• Watch & Listen to 116 Jam Favorites!
  • Get Jamming Info
  • Jam Store: Videos & More!
Wernick Method
  • For Jammers
    • Find a Class
    • Work on Jam Skills on Your Own
    • FAQs
    • Watch & Listen – 116 Jam Favorites
    • Jam Resources
    • About Camps and Classes
    • The Jam Store
  • For Teachers
    • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
    • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
    • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
  • See All Classes and Camps
  • For Jammers
    • Find a Class
    • Work on Jam Skills on Your Own
    • FAQs
    • Watch & Listen – 116 Jam Favorites
    • Jam Resources
    • About Camps and Classes
    • The Jam Store
  • For Teachers
    • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
    • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
    • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
  • See All Classes and Camps

Home »
Loading view.
  • No events currently scheduled

  1. Events
  2. Rick Sparks

Rick Sparks

Reno, NV

Rick Sparks is equally at home playing banjo, guitar, mandolin, dobro and pedal steel guitar, and singing either lead or harmony. He has developed a reputation as an outstanding teacher on all of his instruments, with over 30 students currently under his wing in his home base of Reno, NV — as well as traveling throughout the west and southwest presenting Wernick Method jam camps.

Email Rick
Watch Rick Play
“Rick did a superb job of teaching a mixed group of mostly beginners (I am one) and intermediate musicians to jam.”
“Rick got us to make music together by the end of the first class–it seemed miraculous to me.”
“Rick is so patient and generous with his time and expertise.”
“Rick’s gentle yet persuasive nature is perfect for managing a jam class.”
“Great class, Great fun!”
“You know how to put people at ease!”
Today
  • Previous Events
  • Today
  • Google Calendar
  • iCalendar
  • Outlook 365
  • Outlook Live
  • Export .ics file
  • Export Outlook .ics file
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!

About

  • Help for Bluegrass Teachers
  • Become a Wernick Method Teacher
  • What is the Wernick Method?
  • Roster of Wernick Method Teachers
  • Info for Festival Directors
  • About Our Team

Resources

  • The Jam Store
  • Watch & Listen to 116 Jam Favorites
  • FAQs
  • DrBanjo.com
  • Teacher Login
  • Contact Us

© 2023 Wernick Method