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  2. Jonas Friddle

Jonas Friddle

Chicago, IL

Jonas Friddle began playing bluegrass guitar and mandolin as a student at Berea College, and in the fifteen years since has added the fiddle and clawhammer banjo. He has performed in the Old-Time duo Sleepy Lou, with the folk group The Majority and currently performs under his own name.

He has received the John Lennon Songwriting Award and a nomination for Album of the Year in the Independent Music Awards. For over ten years, Jonas has been a teacher of traditional music as both a private instructor and a faculty member at The Old Town School of Folk Music with the goal that all his students have as much fun as possible through their exploration of their instrument.

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“Jonas Friddle was born to teach. Many people can teach a student how to play an instrument. Jonas instills a sense of joy from the music and nurtures never before known confidence from his students.”
“Jonas is a great teacher who tailors his methods to each students needs and strengths. And, he is a warm and encouraging human!”
“Taking classes with Jonas is always fun as he fosters a collaborative, giving atmosphere where I feel comfortable to stretch myself musically. New friendships blossom, old music is unearthed and opportunities to discover the joy of making music with others abound.”
“I despaired of ever being able to play by ear or join a jam on guitar. But with Jonas’s patient teaching and encouragement, he soon had me doing both. He is excellent at demonstrating multiple ways to play things so everyone can participate. His classes are a blast!”
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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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