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. No experience necessary. Classes are grouped according to division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.

A unique program for advanced beginner pianists to develop solo and ensemble repertoire, improving technique, theory, and aural comprehension. Young pianists receive their instruction under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. One to two years of prior piano instruction required. Classes are grouped according to division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.

An exploratory experience for young artists led by knowledgeable art educators and professional artists. Investigate the full spectrum of Usdan’s offerings in visual art—including drawing, painting, and sculpture—for a comprehensive and immersive summer arts program. Both traditional and contemporary media and practices are covered in a fun and playful manner that is perfect for our Partners in the Arts and Junior students. 

Art Adventure students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome.

“You do a lot of fun things, and you have amazing teachers, friends, and things to do!”
—Penina 

“You get to experience all kinds of art in just one class.”
—Sara

Learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows  under the guidance of experienced dance educators and professional dancers and choreographers. In this energetic class, students study various dance forms drawn from musical theater and jazz traditions. Dance studios are open-air and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. Depending on student interest, the class may culminate in a performance showcasing what dancers have been working on. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“I liked that we were able to have fun while learning cool musical numbers.”
—Janylee

Usdan’s Chess classes are uniquely designed to meet the needs of each student, no matter the experience level. The Usdan Chess Ladder groups students in varying levels, from absolute novices to advanced players. New players learn rules, notation, and the opening, middle, and end games. Advanced players develop a vast repertoire of complex strategies and the ability to apply them in-game. All benefit from improved problem-solving, critical thinking, and concentration. Students hone their skills through game play and tutoring in competitive chess tournaments and exciting team competitions. Chess players learn in the sunny Maurice B. Hexter Center by highly ranked tournament players with decades of experience. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“What I liked most was that I got to play many different people with no pressure.”
—Dylan

“I was able to play a lot of chess and learn from my mistakes.”
—Noah

Open only to students who choose the Classical Studies Major, this Minor/Rec class is an opportunity for dancers to focus on performance. Students learn classical pieces and work with a contemporary artist to create new work all in our open-air studio exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus. They have unique performance opportunities based on the work studied or created. Three or more years of ballet is required. To ensure that our classes best serve the group, our enrollment form includes questions about dance background. 

Graphic novels and comics—and the mythology behind them—are heavily ingrained in pop culture. Learn cartooning and graphic-novel story development while sharing resources that inspire you. Develop and design your own creative comics from conception to finished product, while practicing graphic design techniques and using color theory. 

Comic Art students spend their days in open-air studios engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced art educators and professional comic artists, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

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

“We are able to freely design all genres of comic art.”
—Ashton

Our open-air writing studios provide a welcoming environment for young storytellers to write poetry, short fiction, and plays, individually and in small collaborative groups. Use your imagination and find your creative voice, while developing concrete elements of storytelling like structure, point of view, and conflict and resolution. 

Writers collaborate with peers from other artistic disciplines and use the natural environment to inspire their writing. Writers also explore the forms in which creative writing shows up in everyday life, such as journaling and writing commercials.

Under the instruction of an experienced writing educator and practicing writer, writers spend their days considering the structure and idea of form through word games, writing, revising, sharing, and collaborating. The session culminates with a student open mic and performance as well as the development of individual student portfolios. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“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

The Discovery program provides a fun and exciting exploration of the arts for students who have just completed kindergarten or 1st grade. Surrounded by Usdan’s woodland campus, and using the Discovery Center as a base, children have experiences in Music, Art, Nature & Sustainability, Dance, and Recreational Arts, led by professional artists and educators. Two college-age counselors guide each small group throughout their adventurous day, while also creating diverse and engaging activities that are tailored to students’ interests, fostering a safe, nurturing, and positive atmosphere. 

After completing their 1st-grade summer at camp, children from the Discovery program head into Usdan’s Partners in the Arts program feeling confident and excited, because they have spent their summer getting a taste of its many opportunities.

“As his first "real" camp experience, Discovery was a great blend of activities and allowed for two counselors that were consistent throughout his session.”
—Discovery Parent/Caregiver

“It was a great sampler.”
—Discovery Parent/Caregiver

“My son is a highly social, creative, and active child. I was unable to realize how much until his first week at Usdan, when his zeal and zest for life and relationships were reignited and he became his best social self again. I am so thankful for this.”
—Discovery Parent/Caregiver

Enhance your ability to listen, blend, make musical decisions, and think critically by playing in a small ensemble led by professional musicians and music educators. Strengthen your skills as both a soloist and an ensemble player.

Each day, musicians join an ensemble rehearsal that includes a combination of warm-ups, technical exercises, sound and breathing exercises, and balancing and listening exercises, as well as repertoire study and rehearsal. Varied pieces are selected from different genres and time periods. Instrumental Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

Lead faculty in our advanced groups guide musicians in a true conductor-less chamber music experience. Beginner groups receive the technical support needed and are conducted by their lead faculty most days. Some ensembles have the opportunity to work with a contemporary composer.

Ensembles may include string, woodwind, brass, and jazz groups, as well as mixed instrumental groups. This Major does not include percussion, piano, or guitar instrumentalists. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. Instrumentalists who have just completed 6th grade must choose to be in the Junior Division in order to take this Major. At least one year of playing an instrument and an ability to read music is required. 

If your child is a percussionist and interested in our Instrumental Ensemble Major, please join the percussion waitlist. If we are able to open a percussion ensemble, we will contact you. 

“The teacher creates a safe and fun environment and is very encouraging.” 
—Noelani

“I like the people I got placed with. We all became good friends.” 
—Sophia

“I like listening to other instruments and coming together with a blended piece.”
—Rose

Improve your acoustic guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students focus on expanding their technique and playing of melodies and chords and scales. Students 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. Two to three years of experience playing the guitar and an ability to read music is required.

