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  2. Heidi Olsen

Heidi Olsen

Manasquan, NJ

Heidi Olsen has long been involved in the bluegrass scene in the Central New Jersey area, playing banjo with her band Heidi Olsen and The Night, and hosting the Bluegrass Jam radio program for 12 years. Heidi’s mission in life is to pass on her love of bluegrass by encouraging others to sing and play together.

To that end she started a workshop ten years ago which has introduced many students to the joys of jamming. Students praise Heidi’s patient teaching style and her ability to get everyone jamming in a non-threatening environment.

Email Heidi
“Heidi is very enthusiastic, supportive, and encouraging. She makes you smile!”
“If it wasn’t for Heidi, I don’t think I would even be playing bluegrass music.”
“Learning with Heidi has allowed me to develop the confidence to play out with others — a dream I had all but forgotten.”
“Inspiring, positive and engaging attitude … the group wants to do well for themselves but also for you.”
“It was all a great experience for me. Heidi had just the right combination of toughness and sweetness to foster a perfect learning environment.”
“I especially appreciated her tips on jamming etiquette and feel I am comfortable enough to participate in a jam session.”
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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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