Q: What’s the difference between a camp and a class?

WM Teacher Larry Kernagis (far right) and students from his Maggie Valley, NC camp in 2017 Our teachers offer both "classes" and "camps", though we use "class" as the generic catchall term that means either type. We call it a “camp” if the teaching happens over two or more full consecutive days. Otherwise, we call it a “class”, which may be weekly sessions, a one-day event, or a few daily sessions at a festival. And we even have holiday classes! See all the variations here .

Q: What’s covered at a Wernick Method jam class or camp?

WM Teacher John Holenko leading students in a classroom-style session. At the first session, after a little orientation, the teacher leads the class on 2- and 3-chord songs, at easy tempos. If you’ve never jammed before, this first session will get you going. Everyone will be invited to sing, take solos, and show their stuff… or just work on following along. Keeping it together and keeping it fun will be the main goals. The first part of every session is classroom-style, instructing on topics including: following new songs smoothly, jam etiquette and traditions, how to lead songs and avoid “train wrecks”, finding melodies, faking solos, kicking off and ending songs, picking keys, using capos, the chord number system, harmony singing, and a lot more! After the classroom half of the session, the full group is divided into small jam groups, each coached by the teacher or an assistant. Teaching this way helps keep the group working well together, and gives the instructor a chance to give individual pointers. Read more about the Wernick Method , and see the Essentials of the Wernick Method followed by all WM teachers.

Q: How do I register?

The red “register now” button on the class or camp page . This will take you to a registration page, which allows us to collect all the necessary information. Once you have submitted that information, you will be presented with a pop-up to pay with a credit card via Stripe. If you prefer to pay with a method OTHER than credit card, please use this form <to be created by Leslie> to send us your registration information. We will be in touch with you regarding payment of the deposit. Once your deposit is received, you will receive an email confirmation that includes the class preparation materials as a PDF attachment.

Question 1

What should I bring to class?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Songs to sing, whether memorized or in songbooks or any printed version. An iPad on a stand is a useful jam tool if you can get online to a lyrics website. A variety of good songs is the heart and soul of a good jam!
A clip-on electronic tuner – a “must”, $20 or less at music stores or online. Get comfortable using it. We recommend the D’Addario tuner, small enough to be left on your instrument full-time. Keep spare batteries. Tune early, tune often!
A recording device (can be your smart phone). Besides recording some of the teaching, it’s often useful to record songs as you jam – especially new ones you want to learn. You can play along with your recording later, with earphones or other amplification.
Banjo and dobro players must bring and have practiced playing with a thumb pick and two finger picks. Wearing the picks is necessary to be heard at proper volume.
Guitar and mandolin players must use a pick… a flat pick (standard), or a thumb pick.
A strap for your instrument (fiddles and basses excepted) allows you to play while standing. There will be times you’ll want to do that.
Banjo, guitar, and dobro players will need a capo for ease of changing keys.
A music stand for song lyrics or your recorder might come in handy. Not every person needs a stand as there are probably enough to share.
See this information about what will be provided to you.

What not to bring (as they won't be used):

Metronomes
Instrumental technique books
Tablature

Question 2

What should I bring to class?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Songs to sing, whether memorized or in songbooks or any printed version. An iPad on a stand is a useful jam tool if you can get online to a lyrics website. A variety of good songs is the heart and soul of a good jam!
A clip-on electronic tuner – a “must”, $20 or less at music stores or online. Get comfortable using it. We recommend the D’Addario tuner, small enough to be left on your instrument full-time. Keep spare batteries. Tune early, tune often!
A recording device (can be your smart phone). Besides recording some of the teaching, it’s often useful to record songs as you jam – especially new ones you want to learn. You can play along with your recording later, with earphones or other amplification.
Banjo and dobro players must bring and have practiced playing with a thumb pick and two finger picks. Wearing the picks is necessary to be heard at proper volume.
Guitar and mandolin players must use a pick… a flat pick (standard), or a thumb pick.
A strap for your instrument (fiddles and basses excepted) allows you to play while standing. There will be times you’ll want to do that.
Banjo, guitar, and dobro players will need a capo for ease of changing keys.
A music stand for song lyrics or your recorder might come in handy. Not every person needs a stand as there are probably enough to share.
See this information about what will be provided to you.

What not to bring (as they won't be used):

Metronomes
Instrumental technique books
Tablature

Question 3

What’s the difference between a camp and a class?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

WM Teacher Larry Kernagis (far right) and students from his
Maggie Valley, NC camp in 2017

Our teachers offer both "classes" and "camps", though we use "class" as the generic catchall term that means either type. We call it a “camp” if the teaching happens over two or more full consecutive days. Otherwise, we call it a “class”, which may be weekly sessions, a one-day event, or a few daily sessions at a festival. And we even have holiday classes! See all the variations here.

