This event has passed.

Jam Class @ Ozark Mtn Music Festival

Name: Jam Class @ Ozark Mtn Music Festival
Start: 2026-01-16T12:30:00-05:00
End: 2026-01-16T14:30:00-05:00
Location: Basin Park Hotel

Jan 16 @ 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Taught by Derek Giles using the Wernick Method

Eureka Springs, AR at the Ozark Mountain Music Festival

Basin Park Hotel, 12 Spring Street, Eureka Springs AR 72632

Friday, 12:30-2:30pm

Tuition: $40

$40 payment holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. Festival admission required in addition to tuition.

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.

ozark-mountain-festival-2026-derek-giles

$40 payment holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. Festival admission required in addition to tuition.

Derek Giles

Derek Giles (Columbia, IL) got his start in music early when his parents got him a guitar and scheduled lessons at a local shop in Kentucky. As a teenager, he played first chair trumpet in the school band and tried electric guitar. He played in community bands and would always offer his playing skills in talent shows. Derek discovered bluegrass music after attending music festivals and this fueled his urge to jam! He began to pursue the banjo as his main instrument. Derek works to improve his playing by taking lessons, attending, and hosting bluegrass jams in the St. Louis area.

Email Derek

Watch Derek Teach

Watch Derek Play

Visit Dave’s Website

“Derek was very helpful. When he noticed I was new to the jam, he came over mid-song and helped me with the chord progression.”

“Derek is very good at putting himself in the students’ shoes. He shares his experiences, how he overcame the situation, and what he learned from it.”

“Derek is very knowledgeable yet makes the lessons friendly and accessible. He encourages me to push myself and I feel like my level of playing has improved a lot.”

“I was lost playing a song I wasn’t familiar with. Derek noticed and turned so that I could see his fretboard to follow along easily with the chord changes.”

“Derek is able to adjust his teaching approach to the student’s ability. He is very patient with new students but doesn’t shy away from challenging their skills and comfort zones.”

“Derek made me feel welcome. He followed up with me regularly to see how I was progressing and was always willing to jam with me.”