Art Summer Camp Classes on Long Island

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 string bass and cello.  No experience necessary. 

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.

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 clarinet and saxophone only. No experience necessary. 

Whether you be-bop, swing, or samba, the Usdan jazz ensemble is the place where young jazz musicians come to learn, play, and perform together. The advanced ensemble is a three-period program, featuring classes in jazz ensemble, improvisation, and concert band, for students in grades 7 to 12. Audition required.

“It really improved my music comprehension and ability. I liked exploring new music and charts.”-Andrew

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

An exploratory experience for young artists. In this course, students investigate the full spectrum of Usdan’s art offerings, including drawing, painting, and sculpture for a comprehensive and immersive summer arts education. Both traditional and contemporary media and practices will be explored. 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! 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

Contemporary Forms draws on modern dance techniques and current day practices to help students build a strong technical foundation. Students cultivate dynamic movement principles including weight, flow, opposition, phrasing, and breath. Each class begins with a grounded warm-up, before moving across the floor into more intricate combinations. The class culminates with a performance showcasing a piece the students have been working on. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

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. 

Students build stamina and improve flexibility, while strengthening and expanding their Hip Hop vocabulary. In this energetic class, students will learn both old and new school Hip Hop styles including Locking, Popping, and House. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment. 

“I liked how It gets everyone equally involved and the environment is good” -Brielle

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

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. 

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 • Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847

Beach, Amy • Music for Piano, op. 54, no. 1 (Scottish Legend) Chopin • Nocturne in E flat Major, op. 9, no. 2

Mozart • Sonata in F Major, K 332

Whether you be-bop, swing, or samba, the Usdan jazz ensemble is the place where young jazz musicians come to learn, play, and perform together. Students must be confident on their instrument, but do not need to have previous jazz experience.

“It really improved my music comprehension and ability. I liked exploring new music and charts.” -Andrew

Encourages students to use Legos in inventive and creative ways. Be challenged to use standard Lego blocks to fashion awesome and extraordinary pieces of art and design -- from buildings to characters to musical instruments.

“You got to build so much and take home something too.” -Anonymous

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 amazing opportunity to study musical theater through the entire cycle of a production, including audition, rehearsal, blocking, staging, choreography, ensemble-work, and performance. Students participate in the audition process and learn how casting decisions are made, discover the joys of collaboration, and develop responsibility as they work together to put on the show. Additional fee of $600 for 7 weeks and $350 for 4 weeks.

“The show, rehearsal, and auditions are very professional. My favorite part was the way the company becomes a family and the way the show comes together.” -Myla

Usdan’s amazing woodland setting provides an ideal habitat to study Long Island’s vibrant ecosystems. Through the lens of creativity and sustainability, students get their hands dirty as they gain an appreciation of the natural world. They learn about flora and fauna through projects like gardening, forest exploration and caring for the Nature Department's pets. 

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

The fundamental ingredients to any practicing artist’s education. In this inviting open air studio, young artists will learn traditional and contemporary principles and elements of 2D art through mediums such as acrylic, watercolor, ink, graphite and more. Through creating life drawings, landscapes, portraits, and abstract work, students will gain exposure to contemporary artists and artmaking practices. All levels welcome. A brief placement form will be sent after enrollment.

“We get to be creative, have freedom, and we learn a lot about painting!” -Ella

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.

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 our music faculty. Chamber music is typically performed without a conductor and are lead by the performers themselves. Learning to play in a chamber ensemble enhances the students ability to listen, blend, make musical decisions and think critically. In chamber music you act as both the soloist and ensemble player at the same time. Ensembles may include string, guitar, wind, brass, piano, and percussion groups as well as mixed instrument groups. Varied repertoire will be selected from different classical genres and periods. Beginner to advanced students welcome. Students will be grouped according to experience and interest, based on a placement audition.  Some composers include Beethoven, Mozart, Haydn, Bach, Brahms, etc. 

Note: Senior division instrumentalists are asked to rank their choices based on the list of possibilities below.  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 NYSSMA 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.

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