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Art Summer Camp Classes on Long Island

With nearly fifty classes and programs, there is something at Usdan for every child.

2024 CLASSES

Use the filters below to customize the list of summer arts classes based on your child's grade in the 2023–24 school year and their interests. Once you've selected "Apply," please be sure to click on the class cards to see more details. 

If your child is attending our Classic 8-week session, please find a Major, Minor, and Recreational Activity that they are interested in for both the 4-week A and 4-week B sessions. Some classes are offered for both A and B, while others are only offered for one. The only two classes that must be taken for all eight weeks are the Usdan Troupe and the Ensemble. 

 

2024 Sessions

8-week: July 1–August 23, 2024, weekdays (closed Thursday, July 4)

4-week A: July 1–July 26, 2024, weekdays (closed Thursday, July 4)

4-week B: July 29–August 23, 2024, weekdays

1-week Recreational Camp: July 1–August 23, 2024, weekdays (closed Thursday, July 4)

 

Class & Session Changes

If you need to make a class or session change, please complete the form via the button below. 

 

Wait-listed Classes

Some of our classes are beginning to fill or are already full. To view a list of wait-listed classes, click the button below. Please note that this list is updated by hand, and some classes may become wait-listed in between updates.

 

Have questions? Please visit our FAQ page, email enrollment@usdan.org, or call us at 631-643-7900.

 

2024 Programs

DISCOVERY PROGRAM
(GRADES K–1 | 4- AND 8-WEEK SESSIONS)

Students in grades K and 1 are in our Discovery Program and do not select classes. They can choose to enroll in our 8-week session or one of our two 4-week sessions.

CLASSIC PROGRAM
(GRADES 2–12 | 4- AND 8-WEEK SESSIONS)

Students who have completed grades 2 through 12 choose a two-period Major and a one-period Minor from our Departments of Art, Chess, Creative Writing, Dance, Music, Nature & Sustainability, and Theater. Students also choose a one-period Recreational Activity from our Departments of Chess, Dance, and Recreational Arts. 

Students can choose to enroll in our 8-week session or one of our two 4-week sessions. If your child is attending our 8-week session, please find a Major, Minor, and Recreational Activity that they are interested in for both the 4-week A and 4-week B sessions. Some classes are offered for both A and B, while others are only offered for one. The majority of our classes are four weeks long, which means that if a student chooses to take the same class for both 4-week A and 4-week B, there will be new students entering the class, and there may be some repetition in curriculum. The only classes that must be taken for all eight weeks are the Usdan Troupe and the Ensemble. 

ALLEGRO MUSIC PROGRAM
(GRADES 2–12 | 4- AND 8-WEEK SESSIONS)

Students who have completed grades 2 through 12 enroll in a Music Major, a Minor of their choice, and U Time as their Recreational Activity. The program follows the same outline as Usdan’s Classic Program and offers a more affordable tuition to take this specific combination of courses.

Students must be enrolled in the following classes to qualify for the Allegro Music Program:

  • Major: Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Junior/Senior Vocal Ensemble, Junior/Senior Piano, or Composition: Classical Music
  • Minor: You choose!
  • Recreational Activity: U Time (includes swim)

RECREATIONAL CAMP PROGRAM
(GRADES 2–8 | 1-WEEK SESSIONS)

Campers who have completed grades 2 through 8 are eligible to enroll in one or multiple of our Recreational Camp Program sessions, including eight 1-week sessions. Campers in this program do not select classes.

 

 

Absolute Beginner Guitar Minor

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Minor classes
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Absolute Beginner Piano Minor

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Minor classes
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Composition: Classical Music

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major and Minor classes
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Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip Hop - NEW

Available for
  • 4-Week A
Minor classes
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Composition: Songwriting - NEW

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Minor classes
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Concert Band

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major classes
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Guitar Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Minor classes
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Jazz Ensemble (Major)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
Major classes
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Jazz Ensemble (Minor)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
Minor classes
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Junior Piano Major (3+ Years of Experience)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major classes
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Junior Vocal Ensemble

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major and Minor classes
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Orchestra

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major classes
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Piano Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Minor classes
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Senior Piano Major (4+ Years of Experience)

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major classes
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Senior Vocal Ensemble

Available for
  • 4-Week A
  • 4-Week B
Major and Minor classes
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Absolute Beginner Guitar Minor

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Learn the fundamentals of guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students begin by learning the structure of the instrument and basic technique; then they move on to simple melodies, chords, and scales. Students ultimately 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. This Minor includes a free guitar, which students take home with them at the end of the session. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session but cannot be taken for both.

