Music Summer Camp on Long Island
AN OUTDOOR SUMMER MUSIC CAMP EXPERIENCE
Usdan’s Music Department features instrumental ensembles for string, woodwind, brass, and jazz musicians, in addition to vocal ensembles, piano and guitar classes of varying levels, and absolute-beginner ukulele and guitar classes, all led by our incredible music faculty, made up of experienced educators and professional musicians and conductors.
Music 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 continuing their instruction in a different instrument than their Major.
Small group sizes in our Instrumental Ensemble Major allow young musicians 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 Instrumental Ensemble Major will be asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrollment. They 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
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 (NEW)
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
Minor: Grades 3–12
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
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 and 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. No experience necessary.
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. 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.
Absolute Beginner Ukulele
4-Week A
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
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 ukulele 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 and 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 ukulele, which students take home with them at the end of the session. No experience necessary.
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 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.
Beginner Guitar (NEW)
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
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. One to two years of experience playing the guitar and an ability to read music is required.
Instrumental Ensemble
4-Week A
Major: Grades 5–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
4-Week B
Major: Grades 5–12
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
1-Week Rec
MAJOR - N/A
MINOR - N/A
REC - N/A
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
Intermediate / Advanced Piano (NEW)
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, Baroque and Classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making musician decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. At least four years of playing piano and an ability to read music is required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.
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
Intermediate Guitar (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
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.
Intermediate Piano (NEW)
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, Baroque and Classical dance and song forms, and Romantic and 20th-century character pieces. Duets among the students are used to foster listening, making musician decisions, thinking critically while playing, and interdependence. Three to four years of playing the piano and an ability to read music is required. Students are asked to submit a placement video shortly after enrolling.
Sample repertoire:
Bach • Invention No. 1 in C Major, BWV 772
Beach, Amy • Children’s Carnival Op. 25, No. 5 (Secrets)
Chopin • Prelude in E Minor, op. 28, no. 4
MacDowell • Woodland Sketches, op. 51, No. 1 (To a Wild Rose)
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 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
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, 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