed in appropriate level ensembles and must have at least one year of prior instruction and the ability to read music. Culminates in a performance. A placement form and/or audition instructions will be sent after enrollment.

“I made massive progress as a player and the teachers are extremely supportive.” -Olivia 

“What I liked most was the positive learning environment and challenging music.” -Derek

“The music was amazing and I made a lot of close friends.” -Brielle

“We were challenged and able to play GREAT repertoire in a short amount of time.” -Mary

Learn the ins and outs of creating costumes and props  inspired by some of your favorite characters using materials like foam, fabric, paper, and clay. Create incredible costumes for Cosplay, Halloween, or simply for fun. No experience is necessary -- just enthusiasm and creativity. All levels welcome.

"My favorite thing about Cosplay was that you got to bring imagination to life." -Tori

An open environment for young storytellers to write poetry, short fiction, and playwriting in small collaborative groups. Students build imaginative narratives and find their creative voices, while developing concrete elements of storytelling like structure, point of view, and conflict and resolution. The summer culminates with the publication of every student’s work in Usdan’s student-authored literary magazine.

“It encouraged me to be more creative than I thought I could be.”- Rina

“It's a writer's dream. My ideas couldn't flow until I went there. My favorite part was the way every student and the teacher supported each other.” -Soleil

Every Boadway musical has an opening number that sets the tone, and has audiences saying, “This show is a hit!” Curtain Up! is the class where students learn and perform those famous opening musical numbers. Curtain Up! will have a fully staged and costumed end-of-session performance. Sign up and listen to the audience cheer as you become a hit! Additional fee of $250.

The Discovery program provides an exciting exploration of the arts for students currently in Kindergarten or First grade. Surrounded by Usdan’s woodland campus, and with the Discovery Center as a base, children are placed in small groups with a college-age counselor to guide them throughout their adventurous day. Children have music, art, dance, and swim multiple days a week. Additional weekly activities draw from Usdan's diverse arts offerings, such as theater, nature, archery, chess, and photography, as well as opportunities for other choices throughout the week.

This dual program will engage students in the miracle of seed to harvest, enhance their understanding of different flavor profiles, and connect them to the creativity and enjoyment of those efforts through hands-on culinary instruction. In the garden, students get to plant, care for and harvest food from Usdan’s fruit and vegetable gardens, as well as eggs from Usdan’s chickens, with a gardening specialist. Students will utilize the bounty of our gardens with a cooking instructor to create a variety of dishes for all to enjoy. In the kitchen there will be an emphasis on knife skills and safety, cooking weights and measurement and both following and writing recipes. Please note that our kitchen is not kosher and if you have any dietary restrictions please contact us as soon as possible. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks. 

“This class is eye-opening. My favorite part was watching my plants grow.” -Aimee

“It's a nice experience learning how to garden.” - Marcus

“My favorite part was the chickens, that we got to grow our garden, make food, and make sustainable sculptures.”-Benjamin

“I liked cooking with ingredients from the garden and I really loved the chickens.” -Maddy

Students focus on the process of writing songs using their guitars as the main tool for composition. Through songwriting exercises, using poetry and short stories as a source of inspiration, students learn techniques to expand their creativity and write their first song, or develop their songwriting skills further. We will have listening sessions with songs by some of the most renowned songwriters, such as Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, The Beatles, and more of the student's choosing. Students will learn to play songs and analyze their forms and structures in order to understand what makes them great. Lyric and poetry writing techniques will be explored through free writing, and students will expand their musicality and “composer toolbox” through a series of improvisation and composition games, all the while learning new chords and guitar techniques. Students will work on songwriting individually and through collaborations with the group. One year of guitar experience required, but no songwriting experience necessary. 

From breaking to house, hip hop encompasses a broad range of movement vocabularies. Class begins with a warm-up that builds strength and flexibility. Students learn movements and patterns from hip hop history to develop coordination and rhythm. They practice improvising and build confidence in performance. The class culminates with a performance showcasing a piece the students have been working on. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

“Everyone was very supportive and we worked together.” -Zoe

“It was a very upbeat class that made you want to dance!” -Fiona

You can’t go wrong in improv! Students work on building ensemble, object work, and the essence of a good improvisational scene. Using games, exercises, and other play, students explore relationships, character motivation, and heightening techniques to create compelling scenes and characters purely out of improv. All levels welcome. 

