Closet Bluegrass Pickers Discover the Joys of Jamming!

Dr. Banjo, Pete Wernick

Pete Wernick Method jam classes are springing up across the country and beyond!
                                                                      
The classes introducing aspiring musicians to the pleasures of playing bluegrass music with friends and neighbors. A fast-growing network of instructors trained and certified by Pete Wernick (“Dr. Banjo”) is now using his time-tested method to help inexperienced players learn how to be part of a bluegrass jam.

As of mid-January, 15 teachers nationwide and in Australia have been certified and successful classes have been held in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Wyoming, and Maryland. More classes are currently scheduled for Virginia, Colorado, Massachusetts, Arizona, and Australia, with anticipated additional locations throughout 2011. Response has been strong, with an average of 16 students per class including a sellout in Wyoming with 26 students.

“Many people want to start playing bluegrass, and don’t realize at first how easy it can be,” says Pete, who pioneered the approach of developing jam skills both in a class setting and in coached small groups. “They think they need to learn how to solo first, but actually simple rhythm playing comes first, and opens the door to jamming. The first rung of the ladder is very close to the ground.”

Pete says, "Almost everyone who picks up an instrument aims to be more than a good ‘closet player,' and to play music in a group. But music teaching rarely covers jamming skills. People may go to a jam and find themselves frustrated as they’re not properly prepared to join in.  Our students are jamming on the first day, and by the end of the program they are fully able to jam on their own."

Having started jam teaching in the 1990's, Wernick has hosted over 50 camps and created three jamming DVDs. His certified teachers receive written and video training in the Wernick Method with personalized support, publicity and promotion, and assistance and oversight in scheduling, the registration process, and the evaluation process.

Bluegrass teachers wanting to learn more about the Wernick Bluegrass Method and how the certification process works can visit www.DrBanjo.com and click on the "Teachers" button. Students can click on “Classes” or the “Jamalot” page.