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  3. Vince May

Vince May

Bedford, VA

Vince May grew up around bluegrass, attending festivals and shows, and got his first dobro over 30 years ago. A 26-year Army veteran, he’s jammed in Baghdad and played with several bluegrass bands but mostly The Guard, based in Roanoke, VA, Vince May & Friends, and the Rose River Ramblers. 

Vince says, “Bluegrass has always been a part of my life. I started hosting jams at Grave’s Mountain Farm & Lodges, and now conduct 4 weekend jams per year there. Jamming is a big part of each festival we attend and always seems to go until the morning hours. Great fun!”

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“Vince’s friendly and helpful demeanor made this an excellent learning experience and set me at ease to branch out and take more rides.”
“Vince is able to get people to comfortably venture out of their comfort zone.”
“Vince is a strong musician and leader. He is organized, hard working and can work with adults as well as children. His love and passion for music is apparent and he is always encouraging others! I couldn’t think of a better person to learn from.”
“Vince’s jams are very organized and welcoming. Pickers don’t feel like they aren’t good enough the be in the jam. He really shows great leadership and dedication. I feel that I have become a better musician because of Vince May.”
“Vince makes learning incredibly fun.”
“Vince is a seasoned professional and is immensely knowledgeable. He created a warm and supportive environment in which to learn.”
“Vince May is a gifted musician who hosts wonderful bluegrass jams, welcoming one and all who desire to join in no matter their skill level. Any aspiring or accomplished bluegrass picker would have fun!”
“A safe environment. I was terrorized at first, “Vince was encouraging and supportive, with an excellent personality and disposition for teaching, and a command of bluegrass music.”
I hung in there.”
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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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