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Mike & Gail Thomas

Hollister, CA

Mike Thomas was bitten early by the bluegrass bug. In college he played banjo and guitar in bands and while in the Air Force played multiple instruments in Country Western bands. During a 40-year business career and since retiring, he’s continued playing and teaching banjo, picked up bass and dobro, and attended many bluegrass workshops including Wernick Method camps. He recently relocated from Virginia, joining Gail and participating in the active California bluegrass community.

Gail Thomas learned to play guitar as a teenager and years later was fortunate to get into bluegrass with her guitar and fiddle. She also loves to sing and harmonize. Gail has found the bluegrass community incredibly warm and welcoming, and looks forward to helping expand the community in the Hollister area.

Email Mike & Gail
See Mike Play
See Gail Play
“Mike is incredibly skilled and patient, has a wonderful teaching manner, and is always encouraging–the perfect mix of traits for a terrific instructor.”
“I can’t rave enough about Mike and his patient, excellent teaching style. This instrument is the first I’ve ever tried to learn, and Mike has helped me make great progress.”
“Gail was so patient with me. I was really encouraged. She is a wonderful teacher.”
“Mike is a fantastic teacher, very patient and very positive.”
“The instructors had a clear path and kept the class moving. They covered a lot of material and subjects in a short time. They were very warm, caring, fun to be with.”
“Mike and Gail were incredibly experienced and kind. Their patient and direct instruction took note of students’ stress.”
“Mike is truly an excellent teacher & communicator. He totally understands my needs and limitations, and always finds a way to address them to help me move forward.”
“Mike and Gail were so positive and helpful and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I would do in public – like sing, take a break, lead a song in a jam! They didn’t just teach the basics, they also taught the whys and the little things like how to find the best key for your voice and how to use mics. It turned out to be a great learning experience and fun!”
Today

Weekend Jam Camp

Hollister, CA (private residence) San Felipe Rd, Hollister

Register now for Mike & Gail's camp!

  • All bluegrass instruments welcome
  • No jamming experience necessary
  • You will be jamming in the first class!
  • Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching
  • Hands-on learning in large and small groups
  • Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected!
  • Music/tab reading not needed or used
  • Singing not required, but encouraged and taught
  • Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught

Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think!
If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. Only requirements - be able to:

  • Tune your instrument and
  • Change smoothly between G, C, D, and A (or the notes that work on bass and fiddle)

Jam Class at Great 48 Jam Festival

Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center 801 Truxtun Ave, Bakersfield

Calling All Pickers!
You'll be sent student materials as soon as you register.

  • Learn to jam with people like you
  • Hands-on instruction: rhythm, lead, harmony singing
  • Learn standard bluegrass repertoire and etiquette
  • Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching
  • Intermediates welcome, given extra challenges
  • Only requirement: play G, C, D, A chords (or matching notes on fiddle or bass