Question 4

What’s covered at a Wernick Method jam class or camp?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

WM Teacher John Holenko leading students in a classroom-style session.

At the first session, after a little orientation, the teacher leads the class on 2- and 3-chord songs, at easy tempos. If you’ve never jammed before, this first session will get you going. Everyone will be invited to sing, take solos, and show their stuff… or just work on following along. Keeping it together and keeping it fun will be the main goals.

The first part of every session is classroom-style, instructing on topics including: following new songs smoothly, jam etiquette and traditions, how to lead songs and avoid “train wrecks”, finding melodies, faking solos, kicking off and ending songs, picking keys, using capos, the chord number system, harmony singing, and a lot more!

After the classroom half of the session, the full group is divided into small jam groups, each coached by the teacher or an assistant. Teaching this way helps keep the group working well together, and gives the instructor a chance to give individual pointers. Read more about the Wernick Method, and see the Essentials of the Wernick Method followed by all WM teachers.

Question 5

Should I start with jam class versus lessons or a class specializing in my instrument?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

A Wernick Method jam class or camp is the ideal first step for any new bluegrass musician, providing all that’s needed to play with others, including the presence of other learning pickers. With just a few chords, a new player can participate, playing real bluegrass in a slow-speed student jam. Learning to make music in a small circle is top priority — everything is built on playing real songs with correct timing and chords, at first keeping simple rhythm and building from there. We teach many of the main skills — rhythm technique on your instrument, finding melodies and learning new songs on the fly — vital skills instilled when playing in a small group, all monitored by your teacher or a coach.

These are all skills that can be taught to a roomful of people playing different instruments, so some instrumental skills are taught even with a mix of instruments present.

Lessons and music camps designed to teach instrumental skills can be of great help once a person is playing regularly with others. Opportunities to play with others are at least as important as piling up skills focused on just one instrument, and not ensemble music. Wernick Method camps and classes focus on playing real bluegrass in small groups, with singing and a typical balance of instruments.

“I’d taken guitar lessons for a few months, and had been trying to teach myself the basics on the fiddle (with lots of help from my dad, who can play just about anything that has strings!). During camp, it was a struggle the first day, just to get my instruments out of their case – I was terrified to play in front of anyone! By the end of the week, I was having such a great time that I’d forgotten about the fear of making a mistake! Everyone was VERY patient and encouraging, telling how they felt the first time they tried jamming, and helping me learn at my own pace….without their support, I would never have made it to that ‘first rung of the ladder,’ (as Pete describes it).”

“I learned more in this jam class than I have in the 4 years I’ve had my banjo.”

“The jam setting, and the correct way to jam, etiquette, etc., are different experiences totally from taking private lessons, and/or ‘closet picking.’”

“I learned more in this jam class than I have in the 4 years I've had my banjo.”

“The jam setting, and the correct way to jam, etiquette, etc., are different experiences totally from taking private lessons, and/or 'closet picking.'”

Question 6

Are friends and family allowed at class or camp sessions?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Generally speaking, our classes and camps are really for paid participants only. However, each teacher has the discretion to allow others in some circumstances. For example, many classes and camps feature a “Jamboree” type event where students can choose to perform in groups for each other; friends and family might be welcome if space and other circumstances allow. When in doubt, contact the teacher for your class/camp to learn about those options.

Question 7

How do I register?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

The red “register now” button on the class or camp page. This will take you to a registration page, which allows us to collect all the necessary information. Once you have submitted that information, you will be presented with a pop-up to pay with a credit card via Stripe.

If you prefer to pay with a method OTHER than credit card, please use this form to send us your registration information. We will be in touch with you regarding payment of the deposit.

Once your deposit is received, you will receive an email confirmation that includes the class preparation materials as a PDF attachment.

Question 8

How do I pay the deposit?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

The standard method is to pay with your credit card by clicking the red “register now” button on the class page. This will take you to a registration page, which allows us to collect all the necessary information. Once you have submitted that information, you will be presented with a pop-up to pay with a credit card via Stripe.

Other options include contacting the teacher to arrange payment, or contacting us at office@letspick.org to arrange payment via Zelle, PayPal, or check.

Please note that most of our non-U.S. classes require that you contact the teacher directly to make arrangements for payment.

A few of our classes are completely free of charge!

Question 9

How do I pay the balance due?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

All payments for the balance due should be made to the teacher. Your teacher will contact you to confirm the amount due, and acceptable methods of payment. Some teachers take only cash or check, and others can take credit cards. Some teachers will ask you to pay the balance prior to the start of the class/camp, others will collect the balance the first day of the class/camp.

