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Ukulele-Only Jam Camp

April 26, 2024 April 28, 2024 EDT

A Bluegrass Style Jam Camp for Ukuleles – Taught by Debbie Wagner

Appleton, WI

Heid Music, 308 E. College Avenue, Appleton, WI 54911 (Downtown Appleton near Lawrence University)

Friday 5:30-8pm; Saturday 10am-4pm; Sunday 10am-3pm

Tuition: $225

Includes Saturday lunch. $50 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register.

Assisted by Stu Schrottky

See Appleton Downtown for lodging options, or contact Debbie: wagneda@gmail.com


By special requests from ukulele players, certified Wernick Method teacher Debbie Wagner presents a “bluegrass style” jam camp — especially for ukulele players!

While ukulele is not considered a bluegrass instrument due to its relatively low volume, it’s 100% possible to have a ukulele jam focused on singing and playing bluegrass standards, and a camp teaching (a lá Wernick Method) many essential bluegrass jamming skills, that readily apply to any kind of music making on ukuleles, such as:

  • How follow chord changes in real time by watching a guitar’s chording
  • How to present and lead a song
  • Finding the best singing key for one’s voice
  • Learn bluegrass standards and jam etiquette
  • Optional chord substitutions that expand the sound for additional interest
  • Harmony singing

All of the above skills taught by the Wernick Method are important in bluegrass, regardless of instrument. A group of ukulele players can follow the conventions of bluegrass jamming and, playing easy chord progressions, enjoy a wide variety of material from the “bluegrass catalog” of the American south. Bluegrass songs typically have no more than three chords, and cover subjects ranging from loved ones and families to novelty and gospel songs. This camp will provide an excellent exposure to many aspects of bluegrass for folks who are happy to play ukulele but may not be ready to switch to a “bluegrass” instrument.

Note: baritone ukes are especially welcome, as they are tuned like a guitar and are similar to “tenor guitars” occasionally used in bluegrass.

The camp will include chances to play with bluegrass musicians on standard instruments at slow speeds.

Visit the world of bluegrass on a “ukulele vacation”!

Appleton, WI

Debbie Wagner was introduced to guitar in grade school and quickly developed a love for the instrument. She has led jams for over 10 years, teaches guitar and ukulele to beginning adults, and performs in a duo in her local community for charity events. Debbie enjoys many different music styles, and bluegrass became a favorite in 2013 at her first bluegrass camp, which she attends each year. She has recently taken up mandolin, learning by Skype from another Wernick Method teacher in Tennessee. Debbie is thrilled to introduce the Wernick Method to the Fox Cities area.

“It was always a daydream of mine to be moseying around with a guitar and spreading smiles through song. Debbie has made that a reality for me. Her unique ability to teach & inspire is remarkable. I had no idea what I was doing, but the way she was able to read me as a person and design a road map for my learning is truly a gift.”
“My husband and I have been attending her jamming get-togethers for over four years. Debbie accepts everyone at their own level and encourages us all to give our best, no judgement. The first time I attended, her enthusiasm and upbeat personality drew us back. Debbie is fantastic as a leader with musical skill, solid singing voice and an invigorated attitude that never wavered.”
“Debbie is a friendly, welcoming and effective jam leader. I didn’t know anyone at first but Debbie made me and everyone else feel very welcome. I like the way she runs the jam. I recommend her as a jam leader for any instrument, at any level.”
“Debbie was a great teacher. She was super-energetic, friendly, and very encouraging, but good at pushing us out of our comfort zone.”
“Debbie excels as a teacher and helper. Very patient and informative. I feel so much more comfortable playing my guitar.”
“All around good musician, leader, and organizer. I had a ton of fun in the class, way more than I was even expecting.”
308 E. College Avenue
Appleton, WI 54911 United States
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Register

Tuition: $210

Includes Saturday lunch. $50 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. You will be sent the full set of of student materials as soon as you register.

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