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  2. Dave Kiphuth

Dave Kiphuth

Eliot, ME

Dave Kiphuth became well-known for his banjo work with the respected Connecticut band Apple Country, performing throughout the Northeast and South in the 1970s and 80s. He went on to work with Lonesome Dave and the North Dixie Road Kings, Chestnut Grove, Walt Michael & Company, and the Red Hen String Band.

Dave has taught banjo and guitar extensively since the 1960s and ran a popular bluegrass jam in Ballston Spa, NY before moving to Maine.

Email Dave
“David has been a patient and thorough instructor. I feel very fortunate to have found him as a teacher.”
“He was very professional, talented, welcoming, and provided a wonderful and warm jam setting.”
“My experience with Dave has been tremendous. I could not recommend more intelligent, talented, caring, and enjoyable teacher who serves his students.”
“Everyone left with a better understanding of the dynamics of playing music with others in a jam.”
“He is patient and very sharing with his amazing musical knowledge. He makes everyone of all abilities feel welcome and encourages them to participate at whatever level they play. It is rare to find someone who is both a fine teacher and a fine musician all in one person.”
“Dave is a fantastic teacher and amazing musician. He made the class warm, comfortable and not intimidating. I learned more than I expected and even dared to lead a few songs.”
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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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