MerleFest Bluegrass Camp
April 26, 2027 – April 29, 2027
Taught by Gilbert Nelson & Pete Wernick using the Wernick Method
Boomer, NC just prior to MerleFest
Camp Harrison, 7901 South NC Highway 18, Boomer NC 28606 (10 miles south of Wilkesboro)
Monday – Thursday, 9:15am-5:00pm
Tuition: $560
Register Now Class Flyer
Tuition includes lunches and dinners. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance. Scholarships available – see information below.
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.
Students are encouraged to stay on-site to take advantage of after-hours jamming and activities. For lodging & facility fees for off campus contact Leigh (575) 574-2764 or Jamtowngrass@yahoo.com
A Camp Designed For YOU!
Friendly and encouraging opportunities for growth and exploration. Risk taking is encouraged! No matter what your skill level or experience, we will meet you where you’re at. The “one room schoolhouse” model will make for a rewarding experience for everyone. This camp is four days, one campus, and all levels. Everyone will play in jam circles at their own level with compatible jammers, in balanced and blended groups with supportive, insightful coaching that brings out each person’s best. Sessions by instrument will be offered daily, at different skill levels. Any students can attend any session for any instrument.
Basic
Created for entry-level jammers, the Wernick Method has always been geared to teach the concepts and techniques for making bluegrass music with others. The fun begins almost immediately!
- Gentle tempos
- Mistakes expected
- “Faking” solos
- Basic harmony
- Learn many bluegrass standards
- … and much more!
“I almost didn’t register, but I’m so glad I did! I got all kinds of personal attention and encouragement.”
In Between
Pickers who have mastered some essentials but prefer slower tempos, or reinforcement of the basics, will be able to practice primary skills and learn new ones.
- Increased tempos
- Creating melody breaks
- Playing better backup
- Dynamics
- Fills and licks
- … and much more!
“I liked the usual supportive atmosphere but especially working with harder songs and a bit higher level of musicianship among the participants.”
Advanced
Advanced pickers will grow and refine their instrumental and singing skills, and enjoy jamming that clicks on all cylinders. There is always something new to learn!
- Advanced soloing
- More chord changes
- Optimum tone
- Tight duo and trio harmony
- On-target kickoffs and endings
- Mastering more keys
- … and much more!
“Being fairly experienced, I didn’t think I needed anything like this. But I came with a friend and was blown away!”
COME AS YOU ARE — LEAVE WITH MORE
Every student brings different experience, goals, and ways of learning. We meet you where you are, help you find your next step, and make the journey fun, musical, and rewarding. We’ll make it work for you.
Jam Groups
Students collaborate in ensembles of roughly matched skills and temperament coached by experienced teachers.
- Jam groups meet daily.
- Consistent and familiar jam groups along with mixing and mingling with others is all part of the Boomer experience.
- This is the core of the Wernick Method, for all students at all levels. Key concepts will be covered and implemented, and feedback provided.
Breakouts
Instrument: Instrument-focused sessions will be offered based on skill level. Any student can attend any session for any instrument.
Possible Electives:
- Duet and Trio Harmony
- Lead Singing
- Songwriting
- Music Theory
- Capo Management
- Improvising
- Learn Bass
- Band Dynamics
- History of Bluegrass
- Instrumental Tunes
- Playing Under Pressure
- Stagecraft
Other Activities
Performance at MerleFest: Pete Wernick will rehearse a large group of students to perform a short set on MerleFest’s Cabin Stage Thursday, concluding the camp.
Evening Activities:
- Open Mic (Tuesday)
- Jamboree (Wednesday)
- After Hours Jamming (nightly)
We encourage students to stay on-site at Camp Harrison in order to fully enjoy the after-hours activities.
Youth
The youth contingent has always been a tradition at Boomer camp, and we encourage it! These students enjoy playing with others of all ages at their skill level, and our teachers are very experienced in working with students of every age.
Bands
While this camp is primarily about jamming, working bands or individual band members can register for camp and get customized experience throughout the week. Bands and informal ensembles will have opportunities to perform and get performance coaching including working with a sound system on stage, band cohesion, rehearsal guidance, band decision-making. After all, Pete Wernick wrote the book: “How to Make a Band Work”!
What’s a “working band”? It’s a low bar! Contact Leigh Nelson to discuss this and any other band questions.
Scholarships
We expect to offer scholarships for some or all of tuition and possible housing allowance, according to financial need. Grants depend on contributions to the Boomer Bluegrass Scholarship Fund. To donate or apply, write to Pete. Applicants should give their age, instrument(s) played, and experience and goals in bluegrass, and a short statement of their financial need. Special consideration given to combat veterans. Application deadline: March 1, 2026. Notifications will be sent within 3 days of application deadline.
Register
Tuition: $560
Tuition includes lunches and dinners. There will be a separate fee for off campus lodging. $100 deposit holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.
Have questions about your individual camp arrangements? Contact JamTown Administrator Leigh Nelson at (575) 574-2764 or Jamtowngrass@yahoo.com for help with lodging, meals and dietary needs, camping, RV, or off campus arrangements, skill level questions and other camp particulars.
Please log in or create a new account to register.
Need help? Contact us at tech@letspick.org or complete this form.
