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. The repertoire and songs will be chosen together by the students and the teacher. 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. The repertoire and songs will be chosen together by the students and the teacher. 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. The repertoire and songs will be chosen together by the students and the teacher. Instruments include flute, oboe, clarinet, and saxophone. No experience necessary.

This advanced technique class is geared towards students with at least 4 years of dance training. Contemporary class combines elements of modern, ballet, and jazz techniques. Each class begins with a grounded warm-up, before moving across the floor into more intricate phrase work. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. Students will need to submit an audition video for acceptance into this class.  Audition required.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

Advanced artists will explore contemporary approaches to drawing and painting to create unique artworks. To enroll, students should have taken at least two other painting or drawing courses, at Usdan or elsewhere, and feel comfortable working independently on their own ideas.

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. Additional fee of $550 for 7 week; and $325 for 4 week.

“Making an animation as a team was fun, and I love my classmates.”-Jason

Explore building design and architecture as both an art form and vehicle of cultural symbolism. Students  learn the principles of architectural design using the same CAD drawing and model-making techniques as professionals. Additional fee of $325.

“I learned a lot and it is really helpful for me. What I like most was designing with the computer and model making.”-Michael

Geared towards students with at least three years of ballet experience and who are excited to develop and expand their training. Through clear barre exercises, students are encouraged to recognize their individual anatomy and learn how to practice ballet in a secure and effective way. Center work fosters an organic relationship to direction and movement as well as an understanding of different movement qualities, such as fluidity in adage, suspension, and sharpness in turns and ballon in small and big jumps.

“Your flexibility and technique is pushed in fun ways.” –Rebecca

In Tap, the focus is placed on rhythm, coordination, and musicality. With an emphasis on Musical Theater traditions, students will learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. Seniors should choose Beginner or Intermediate, based on their experience. Intermediate is for students with 3 or more years of tap experience.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

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. Junior class is all level. Seniors should choose between Beginner or Intermediate, based on their experience. Students choosing the Intermediate level should have 3 or more years of jazz experience.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

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. 3 Week minor is by audition.

Geared towards students with a passion for choreography and dance making. Students will create their own solo and group work guided by two renowned NYC choreographers. Whether it’s Hip Hop, Latin, Ballet, Jazz, or Contemporary, all styles are welcome in this choreography class. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on.

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.

“It improved my skills greatly and boosted my confidence.”-Zoe

Contemporary class combines elements of modern, ballet, and jazz techniques. Each class begins with a grounded warm-up, before moving across the floor into more intricate phrase work. The class culminates with an in-studio performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. This is an open level class.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

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

Learn how to write your own original fantasy or scary stories while improving your writing skills. Love Harry Potter and Percy Jackson? Who will your heroes and villains be? What will be their quest? What kind of monsters will they fight? In this class, you’ll learn how to develop your own original ideas using emotion and imagination as your tools. The summer culminates with the publication of every student’s work in Usdan’s student-authored literary magazine.

Usdan Dance Ensemble is structured to give our advanced students the full depth and breadth of Usdan’s Dance program that culminates in a performance in our amphitheater. For this rigorous yet engaging program, students spend all four periods of the day in the Dance department, moving from two periods of Ballet (4 weeks) and Contemporary (3 weeks) in the morning, to two periods of Contemporary Repertory in the afternoon with two renowned NYC choreographers. Students will need to submit an audition video for acceptance into the Ensemble. 

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

The Discovery program provides an exciting exploration of the arts for students currently in Pre-K, 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.

Calling all actors! Drama Lab is where the science of being an actor comes to life. Students navigate through the audition process, rehearsals, and staging. The summer experience culminates with the live performance of their play. Past performances include Little Women, The Miracle Worker, The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged), The Diary of Anne Frank, and Peter and the Starcatcher.   

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

Students have the daily choice to play basketball or gaga in a fun and friendly environment.

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. Open to dancers of all levels.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

Campers receive instructional swim Monday through Thursday. Instruction is based on American Red Cross standards, which can be found on our website. We aim to group students according to swim ability and age. In addition to the 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. Swim assessment required.

“It made me a stronger swimmer.”-Lorelei

Geared towards students with at least three years of ballet experience and who are excited to develop and expand their training. Through barre exercises, students are encouraged to recognize their individual anatomy and learn how to practice ballet in a secure and effective way. Center work fosters an organic relationship to direction and movement as well as an understanding of different movement qualities, such as fluidity in adage, suspension, sharpness in turns, and ballon in small and big jumps. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

Explore contemporary approaches to image making using Usdan's beautiful, wooded campus, their fellow students, and all of the art created across campus as subject matter. To enroll, students should have taken at least one other photography course, at Usdan or elsewhere. Students must supply their own digital camera. Additional fee of $550 for 7 weeks, $325 for 4 weeks, and $225 for 3 weeks.

