Music Summer Camp on Long Island
AN OUTDOOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP EXPERIENCE
Usdan’s Music Department features large ensemble concert bands and orchestras, in addition to vocal ensembles, jazz ensembles, and piano and guitar classes of varying levels, all led by our incredible music faculty, made up of experienced educators and professional musicians and conductors.
Students who are interested in taking Music for their Minor as well as their Major have the opportunity to do so by starting a new instrument or by continuing their instruction in a different instrument than the one they are using for Major.
A combination of large-ensemble work and small-group sectional study allows students in our Concert Band and Orchestra Majors to experience a mix of both group and solo performance development. In all Music classes, faculty aim to expand students' love of music with a wide range of repertoire from diverse genres, time periods, and composers.
To ensure that our ensembles best serve the group, instrumentalists in our Concert Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble Majors must have at least one year of experience playing their instrument and an ability to read music.
Music students learn in open-air studios with at least one side completely open and exposed to the beauty of Usdan’s surrounding woodland campus.
ALLEGRO MUSIC PROGRAM
Like the musical notation for which it is named, Usdan’s Allegro Music Program is fun-filled and upbeat—a camp experience that expands students’ appreciation of music. The program follows the same outline as Usdan’s Classic Program and offers a more affordable tuition to take a specific combination of courses, including a Major in our Music Department. For four or eight weeks, musicians and vocalists in our Allegro Music Program immerse themselves in music and nature on Usdan’s 140-acre campus.
Each camp day, the Allegro Music Program offers students two hours of instrumental or vocal instruction in their Major, one hour in a Minor class of their choice, and one hour of U Time as their Recreational Activity, during which they swim or choose from an array of fun games and activities. The day is capped off by a live performance in our 900-seat amphitheater. Bus transportation via central pickup locations is included in tuition. Door-to-door busing is available in certain Long Island areas for an additional fee.
Tuition
- 4-week A Session and 4-week B Sessions: $2,500
- 8-week Session: $5,000
SUMMER CAMP Busing FOR LONG ISLAND, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens Kids
For over fifty years, Usdan has offered an enriching summer camp experience to children all over the region, from Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn in New York City, to Port Washington and Huntington, and all over Nassau and Suffolk counties. Usdan offers busing to and from camp from convenient central pickup locations. For more information on busing, please visit our Transportation page.
Classes
Absolute Beginner Guitar
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
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
Absolute Beginner Piano
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.
- 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
Advanced Beginner Guitar
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
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 is required.
“I liked the music we played. The teacher was very nice and thoughtful.”
—Graham
“I learned different guitar-playing techniques.”
—Naomi
Advanced Beginner Guitar
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–6
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–6
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
Develop your guitar playing technique 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. At least one year of experience playing the guitar is required.
“I liked the music we played. The teacher was very nice and thoughtful.”
—Graham
“I learned different guitar-playing techniques.”
—Naomi
Advanced Beginner Piano
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.
- 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
Concert Band - NEW
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
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 grouped by age and division and must have at least one year of prior instruction and the ability to read music.
Intermediate / Advanced Piano
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.
- 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
Intermediate Piano
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.
- 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)
Jazz Ensemble (Major)
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.
- 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
Jazz Ensemble (Minor) - NEW
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 5-12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 5-12
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.
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
Orchestra - NEW
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
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 grouped by age and division and must have at least one year of prior instruction and the ability to read music.
Senior Vocal Ensemble
4-Week A
Major: Grades 7–12
Minor: Grades 7–12
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 7–12
Minor: Grades 7–12
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