Dr. Banjo Jam Class in the Pines

Pete Wernick, Dr. Banjo, sent us a reminder that there are still many beginning pickers afraid to come out into the open and play with others.

His Jam Camps and Jam Classes taught by approved master level instructors have had tremendous success all over the world.

Dr. Banjo 2012 Jam Classes to Follow a Strong Start in 2011

Pete (“Dr Banjo”) Wernick's latest project, Wernick Method Jam Classes, got off to a strong start in 2011. By year’s end, the 500th student registration was received, with 38 classes completed. Emailed student evaluations for all classes showed highly positive ratings for "fun", "learning" and "worth the money" -- all Wernick Method goals.

"This year we established the method and our procedures, creating the structure as we went along," says Pete. "A lot is in place now, with classes in over 20 states, and we're ready to grow another step by involving more teachers."

Jam Class - The Art of Jamming - Pt III

Jam Class - The Art of Jamming  - Pt III  from Dr. Banjo's Certified Jam  Class Instructor Mark Miracle in Phoenix.

Read Part 2         Read about Jam Classes

Mark writes: 

This weeks Jam Class was a workout for everyone, including me. After more than a few minutes in discussion with my students, it became clear that each was going to have to work hard over the next 5 hours of instruction and jamming. All of the folks, however, showed a great deal of patients and willingness to overcome the hurdles that lay before them. In short - finding and successfully playing a melody.

Jam Class - The Art of Jamming - Part 2 of Instructor Mark Miracle's Insights!

[Mark Miracle is a fully certified Pete Wernick (Dr. Banjo) Jam Class Instructor with classes in Phoenix, AZ.  Mark will be updating us on his class's progress from week to week.  His current class just finished their first day. Here's his report:]

Jam Class - The Art of Jamming

Pt. 2.

This weeks class saw several different types of musicians through the door. From the long-time musician to the absolute novice (not beginner), each had their own challenges, as did I. The best part of these classes, however,  is the chance to get to know each student and where they are in their musical "journey". Not that I am the "all-wise, all-knowing", but being able to put myself in their position and understand where they want to go from the first day forward is essential, as well as knowing where they want to end up - even if they may not end up there at the end of the sessions.

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.