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”!