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Jam Class during Creative Strings Workshop

Name: Jam Class during Creative Strings Workshop
Start: 2026-06-21T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-06-23T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Christmount Retreat and Conference Center

Jun 21 – Jun 23

Taught by Austin Scelzo using the Wernick Method

Black Mountain, NC during the Creative Strings Workshop

Christmount Conference Center, 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC 28711 (just 15 miles from Asheville)

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, 7:00-9:00pm each session

Tuition: $150 for full 3-session class, or $50 per session

• Assisted by Lana Auerbach

Includes optional activities: Informal jamming after each class session, and Wednesday and Thursday nights as well; plus performing in the Creative Strings Student Concert on Thursday.

This class is presented as part of the Creative Strings Workshop, a 5-day camp for experienced string players. These 3 jam class sessions may be attended by people not registered for the full CSW. Register for the full 5-day CSW (Session A) which includes admission to these jam classes. Otherwise, please register separately.

Your deposit covers one session; if you attend more than one the teacher will collect the balance due onsite. $50 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.

As soon as you register you’ll receive our Student Prep Guide with links to our 116 Bluegrass Jam Favorites Playlists. A digital copy of our JAM Songbook will be emailed shortly thereafter, and you’ll also get a hard copy of the book at your class if you don’t already have one.

Onsite lodging is available to those who register for the full Creative Strings Workshop. Others can find lodging in Black Mountain or nearby Asheville. See hotels.com.

Austin Scelzo

Austin Scelzo (Danbury, CT) was classically trained and studied fiddle at Mark O’Connor’s String Camps, and over time learned all the bluegrass instruments. During four years as a middle school music teacher, he performed in bluegrass bands and taught bluegrass in-person and online. Austin now performs with respected veterans The Rock Hearts and the Americana quartet On the Trail, teaches jam camps and has created groundbreaking instruction materials including a popular harmony singing app. He was named Connecticut Arts Hero and nominated for Mentor of the Year by the International Bluegrass Music Association. In 2025, he received the IBMA Industry Involvement Award.

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“Austin is a gifted musician, teacher and just all around good guy.”

“Austin was a fabulous teacher. He was able to help everyone in the class, with all their levels of expertise.”

“I learned more from 30 minutes of observing your class than my 12 years of public school music education.”

“Austin was able to help those who weren’t as advanced as others in the group. His help showed success by the last meeting when we sound like a real bluegrass group! Loved it.”

“A dedicated and enthusiastic teacher.”

“The atmosphere among all of us was very collaborative, supportive and fun, and Austin did a super job of setting that tone and keeping up a strong pace of learning at the same time.”

“Austin is a great teacher with a real passion for the music. It made for a joyous experience, and I look forward to future jams and classes. Thanks for doing what you do!”

“Austin’s enthusiasm and love of the music always came through as he led the class. We all came away with a clear sense of jamming protocols and how to lead songs.”