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  2. Chris Talley

Chris Talley

New Athens, IL

Chris Talley plays over 25 instruments, specializing in banjo, fiddle and guitar, and releasing six albums with the Chris Talley Trio. She has won numerous banjo and fiddle contests including the Illinois State Championships on both banjo and fiddle.

But Chris’s main love has been teaching music, starting at just 13 years old. Today she owns The Bluegrass Shack, a music store in New Athens, IL, where she gives private and group lessons. Chris has taught all across the United States and has created instructional materials for banjo and fiddle.

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“A true heartfelt teacher. I was blown away by how much I learned and the confidence she instilled in me.”
“Chris has been extremely encouraging since day one.”
“It takes a special person to share knowledge and skills at a level customized for each student. Chris is excellent at that.”
“I cannot recommend Chris enough. My goal was to jam with others. From the first, Chris prepared me by providing support and encouragement focusing on ear training and rhythm learning.”
“Chris is an inspiring musician and a gem of a teacher — worth the trip to her small town. She went out of her way to make everyone feel extra special, encouraging us to step outside our normal boundaries and improve.”
“Her commitment to her students is amazing. She encourages, provides opportunities, and shows them they have what it takes to be a great player. Her patience with the many ages and skill levels shows in her smile.”
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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!

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