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Bluegrass Jam Class

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Taught by Rex Kerbs using the Wernick Method*

Auburn, WA at a private residence

Saturdays, Sep 25-Oct 30, 2021

1:00-5:00pm each Saturday; no class on Oct 9

Assisted by Jay Van Ess

Tuition: $200 for 5 sessions

$100 discount for Rex’s returning Wernick Method students. $10 discount if you register by Aug 25; discounts can’t be combined. $50 deposit reserves your spot. 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance

Each student must submit proof of COVID vaccination prior to the start of this class.

All Wernick Method classes will be conducted either outdoors or in very well-ventilated indoor spaces.

Rex Kerbs has attended bluegrass festivals and played banjo at jams in the Pacific Northwest for more than 15 years. Jamming with friends has led to informal bands — the Orting Valley Pickers and the Second Saturday Bluegrass Boys. A former school principal and teacher in grades K-12, Rex loves to help students succeed and discover the pleasure of learning something new as they find their way in the bluegrass musical community.

Rex’s students say:

“Rex shows endless amounts of patience, helps us learn from our mistakes and achieve goals.”

“I really enjoyed Rex’s sense of humor and great teaching skills.

“Thanks for your dedication to students.

“Rex is a fun and caring teacher.

* Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!

  • All bluegrass instruments welcome
  • No jamming experience necessary
  • You will be jamming the first class!
  • Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching.
  • Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected!
  • Music reading not needed or used
  • Singing not required, but encouraged and taught.
  • Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds.
  • Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught.
  • Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching
  • Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges
  • Hands-on learning in large and small groups
  • Learn many bluegrass standards
  • Full ground rules and etiquette of typical jams
  • How to lead songs and how to follow new songs
  • How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony
  • Ear skills taught and emphasized, as in real bluegrass
  • Group and individualized instruction on backup skills

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:

  • You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic tuning devices welcome) and
  • change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. (Fiddles and basses need to know which notes work with which chords)

For more info or to send payment in the mail, email office@letspick.org.

Click any photo to enlarge.

  • All Wernick Method classes/camps will be conducted either outdoors or in very well-ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Safe 6′ distancing at all times
  • Temperature screening of all participants upon arrival, followed by all washing hands
  • Prior disinfecting of common surfaces (doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, etc.)
  • Anything handed from one participant to another (such as a borrowed tuner or capo) will be disinfected before transfer.
  • With these measures taken, we expect that all can relax and enjoy the class!

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