Campers receive instructional swim Monday through Thursday. Instruction is based on American Red Cross standards. We group students according to their swimming ability and age, based on a required swim assessment the first day. In addition to lessons, there will be a supervised free swim on Fridays. Cards and board games will be available in the picnic area for students who prefer not to swim 

“It made me a stronger swimmer.” -Lorelei

Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles such as miniature Baroque and Classical dance and song forms as well as Romantic and 20th century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening and interdependence. Additional fee of $350. Audition Required.

Sample repertoire:

Bach • Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772

Beach, Amy • Children’s Carnival Op. 25, No. 5 (Secrets)

Chopin • Prelude in E Minor, op. 28, no. 4

MacDowell • Woodland Sketches, op. 51, No. 1 (To a Wild Rose)

Junior instrumentalists are placed in small ensembles at an appropriate level based on a placement audition. These ensembles consist of an orchestra or band conducted by a member of our music faculty, or smaller chamber groups. Chamber music students are coached by Usdan’s renowned faculty over the course of the three weeks.  Major includes one hour group lesson and one hour in chamber groups by level. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction and the ability to read music. Available for band and orchestra instruments only. 

(The 3 week session is for 5-6 grade returning campers or new campers with experience)

Students learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques. Create your own unique sculptures, jewelry, cutlery, mobiles, and more using hammering, raisting, chasing, soldering, acid etching, bezel stone setting, and bead stringing. All levels welcome. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

“Metalsmithing is a class where you can experiment, and it's really fun. I liked the whole atmosphere of the class and that you have a lot of freedom to try new things.” -Madison

“There are few limitations, lots of freedom, lots of variety of projects....and blowtorches.” -Margot

“You can’t do this at home!” -Samuel

Students learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques. Create your own unique sculptures, jewelry, cutlery, mobiles, and more using hammering, raisting, chasing, soldering, acid etching, bezel stone setting, and bead stringing. All levels welcome. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

“Metalsmithing is a class where you can experiment, and it's really fun. I liked the whole atmosphere of the class and that you have a lot of freedom to try new things.” -Madison

“There are few limitations, lots of freedom, lots of variety of projects....and blowtorches.” -Margot

“You can’t do this at home!” -Samuel

An incredible, eye-opening exploratory theatrical experience that introduces young students to basic acting, singing, and dancing, and results in a staged production at the end of summer.  Additional fee of $600 for 7 weeks and $350 for 4 weeks.

“This class gives people a very big imagination.” -Max

Young musicians discover the vibrato of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses that form the core of Usdan's four incredible orchestras. Each day, orchestra students come together for one hour of full orchestra practice and one hour in sectional instruction. The orchestras perform major symphonic and string repertoire while collaborating with other Usdan ensembles. Students are placed in appropriate level ensembles and must have at least one year of prior instruction with the ability to read music. A placement form and/or audition instructions will be sent after enrollment. 

“It's a challenge, but not too hard. I liked the music we played.”  -Marcus

“The orchestra is alive and has so much energy.” -Anonymous

This course will focus on creative writing that is centered around spoken word poetry. Students will be challenged to write dynamic poems that live both on and off the page as we explore writers and poets in the art of Slam Poetry. The class will record (audio, video) and perform their poetry while also curating podcasts/channels (iTunes, YouTube, SoundCloud) where their spoken works of art can live in the world. Find your voice with us.

Using Usdan's lush wooded campus as a backdrop and their fellow students as photography subjects, students do a deep dive into the principles of composition and lighting, while using Mac computers for imaging, photo enhancement, printing, and digital presentation. Students must supply their own digital camera. All levels welcome. For major classes, a brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

“Photography class teaches you valuable information on how to take better photos.” -Jenna

Sculptors explore three-dimensional forms in wood, plaster, wire, metal, and more. Inspiration is all around as students experiment with new materials and imagery—both representational and abstract—and work together with classmates to produce large scale installations and sculptures. All levels welcome. 