Enrollment Note: This is a popular course with limited enrollment and tends to fill quickly. If you are interested in this course, we recommend enrolling as soon as possible.

“It is a fun environment where everyone has the ability to play and learn.” 
—Aryan

“I liked improving my guitar skills.”
—Anabella

 

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Absolute Beginner Piano Minor

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not for both.

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. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. This class can be taken for the 4-Week A or 4-Week B session, but cannot be taken for both.

Enrollment Note: This is a popular course with limited enrollment and tends to fill quickly. If you are interested in this course, we recommend enrolling as soon as possible.

“I learned more about piano and made friends in the process.”
—Jordan

“The teacher was very supportive and nice.”
—Miguel

 

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Composition: Classical Music

4-Week A

Major: Grades 6-12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 6-12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Whether you’re a practicing composer, or a seasoned musician who wants to dive into the world of composition, this class is for you. Composition Major students continue to learn or enhance their skills in music notation, composition, and orchestration under the instruction of an experienced composer and music educator. Students spend their days writing, developing, and refining either a new composition project, or a project they have already begun, primarily in the Classical genres. In class, students have ample time to bring their compositions to life by collaborating with professional musicians and composers. The class culminates in a performance of each students’ work by students, faculty, or guest performers, and each student walks away with a recording of their work.  

Major students should have at least one year of experience reading music and have a deep interest in music composition or experience composing. A laptop/tablet with music software, such as Musescore, downloaded is recommended for this class, but not required. 

This class is being offered as a Minor as well. Students looking for a more intensive composition experience are invited to take both the Major and Minor classes.  

 

 

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Composition: Intro to DJ Basics and the History of Hip Hop - NEW

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 9-12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Don’t Blame the World, It’s the DJ’s Fault! In this course be in the mix of the history of hip-hop and how to be a DJ taught by the creators of Hip-Hop: The Legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee DJ Kool Herc and The 1st Lady of Hip-Hop Cindy Campbell.   

Artists will learn how songs speak to each other and put together a DJ mix that represents a multitude of their identities. Learn the basics of mixing, crate digging, selecting, and playing music using professional DJ controllers and software. Explore the elements of hip-hop in a historical context that also activates a contemporary intergenerational lens for the love of music. Build on active listening skills and improvisation to create an original DJ set that gets the crowd jumping. The summer will close with a listening party that plays back the sets created in the space by the emerging DJs.  

No prior experience required. We encourage all passionate music lovers to apply. Students will be asked shortly after enrollment to submit an application form for entry into the class. 

 

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Composition: Songwriting - NEW

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 6-12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Students will experience the craft of songwriting using direct and indirect musical elements including poetry, percussion, and singing. We provide comfortable spaces for artists to discover their inner lyricists. Turn your stories into songs, write authentic lyrics that focus on arrangement through understanding chord progressions and melodies. We will use our everyday inspiration to write songs collectively and individually. Students will develop a natural understanding of musical vocabulary while experimenting on the basics of a hook and chorus in alignment with the structure of the overall song. The class will share their songs for a recorded in-studio performance.   

 

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Concert Band

4-Week A

Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.

Under the guidance of skilled educators and professional musicians and conductors, four concert bands offer exceptional collaboration and performance opportunities for budding musicians. Students participate in one hour of concert band rehearsal and one hour of sectional study each day, during which they study with a faculty member who specializes in their instrument area. Woodwind, brass, and percussion instrumentalists are welcome to join. Students rehearse in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. Repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. At least one year of playing an instrument and the ability to read music is required.

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Guitar Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 4–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Improve your guitar playing under the expert guidance of a professional classical guitarist and music educator. Students focus on improving their technique and playing of melodies, 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. One or more years of experience playing the guitar and the ability to read sheet music is required.

“I liked the music we played. The teacher was very nice and thoughtful.”
—Graham

“I learned different guitar-playing techniques.”
—Naomi

 

 

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Jazz Ensemble (Major)

4-Week A

Major: Grades 7-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.

Digging deep into the most American of musical forms, students in this class work in small and medium-sized ensembles, with an emphasis on improvisation and collaboration. Led by experienced educators and professional jazz musicians and conductors, this three-period Major includes one period of ensemble work, one period of improvisation, and one period of rehearsal with the concert band. Repertoire reflects the many styles and eras of jazz, from the earliest forms to contemporary jazz. Instruments include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, piano, and bass. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Admission to the Jazz Ensemble Major is subject to audition; students will be asked to submit an audition recording shortly after enrolling.

