Taught by Gilbert Nelson using the Wernick Method*
Boomer, NC just after MerleFest
Camp Harrison, 7901 South NC Highway 18, Boomer NC 28606 (10 miles south of Wilkesboro)
May 2-5, 2022
Monday – Thursday 9:15am-5:00pm each day
Tuition: $425
Includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee. $100 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.
Other meals and on-site bunkhouse, RV, and camping accommodations are are arranged through Leigh Nelson.
In 2022 we will again present two camps but at different times:
| Basic Camp (entry level – early intermediate) — this camp — just after MerleFest | Intermediate / Advanced just prior to MerleFest | |
|---|---|---|
| Qualifications | Ability to change chords smoothly between G, C, D, A (fiddlers and bass players: know which notes go with which chords) | Experienced at bluegrass jamming; able to play in different keys; able to follow guitar chord changes; willing/able to lead songs; know basic chord number system and jam etiquette |
| Tempos | 60-95 beats/minute | Ranging over 100 beats/minute |
| Singing | Please try! | Ability to sing melodies accurately is expected; harmony singing taught to those who can learn and “hold” a harmony part most of the time |
| Soloing | Minimal “placeholder” soloing taught, and acceptable; more advanced soloing taught but not required | Willing/able to fake passable solos (exceptions: bass players and rhythm-only guitar players). Melody-based solos are the standard, so we try for that; ability to find melody notes by ear is expected |
| Performing | No performing expected | Performance opportunity (expected but optional); some performance coaching; extra coaching available for bands |
| If you’re not sure if you qualify, write Pete regarding your skills in these areas. |
Gilbert Nelson has been a regular on the jam scene for 30 years, with a passion for jamming, performing and teaching a variety of instruments. Gilbert’s teaching is action packed and always encouraging, emphasizing fun and success, providing a safe and supportive learning environment while still finding ways to stretch comfort zones and bring students to a higher level of musical maturity. Gilbert leads his own band “The Jam Town Grass” as well as coaching other groups in musicianship and stagecraft.
Gilbert’s students say:
Click any photo to enlarge.
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