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 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. Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

“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

Learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques under the guidance of an experienced arts educator and metalsmith. Create your own unique sculptures, jewelry, mobiles, and more through hammering, raising, chasing, soldering, acid-etching, bezel-stone-setting, and bead-stringing. 

Metalsmithing students spend their days engaging in a combination of direct instruction, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

“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

Usdan’s amazing woodland setting provides an ideal opportunity to explore Long Island’s vibrant ecosystems. Get your hands dirty as you gain an appreciation for the natural world, viewed through the lenses of creativity and sustainability. Connect with nature through learning, mindfulness, observation, and reflection under the guidance of experienced nature educators. Learn about plants, wildlife, sustainable practices, and more with daily activities in gardening, art-making, and forest exploration. Students remain outdoors except when it rains; then they continue their projects in a studio with plenty of windows, exposed to their natural surroundings. 

“You get to see animals, do crafts, go on hikes, and make new friends.”
—Jayden

Be part of the miracle of growing plants and connect with other nature enthusiasts. Led by an experienced nature educator, this class gives you the chance to plant, care for, and harvest fruit and vegetables in Usdan's gardens, as well as collect eggs from Usdan’s chickens. Learn about sustainable practices and how to use unconventional and found materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally focused art and design. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.   

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

“My favorite part was that we got to grow our garden and make sustainable sculptures.”
—Benjamin

Children’s Theater allows young campers with stage-door dreams to explore musical interpretation. This unforgettable experience provides foundational instruction for our youngest thespians as they prepare to perform a musical chosen especially for them. Led by an experienced theater educator and performer, this Major nurtures both singing and acting skills. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

Ever wonder why they call it a play when acting often feels like work? The Acting Group explores the process of becoming an actor. Students experience the audition and rehearsal phases under the direction of professional theater educators. The 4-week session culminates with their play’s performance. Past productions include Dracula, Little Women, The Miracle Worker, and The Diary of Anne Frank. Rehearsals take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

“It was extremely fun. I got to meet great new people, and we were able to put on a great performance.” 
—Oriana  

Dive deep into the fundamental principles of composition and lighting with Usdan’s woodland campus as your backdrop. Mac computers and Photoshop are used in this Major for imaging, photo enhancement, printing, and digital presentation.

Photography students spend their days in the studio and around campus engaging in a combination of direct instruction by experienced arts educators and professional photographers, studio work time, collaboration with other young artists, and sharing and reflecting on their work. At the end of their session, students have the opportunity to celebrate their work by participating in the Art Parade, Open Studios day, or a celebration with their class in-studio. All levels welcome. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade.  

Students supply their own digital camera. A limited number of cameras are available to lend out if necessary.

“I loved all the fun projects we did, the fun photo walks, and how much I learned. Teachers were amazing too.”  
—Sophie

“My favorite part of Photography was the collaborations between students and with other classes.” 
—Danielle 

Usdan’s Recreational Camp program provides an opportunity for students to experience the beauty of Usdan’s wooded campus and recreational spaces, including it’s swimming pools and archery range, and to join Usdan's welcoming and inclusive community, while having fun, being active, and making new friends. 

Students have one period of swimming, one period of archery, and one period of general recreation, including activities and games such as cornhole, four-square, badminton, and more. Our Recreational Camp students also get a taste of Usdan’s Classic program with one period of Art or Nature & Sustainability, taught by experienced arts and nature educators and professional artists, as well as a daily Festival Performance by professional and student artists to delight, surprise, and inspire them. Each group is guided through their days by one or two counselors.

Foster your love for music and community in Usdan’s Senior Vocal Ensemble. Under the guidance of professional musicians and educators, vocalists focus on vocal technique, diction, and solo and ensemble singing. Repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus.

“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

This class teaches students to use unconventional materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally focused art and design. Students create things out of nothing, using materials such as sunlight and recycled and found objects. The results are unexpected, and the process is fun! In past years, students worked as a team to make a wind-powered air conditioner, a bike-powered generator, and a solar barbecue. This class is open to thinkers from all disciplines. 

“I enjoyed the tasks that we had to complete using mostly things we found on our own.” 
—Luke

Make an audience laugh, make them wonder. Sharpen your comic timing and learn to tell a story that will have them begging for more. Under the instruction of a professional theater educator and performer, students spend their days ​​practicing and developing their comedy performance skills. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus.

“ … the teacher gave us so much freedom.”
—Victoria

“I enjoyed learning new comedy skills and acting with nice people.”
—Cora

“It was just plain fun.”
—Mia

Just as movement and dance are essential physical skills for the modern actor, skill in stage fighting has to be part of the actor's toolbox. Learn the basics and mechanics of acting a conflict truthfully, stage combat safety, unarmed combat, and found weapons. Guided by an experienced stage combat educator, this class emphasizes the actor’s approach to fight scenes and the use of body, movement, and style. Students engage in exercises that emphasize the importance of fighting distance, sight lines, and fight vocabulary. Classes are designed to provide an opportunity to choreograph and participate in a believable and safe fight scene. Through proper warm-up techniques and disciplined repetition, students achieve the confidence and physical ability to perform a role that requires stage violence. Classes take place in open-air studios with at least one side exposed to Usdan’s beautiful wooded campus. 

Choose from a variety of activities each day, at the pools and other upper campus areas. Junior students who choose to swim have instructional swim Monday through Thursday and free swim on Friday, while Senior students have free swim all days. An assessment is required for all students who choose to swim. Other activities include gaga, four-square volleyball, cornhole, basketball, and badminton. U pick, it’s U Time!