Use our handy widget to reveal a list of classes tailored to fit your specific grade and interests. Each class description is enhanced with multimedia features designed to help give you a better understanding of each program.
The Discovery program is only offered for kindergarten and first graders. Please select a different department.
Chess is not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Dance classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Writing classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Music classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Theater classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Art classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Nature classes are not currently offered for children in Kindergarten and First grade. The Discovery program was designed to introduce young children the visual and performing arts. Please see the full description below.
Available for: Grades K to 1
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: A unique program of summer fun and exploration in the arts for boys & girls currently in Kindergarten or First Grade. Children are placed into small groups, each with a college-age counselor who guides them throughout the day. The Discovery program is situated in the woodland setting of Usdan's newest building, the state-of-the-art Ross Discovery Center. Daily activities are drawn from a curriculum that includes Chorus, Painting & Ceramics, Swim, and Personal Journal Writing. Discovery classes are fun explorations in the arts that offer an introduction to the exciting world of Usdan's varied programs in music, art, theater, and dance.
Available for: Grades 2 to 3
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: As a student in the Partners program, you will be greeted each day by a high-school age CIT. This CIT will lead your group to classes and you will join you for lunch and the daily assembly.
Available for: Grades 2 to 3
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: As a student in the Partners program, you will be greeted each day by a high-school age CIT. This CIT will lead your group to classes and you will join you for lunch and the daily assembly.
class: CONCERT BAND
Available for: Grades 3 to 6 (Junior Division)
7-12 (Senior Division)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Four bands offer performance opportunities for students of varying ages and abilities. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction. Concerts feature student performances of classic and contemporary band literature. 1 hour of Band and 1 hour in a sectional lesson daily.
For Wind, Brass and Percussion instruments.
class: SENIOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Available for: Grades 9 to 12 (by audition)
Session:7 weeks
Description: Three hours daily include classes in improvisation, jazz ensemble and concert band. For advanced jazz players.
class: INTERMEDIATE JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Available for: Grades 7 to 8 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Three hours daily include 2 periods of jazz ensemble and one period of concert band. For advanced jazz players.
class: JUNIOR JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Available for: Grades 5 to 6 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Three hours daily include classes in jazz ensemble, concert band and a sectional lesson.
class: ORCHESTRA
Available for: Grades 3 to 6 (Junior Division)
7-12 (Senior Division)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Orchestras for students of varying ages and abilities. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction. Usdan Orchestras perform major symphonic works and collaborate with other Usdan ensembles. 1 hour of Orchestra and 1 hour in a sectional lesson daily.
For String instruments.
class: SENIOR CHORUS
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Two hours daily devoted to major choral works with opportunities for small ensemble singing.
class: JUNIOR CHORUS
Available for: Grades 2 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: A popular major for young singers, the Junior Chorus presents a choral concert in July and a theater revue in August.
class: CLASSICAL GUITAR
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Two hours daily of classical instruction. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction.
class: CLASSICAL PIANO
Available for: Grades 3 to 12 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: A unique program of group instruction. Students are placed by ability and study technique and solo repertoire. They are also introduced to the joys of ensemble playing. Students must have at least one year of prior instruction. Studios are equipped with new Yamaha professional pianos.
class: SENIOR CHORUS
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
class: VOCAL JAZZ
Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
class: JUNIOR CHORUS
Available for: Grades 2 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
class: CHAMBER MUSIC
Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (limited availability, by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
class: JAZZ ENSEMBLE
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
class: FOLK GUITAR
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
class: BAND, ORCHESTRA
Available for: Grades 7 to 9
Session: 7 weeks
class: PAINTING & DRAWING
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media.
class: FASHION DESIGN
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: An introduction to current practice in fashion design, from the study of fashion concepts, to hands-on projects that explore elements of fashion such as color, texture, fabric, and accessories. Each student's design aesthetic is showcased in portfolios of original designs.
class: CARTOONING
Available for: Grades 5 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: An introduction to classic cartooning techniques and characters, with projects designed from concept to finished product. Techniques include thumbnail sketches and breakdowns, penciling, inking, and page layout. Students develop and design their own characters.
class: ILLUSTRATION AND BOOK DESIGN
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: The art of creating illustrated stories from concept to completion. Students learn skills in design, layout, and illustration in order to create an original book.
class: ANIMATION
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Fundamentals of 2D animation, in which students are introduced to both handdrawn and computer generated imagery.
class: CERAMICS
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Experimentation with hand forming, turning on the potter’s wheel, ceramic design and sculpture, and glaze technology.
class: SCULPTURE
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Exploration of three-dimensional forms, abstract and representational, in wood, stone, clay, plaster, wire and metal.
class: Art Adventure
Available for: Grades 2 to 4
Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program)
Description: An exploratory art experience in which students are introduced to a variety of media, including drawing, painting, hand-building ceramics, and sculpture.
class: JEWELRY & FINE METALSMITHING
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Design and creation of jewelry using a wide variety of metals and stones. Curriculum selected from techniques such as cover cutting, piercing, riveting, soldering, stone setting, and glass fusing.
class: PHOTOGRAPHY
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Photographic composition, printing, imaging, enhancement, and presentation on Apple Macintosh computers. Students supply their own digital camera.
class: INTRODUCTION TO STUDIO ART
Available for: Grades 7 to 9
Session: 4 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program)
Description: A 4-week introduction to two-dimensional and three-dimensional media. Class content is drawn from art forms such as drawing, painting, hand-building ceramics, sculpture, printmaking, collage, or others.
class: VIDEO ARTS
Available for: Grades 5 to 6
Session: 7 weeks
Description: An introduction to video production using state-of-the-art studio and portable recording and editing equipment. The curriculum covers elements of storyboarding and plot development, camera technique, and video editing. Student projects are created by collaborative teams of student writers, editors, actors, directors, and camera operators.