“In this class you can use different materials to create cool sculptures. I LOVED mixed media. I made a cool mask, based on Chuycels.” -Emile 

This class features small ensemble coaching by music faculty. Varied repertoire will feature modern and contemporary composers from the middle of the 20th century to today.  An ideal class for students who are interested in pushing musical boundaries and experimenting with new techniques and sounds. Open to string, guitar, wind, brass, piano, and percussion players. Beginner to advanced students welcome. Students will be grouped according to experience and interest, based on a placement audition.  Some composers include Riley, Reich, Messiaen, Boulez and Higdon.

Please note: Senior division instrumentalists are asked to rank their choices on the application. The specific classes that are offered will be based on this ranking and students will be placed in the most appropriate group after a placement audition.  Placement audition instructions will be sent after enrollment. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

Join one of the most collaborative ensembles Usdan has to offer!  The Pit Orchestra will provide live music for Usdan's top theater company - The Usdan Troupe. Using the real broadway books, this is the perfect class for a budding musician looking for an immersive music experience. Playing in the Pit Orchestra will improve your ensemble, solo, and chamber music skills. Past Troupe productions include Singin’ in the Rain, Cabaret, Finian’s Rainbow and Carousel. Students must be Level V or VI and must audition. Students that play multiple instruments are welcomed to audition on each instrument. 

Please note: Senior division instrumentalists are asked to rank their choices on the application. The specific classes that are offered will be based on this ranking and students will be placed in the most appropriate group after a placement audition. Placement audition instructions will be sent after enrollment. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

With no musical scoring in the early days of film, movie audiences in the 1890s through the 1920s were treated to live musicians who supplied the drama, emotion and entertainment. The Silent Film Orchestra will perform the scores to classic films from this era. Some composers include: Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, W.C. Handy and Adolf Minot.  Open to all instrumentalists, beginner to advanced. 

Please note: Senior division instrumentalists are asked to rank their choices on the application. The specific classes that are offered will be based on this ranking and students will be placed in the most appropriate group after a placement audition. Placement audition instructions will be sent after enrollment. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

Create personal style and wearable art from concept to construction as part of Usdan’s Sewing and Fashion Design program. Students of all levels welcome. Students will be placed into one of two groups based on past experience and interest. Level I introduces students to sewing machine operation and patterns; Level II offers advanced techniques and free design. All levels welcome. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment.  Additional fee of $600 for 7-weeks, $350 for 4-weeks and $250 for 3-weeks.

"We were so expressive in our pieces and were able to accomplish so much in only 3 weeks." -Aaliyah

"I enjoyed learning to sew quickly and confidently so I can sew things on my own in the future." -Gari

In Tap, the focus is placed on rhythm, coordination, and musicality. Students will build their movement repertory while building confidence, ensemble skills and discipline. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. Past classes have performed to music ranging from Broadway to swing to popular hits of today. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

Please note: Dance classes will be run based on student selection. Some classes with low enrollment may not be offered, but each student will be placed in one of their selected classes.

“A great introduction to tap; made me interested in continuing tap dancing.”-Clauda

“We learned harder steps than I have ever learned before” -Melissa

A unique opportunity to participate in the entire process of producing theater, from audition to performance. Former company members describe it as “summer stock theater for teens.” The Troupe presents one fully staged musical production every year. Recent performances include The Secret Garden, Finian’s Rainbow, Grand Hotel, Sunday in the Park with George, Carousel, and Cabaret. The Troupe requires an audition and is a full three-period program, no minor. Additional fee of $600. 

“My favorite part was everything! The students...teacher... their talent...how much I learned and the overall experience changed my view on performing.”  -Alaina

In this new class, Seniors have one period of free recreational time each day in a supervised and safe environment. Students will have a variety of activities to choose from every day including free swim, basketball, soccer, gaga and quidditch. Non-instructional Tennis will also be available in the 3 week session of camp. Cards, board games, and crafts will always be available in the picnic area. Swim assessment required if student chooses to swim. 

There is nothing more exhilarating th​an collective voices raised in song. Develop your voice and technique in the study of the fine art of this musical craft. Learn proper breathing technique and diction while studying popular vocal arrangements. The first four weeks of the season are devoted to standard choral repertoire; the last three weeks focus on light classical and Broadway standards. Each class features live piano accompaniment and each session will culminate in a live performance for the camp community and families.   

“We learn in a great environment!” -Anthony

“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