In Tap, the focus is placed on rhythm, coordination, and musicality. With an emphasis on Musical Theater traditions, students will learn new and original choreography from legendary Broadway shows. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. Seniors should choose Beginner or Intermediate, based on their experience. Intermediate is for students with 3 or more years of tap experience.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

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 summer. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction and the ability to read music. Available for all instruments.

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

“You can do a fun project like making a lego water way, and on Friday we have free build.” -Nicholas

Matinee Idols is a three-week intensive course for lovers of musical theater. The work will be studied and analyzed by the students who will then be accompanied by teachers to a matinee performance in New York City. Following their theater trip, students will be given the chance in studio to perform scenes and musical numbers from the show. For the final week of camp students will be invited to audition to perform in our famous Last Day Cabaret. Past shows include Mean Girls and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Additional fee of $225.

“I loved seeing the show!”-Jonah

Students learn to design and create art from metal with basic metalsmithing skills and techniques. Majors create their own unique sculptures, jewelry, cutlery, mobiles, and more using hammering, raisting, chasing, soldering, acid etching, bezel stone setting, and bead stringing.

“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 open level class that integrates Modern and Contemporary dance techniques such as Limon, Graham, and jazz. Students investigate movement principles including weight, flow, opposition, fall, and rebound 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 pieces the students have been working on. 

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome

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. Past shows include Strawberry Freckleface, Frog and Toad, and Peter Pan. Additional fee of $550.

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

A free, open, and exciting opportunity to learn about, explore, and make 2D art – however you choose. With a focus on guiding and mentoring, and less on technique, this open level class centers on the student’s individual projects, processes, and ideas.  Whether it’s drawing, painting, collage, or printmaking, be ready to work independently within a supportive community of peers.

“You get to choose your own path and there is so much diversity and uniqueness.”  -Isabella

A deliciously engaging course where students get to plant, care for, and harvest food from Usdan’s fruit and vegetable gardens. Students also care for the camp’s pet chickens and collect their eggs. Partnering with Olafur Eliasson's Little Sun, this course will also teach students to use unconventional materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally-focused art and design. Students will use materials such as light, recycled and found objects. In past years, students worked as a team to make a wind powered air conditioner, a bike powered lamp and a sun clock. Additional fee of $550 for 7 weeks, $325 for 4 weeks, and $225 for 3 weeks.

A deliciously engaging course where students get to plant, care for, and harvest food from Usdan’s fruit and vegetable gardens. Students also care for the camp’s pet chickens and collect their eggs. Additional fee of $550 for 7 weeks, $325 for 4 weeks, and $225 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

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.

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. Level determined by audition. Additional fee of $250 for 7-week Minor, $150 for 4-week Minor or $100 for 3-week Minor.

WANTED: Rockers, Punks, Indie-Folk Strummers, Shredders, Belters, and Pop Stars!

Giving new meaning to “Band Camp,” this course offers a truly immersive experience. Campers will collaborate in a band setting, choosing their songs and finding the band’s own unique sound and style. Learn how to lead rehearsals, improvise solos, and compose and arrange the songs, all culminating in an unforgettable end-of-summer Rock ‘n’ Roll performance. Open to Drums, Bass, Guitars, Keyboard, Voice, and select Strings. Students will need to submit an audition video for acceptance.

Students will be able to choose from: Traditional Classical |  Contemporary Classical | Jazz and Contemporary Music | Living Composers Workshop | Classic Theater Orchestra | Rock Band

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.  Students will be split into levels once they arrive at camp.

“It is really fun and you can make new clothes for yourself. I like how many new friends I made.”-Madeline

“The teachers are nice and caring, and I loved the choices of fabric and activities.” -Kaitlyn

Inspired and created in conjunction with artist Olafur Eliasson’s Little Sun Project, this course teaches students to use unconventional materials to create sustainable solutions and environmentally-focused art and design. Students will use materials such as light, recycled and found objects. In past years, students worked as a team to make a wind powered air conditioner, a bike powered lamp and a sun clock! 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

Learn proper form and develop a love and understanding of the game through a combination of fun, tactical, and non-competitive instruction. Tennis students are placed in beginner or intermediate groups according to their age and level. Four courts will be utilized to maximize court time for all players. All basic strokes will be taught, as well as scoring and situational positioning on the court. Additional fee of $325.

“In the beginning of the summer I couldn't hit a ball, now I can.”-Charlotte

“I like how you play against people at the same skill level.” -Perry

It all begins in the Shop! Learn to bring light, sound, and scenery to life. Students attend daily tech briefings and are assigned to work alongside theater professionals from Usdan's renowned Theater Scene and Design Shop as they prepare shows for the Camp’s fantastic theater season. 

“My favorite part was getting a hands on experience with tools.” -Luke

This class teaches students the fundamentals of West African dance technique. Classes start with a rigorous warm up, followed by a sequence of phrases across the floor. The class culminates with a performance showcasing pieces the students have been working on. Open to dancers of all levels.

Beginner: 0-2 years | Intermediate: 3+ years | Advanced: 4+ years, audition required | Open Level: 0+ years, all levels welcome