class: VIDEO AS A FILM ART
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: A video production course with classes focused on classic and contemporary cinematic technique. Students create short videos inspired by film and television, and also collaborate in the recording of Usdan performances to create music videos. Videos are created by student writers, editors, actors, directors, and camera operators. Recording and post-production take place in the Media Arts Center’s professionally equipped studios and editing suites.
class: Video Game Art and Design
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: An introduction to the creation and development of non-violent Video Games.
class: Portfolio Preparation Track
Available for: Grades 9 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: 4-period program, with two hours dedicated to a student-selected Art major. In addition, portfolio development and art college admission seminars take place during the season.
class: PAINTING & DRAWING
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Creative drawing and painting using acrylics, pastels and related media.
class: LIFE DRAWING
Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (For Art Majors Only)
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: An exploration of the human form for advanced artists. Students will learn the principles of life drawing with the aid of draped models.
class: USDAN REPERTORY THEATER COMPANY
Available for: Grades 9 to 12 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: For advanced actors, emphasis is on company responsibility for the entire production process. This company will present one musical and one drama. *4 PERIOD, FULL-DAY PROGRAM
class: SUMMERSTOCK
Available for: Grades 11 or 12 (by audition and interview)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: For accomplished, preprofessional performers who intend to be college theater majors. Limited enrollment. Studies include all areas of production under guidance of directors, designers and teaching artists. Multiple productions, on and off campus performances. *4 PERIOD, FULL-DAY PROGRAM
class: DRAMA
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement and comedy.
class: MUSICAL THEATER
Available for: Grades 7 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program)
Description: Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement, voice and dance.
class: INTERMEDIATE MUSICAL THEATER
Available for: Grades 4 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program)
Description: Classes with emphasis on acting, speech, movement, voice and dance.
class: THEATER ADVENTURE
Available for: Grades 2 to 3
Session: 4 or 7 weeks (4 week students may not extend to the 7 week program)
Description: An exploratory theater experience in which students are introduced to basic acting and singing skills, and to the traditions of the stage.
class: ACTOR'S SKILLS
Available for: Grades 7 to 12 (For theater majors only)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: This non-performance elective provides theater majors with a broad range of fundamental approaches to the challenges faced by young actors.
class: BALLET
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Study of classical technique including barre and center exercises, across the floor combinations and performance of original choreography or classic repertory. Beg., Int., & Adv. levels in the Partners and Junior Divisions; Int. level only in the Senior Division (Minimum of 3 consecutive years of study).
class: DANCE ADVENTURE
Available for: Grades 2 to 4
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: An exploratory dance experience for beginners in which students are introduced to a variety of forms, including jazz, modern, ballet, and popular/contemporary dance.
class: USDAN BALLET INTENSIVE
Available for: Grades 9 to 12 (by audition; call for details)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: A select program for advanced ballet dancers. *4 PERIODS, FULL-DAY PROGRAM
class: JAZZ & TAP
Available for: Grades 4 to 12 (by audition)
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Int./Adv. level class. Explore contemporary dance forms from classic jazz and tap traditions. Students must have prior experience.
class: BALLET
Available for: Grades 2 to 6
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Beg. & Int. levels.
class: MODERN DANCE
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Beg. & Int./Adv. levels. Incorporating elements of classical ballet, improvisation, and structured movement, Usdan's Modern Dance program is based in Martha Graham technique.
class: TAP DANCE
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Beg., Int., & Adv. levels.
class: JAZZ DANCE
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 7 weeks
Description: Contemporary dance forms drawn from Broadway and classic jazz traditions.
Chess is not currently offered for second graders. Please choose another department.
class: CHESS
Available for: Grades 3 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Usdan's chess program is designed to meet the individual needs of each student. Multiple classes offer instruction to beginner through advanced players. Players new to chess learn its rules, notation and the opening, middle and end games. Technique is acquired in organized and free play with other students and faculty. Advanced players develop a repertory of game strategies.
class: CHESS
Available for: Grades 3 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Writing is not currently offered for second graders. Please choose another department.
Writing is not currently offered as a major for third graders. Please choose another department.
class: CREATIVE WRITING
Available for:Grades 4 to 12
Session:4 or 7 weeks
Description: The writing of stories, plays and poems. Participation in the production of Usdan Center's literary magazine, Painting with Words.
class: CREATIVE WRITING
Available for:Grades 3 to 12
Session:7 weeks
Description: Instruction and practice in the writing of stories and poems.
class: Nature, Ecology & Design
Available for: Grades 2 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Usdan's magnificent forest provides a vibrant setting to study Long Island's ecosystems. Hands-on projects include garden and forest exploration, and the experience of nature as realized in science, art, and craft.
class: Organic Gardening and Simple Food
Available for: Grades 4 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: The art of planning, and the hands-on growing and cultivation of Usdan's organic fruit and vegetable gardens, together with the preparation of simple dishes with ingredients from the harvest.
class: Nature, Ecology & Design
Available for: Grades 2 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
class: Organic Gardening & Simple Food
Available for: Grades 4 to 6
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
class: RECREATIONAL SPORTS
Available for: Grades 2 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Light recreational sports such as basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, badminton, archery and board games.
class: GROUP TENNIS
Available for: Grades 3 to 12
Session: 4 or 7 weeks
Description: Daily instruction and play, on Usdan's courts, under the guidance of trained tennis instructors. A non-competitive beginner and intermediate program, with students placed in groups according to age. Choose Group Tennis minor either as an elective, or in place of swim. *Additional fee of $475. Limited openings.
Description: Students will be assigned one period daily of instructional and/or recreational swim in Usdan's beautiful outdoor pools. Bring a towel and bathing suit every day.