“I was able to learn from a professional jazz musician and improve my playing.”
—Sam

“I LOVE THIS CLASS! This class has gotten me to love Jazz. Our teacher is funny, but he takes it very seriously and there isn't any messing around. My teacher and peers are AMAZING PEOPLE! The older members in the group taught me a lot too.”
—Alejandro

 

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Jazz Ensemble (Minor)

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 5-12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Whether you bebop, swing, or samba, the Usdan Jazz Ensemble is the place where young jazz musicians come to learn, jam, and perform together. Led by experienced educators and professional jazz musicians and conductors, young musicians get the opportunity to learn about improvisation and collaboration. Instruments include saxophone, trumpet, trombone, drums, guitar, piano, and bass. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Students must be proficient on their instrument but do not need to have previous jazz experience.

 

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Junior Piano Major (3+ Years of Experience)

4-Week A

Major: Grades 3–6
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 3–6
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.

Enhance your musicality and your ability to play as a soloist and in a duet under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, such as miniatures, classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making interpretive and stylistic decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. Three to four years of playing the piano and an ability to read music are required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.

Sample repertoire:

J.S. Bach • Invention no. 1 in C Major, BWV 772

Amy Beach • Children’s Carnival, op. 25, no. 5 (Secrets)

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

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

 

 

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Junior Vocal Ensemble

4-Week A

Major: Grades 2–6
Minor: Grades 2–6
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 2–6
Minor: Grades 2–6
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

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 a 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. Junior Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. All levels are welcome.

“We learn in a great environment!”
—Anthony

“I like that we can learn about vocal techniques and how to use your voice correctly.”
—Lisa

 

 

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Orchestra

4-Week A

Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 3-12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.

Young musicians discover the vibrato of violins, violas, cellos, and double basses that form the core of Usdan's four incredible orchestras. Under the guidance of skilled educators and professional musicians and conductors, Orchestra students come together each day for one hour of orchestra rehearsal and one hour of sectional instruction, during which they study with a faculty member who specializes in their instrument area. The orchestras perform major symphonic works and collaborate with other Usdan ensembles. Orchestra students rehearse in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling and are grouped according to experience, instrumentation, age division, and grade. At least one year of playing an instrument and the ability to read music is required.

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Piano Minor (1-2 Years of Experience)

4-Week A

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • This class can be taken for the 4-Week A Session or the 4-Week B Session, but not 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 is required. Classes are grouped according to age division and grade. 

“This class genuinely got me way better at keys.”
—Ethan

“We get to play all at once and listen to each other.”
—Giuliana

 

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Senior Piano Major (4+ Years of Experience)

4-Week A

Major: Grades 7–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 7–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

  • An audition is required to determine acceptance or placement into this class.

Enhance your musicality and your ability to play as a soloist and in a duet under the expert guidance of a professional pianist and music educator. Students are introduced to a variety of musical styles, such as miniatures, classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making interpretive and stylistic decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. At least four years of playing piano and an ability to read music are required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling. 

Sample repertoire:

J.S. Bach • Prelude and Fugue in C Minor, BWV 847

Amy Beach • Music for Piano, op. 54, no. 1 (Scottish Legend) 

Frédéric Chopin • Nocturne in E-flat Major, op. 9, no. 2

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart • Sonata in F Major, K. 332

“I got to duet with other pianists which I don't usually get to do.”
—Aster

“The class was very interactive with both 1 on 1 and group activities with the teacher.”
—Emily

 

 

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Senior Vocal Ensemble

4-Week A

Major: Grades 6–12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A

4-Week B

Major: Grades 6–12
Minor: Grades 6–12
REC - N/A

1-Week Rec

MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A

Foster your love for music and community in Usdan’s Senior Vocal Ensemble. Under the guidance of professional musicians and educators, students focus on vocal technique, diction, and solo and ensemble singing. Repertoire is chosen from varied genres, composers, and time periods. Senior Vocal Ensemble takes place in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the surrounding woodland campus. At the end of their session, students have an opportunity to perform what they’ve been working on, either in the amphitheater or the studio. All levels are welcome.

“I liked working with other talented musicians and I learned amazing techniques that would help me in the future.”
—Avani

“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