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  2. Leslie Dare & Susan West

Leslie Dare & Susan West

Leslie Dare & Susan West have found great synergy in working together to teach others the essentials of bluegrass jamming. Both grew up with music but after being musically inactive for many years, both joined the bluegrass community through their experiences at camps run by Pete and Joan Wernick, re-discovering the joys of music later in life. Leslie plays guitar and Susan plays mandolin, bass, and guitar. They are both active in the Raleigh, NC-area jamming scene, including regular participation with the Raleigh chapter of the Handsome Ladies.

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“Susan and Leslie’s warm & welcoming teaching style helped me do something a little scary in each class which made me a better player.”
“Leslie is a talented, welcoming leader who makes jamming fun for everyone, regardless of their level of proficiency.”
“The most enjoyable learning experience I have ever had.”
“I feel so much better equipped to jam now. Y’all are the best!”
“Susan West and Leslie Dare are the best group music instructors I’ve ever experienced. I went from feeling nervous/uncomfortable about taking breaks and improvising, to feeling confident and capable.”
“Leslie and Susan were so organized and helpful. They do a great job of gently urging a student to try something new. I learned a lot and had a great time.”
Susan West (playing upright bass) coaching a jam group – IBMA 2019
Today
July 2023
Fri 28
July 28, 2023 - July 30, 2023

Jam Camp @ Ashe Co. Fiddlers Convention

Ashe County Park 527 Ashe Park Road, Jefferson

Join us in Jefferson, NC at the Ashe County Bluegrass & Old-Time Fiddlers Convention!

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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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