X-Train Wrapping It Up Down Under–Mark Miracle’s Guest Blog

Final days of the tour and it's beginning to get bittersweet. We are anxious to get home but really enjoy this part of the world. We spent the last 3 days or so in Caloundra, AUS at a 5th floor condo overlooking the ocean.

It was donated to us by a friend of Mark and Peters. She (Kay) is a participant at the banjo camp that we are playing at over the weekend. Although located on the Sunshine Coast, it was cloudy and warm the entire time. Not quite what we had in mind, but we made the best of it by walking the beach, playing in a warm ocean and checking out the local sites.

A fellow named Greg called us up out of the blue and came over for a picking session, which was a lot of fun and we took the opportunity to pick his brain regarding the area. On the rainy days, we practiced tunes, watched movies and broke everything we could get our hands on. Kay insisted that we use anything and everything we could find in the condo as our own…mistake.

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.

JAM CLASS INSIGHTS!

We heard from Mark Miracle in Phoenix who is a fully certified Pete Wernick (Dr. Banjo) Bluegrass Jam Instructor, about his thoughts on Jam Classes.  Mark's next class begins this Saturday and we'll be hearing from him here from week to week as the class progresses and get and inside look from both the perspective of the instructor as well as some of the students.

The Art of Jamming!

Pete Wernick Jam Classes are now being held all over the country and even in Australia! Pete's renowned and innovative method of teaching the art of jamming - known appropriately as "The Wernick Method" - has gone from the festival to the classroom. In doing so, we as teachers, can give more information and person guidance to those wishing to learn to play music with other folks. The curriculum is geared towards the novice player as well as the intermediate-level musicians, as you will be learning how to maintain tempo, learning to "see & hear" the chord changes and of course the oh-so-important "jam etiquette"...and much more.

Mark Miracle

Students will soon discover the enjoyment and comradery that music can provide. Check back as I discuss the challenges and accomplishments that are a result of the Jam Class!

Remember folks, music is just art for the ears!
 

Mark Miracle

Brand New Bluegrass Band with Seasoned Veterans

X Train at the Tucson Bluegrass Festival

Announcing the arrival of X Train!  This is a new Bluegrass/Americana band consisting of:

• Ross Nickerson
• Peter McLaughlin
• Mark Miracle
• Bob Denoncourt  
• Doug Bartlett 

all seasoned musicians who have graced stages all over the world.