• Watch & Listen to 116 Jam Favorites!
  • Get Jamming Info
  • Jam Store: Videos & More!
Wernick Method
  • For Jammers
    • Find a Class
    • Work on Jam Skills on Your Own
    • FAQs
    • Watch & Listen – 116 Jam Favorites
    • Jam Resources
    • The Jam Store
  • For Teachers
    • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
    • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
    • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
    • Teacher Library (certified teachers only)
  • See All Classes and Camps
  • For Jammers
    • Find a Class
    • Work on Jam Skills on Your Own
    • FAQs
    • Watch & Listen – 116 Jam Favorites
    • Jam Resources
    • The Jam Store
  • For Teachers
    • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
    • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
    • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
    • Teacher Library (certified teachers only)
  • See All Classes and Camps

Home »
Loading view.
  • No events currently scheduled

  1. Events
  2. Teachers
  3. Brian Bauer

Brian Bauer

St. Louis, MO

Brian Bauer was introduced to music at an early age by his grandfather, who encouraged him to explore the ukulele, piano, and guitar. He became interested in singing, songwriting, and bluegrass music while pursuing a degree in psychology. He currently teaches banjo, ukulele, guitar, vocals, and songwriting, and performs solo and with the band, River Despair. Brian founded Mimic Music Services in 2013, aiming to provide the St. Louis area with the best music education, entertainment, and therapy available. He’s passionately dedicated to educating and entertaining others, and as a board-certified music therapist, promoting evidence-based music therapy.

Email Brian
Visit Brian’s Website
Watch Brian Play
Watch Brian Teach
“Brian is a wonderful teacher, encouraging, light-hearted, patient, generous, and thoughtful. He is very open to helping his students meet their own goals ”
“Brian has the ability to push a student when needed – and to relax and slow down when necessary.  He is extremely patient. No pressure at all and you can go at your own speed.”
“Brian is knowledgeable, adaptable to the student, and a dedicated musician. And he’s fun!”
“Brian is amazing. He meets you where you are at and is a great encourager all the way through.”
“Brian has a friendly and encouraging teaching style. He can explain concepts and instructions in a way that is easily understood. He is attuned to your level of ability and will adjust to your needs.”
“If I could give Brian 10 stars, I would. He is enthusiastic, present, supportive and highly knowledgeable. Brian makes being a beginner an absolute joy. He puts me at ease, and gives great tips that improve my playing immediately.”
Today
  • Today
  • Google Calendar
  • iCalendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live
  • Export .ics file
  • Export Outlook .ics file
FAQs
Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!
  • Hands-on learning in large and small groups
  • No jamming experience necessary
  • You will be jamming the first hour!
  • All bluegrass instruments welcome
  • Full ground rules and etiquette of typical jams
  • Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges
  • Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching
  • Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected!
  • Music/tab reading not needed or used
  • Ear skills taught and emphasized, as in real bluegrass
  • Learn many bluegrass standards
  • Singing not required, but encouraged and taught
  • Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught
  • How to lead songs and how to follow new songs
  • How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony
  • Group and individualized instruction on backup skills
  • Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching

Read More About the Wernick Method

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)

Practice Jam Skills at Home!

17 songs, just 4 chords and SLOW tempos. This video will help you prepare for your first jam class. Read More

Watch a class...

..and hear what students and teacher say! Watch Now!

Pete Wernick

("Dr. Banjo"), originator of Banjo Camps and Bluegrass Jam Camps

Pete Wernick has created a method based on his years of experience teaching jamming. Wernick Method teachers are certified by Pete based on knowledge of bluegrass, teaching ability, and proper use of the Wernick Method. Pete's Full Bio

Make friends with music, make music with friends!

About

  • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
  • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
  • What is the Wernick Method?
  • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
  • Info for Festival Directors
  • About Our Team

Resources

  • The Jam Store
  • Watch & Listen to 116 Jam Favorites
  • FAQs
  • DrBanjo.com
  • Teacher Login
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Wernick Method