Question 10

What’s included in the price?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

The price is for class tuition only — unless otherwise noted on the class page. Lodging and meals are generally on your own. Upon registration a welcome email with attached PDF of student materials (15-20 pages) is sent to each student. At the first meeting of the class or camp, your teacher will distribute hard copies of the same materials. Additionally, all new Wernick Method students who don’t yet have one will receive a JAM Songbook at no cost, which is a wonderful resource. (JAM Songbooks are not provided to returning students, or at free classes.)

For multi-day camps, meals and accommodations are generally separate expenses but check the information on each camp page. JAM Songbooks and other learning materials are also available for purchase online.

Question 11

What if there is a waitlist?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

When a class or camp has reached capacity, you will see a prominent notice along the lines of “this class is full, get on the waitlist.” We encourage you to complete the waitlist form. Teachers are sometimes able to make adjustments at the class location to accommodate more students than originally planned, so knowing of your interest is very helpful. Of course, spots may open due to cancellations.

For the sake of instrument balance in the class's small jams, sometimes certain instruments are capped, with a waitlist for that instrument. A student who is able and willing to play a different (not-capped) instrument in the small group jams may then register, playing that other instrument. When the class plays all together, or if there are breakout groups by-instrument, students may play the instrument of their choice.

Question 12

What if I need to miss a session?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

While it's ideal to attend all sessions, we know that's sometimes unavoidable. It's best to contact your teacher ahead of time, to discuss ways of managing the situation. Your teacher’s email address can be found on the class/camp page. For further assistance, please contact us at office@letspick.org.

Question 13

What if I need to cancel my registration?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Canceling more than a month before the start of the class entitles you to a partial refund.

Please first contact the teacher for your class, whose email address can be found can be found on the class/camp page. If you need further assistance, please contact us at office@letspick.org.

Question 14

Can I get a refund if I have to cancel?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Our general policy is that you are entitled to a 50% refund of your deposit if you cancel at least one month in advance. However, each teacher has the option to offer a different policy. Either the default policy or the teacher’s policy is stated on each class page. If you have questions about what policy is in place for your class, please contact us at office@letspick.org for clarification.

Question 15

Are discounts available?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Sometimes. Each teacher decides what discounts will be available, so check the class/camp page.

Typical discounts are for early registration, for returning students, or sometimes (to improve instrument balance) for students playing certain instruments such as bass or fiddle. If a prospective student feels a discount is needed for them to attend, we suggest contacting the teacher to make the request.

Question 16

What are the requirements for Wernick Method classes and camps?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Note: these are the same basic requirements as for all elementary jamming.

You must be able to tune your instrument accurately, in a minute or two, with an electronic tuner.

You must be able to smoothly change on your instrument, between the chords G, C, D, and A. Fiddles and basses need to play the single notes that go with each chord.

To be sure you meet these requirements: Pete’s video Bluegrass Slow Jam for the Total Beginner presents 17 songs using only G, C, D, and A, at minimum bluegrass tempos. Learn to follow guitar chords, shown magnified on screen. G, C, D, and A are shown on all six instruments. Order from the Jam Store. Playing along with this video will build your confidence!

If you are having problems with either of these skills despite using the item above, please contact your teacher, whose email address is on the page advertising your class.

Question 17

What are the average age and skill levels for jam camp?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

All skill levels are welcome. The only prerequisite is the ability to change smoothly and quickly between simple chords like G, C, D, and A. Often there are quite a few who have never or only rarely jammed. The camp is designed for them. But often there are also more experienced/skilled players, and they generally fit in quite well, with the understanding that when jamming with the less skilled, they need to keep the songs easy and the tempos moderate. Wernick Method teachers are trained to give a variety of extra challenges to more experienced players, and when possible, to group them together.

Two Wernick Method students, ages 10 and 88

Average age varies by camp and is hard to guess, but we’ve had folks from under 10 to over 80. For parents of youngsters, please first contact the teacher to discuss.

Some jam groupings mix different experience levels, and some match skills more closely -- just as happens in real life, so a chance at each is good training. Teachers offer personalized comments to everyone at the camp, with their experience level taken into account.

Question 18

Is it more for beginners or intermediates?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

See previous section, concerning typical skill levels.

Though there is flexibility according to the skill levels of the attendees, the classes and camps are tailored to musicians who are just getting into jamming or want to. At registration, attendees are asked: How often have you jammed/”, with the choices: Never / Rarely / 5-15 times / 16+ times. The makeup of any of the classes typically includes some of each, and often the numbers in each category are about equal.

“Pete Wernick is a master teacher with decades of experience in promoting and advancing bluegrass education at all levels. His methods seriously address the fact that most pickers quit while still at a beginning level due to the use of ineffective materials and methods. His approach quicky leads one to becoming an independent and successful learner.”

“I keep coming back! I was a raw beginner at my first Wernick Method camp. I was a little better when I left, but more importantly knew that I could continue to improve with the skills I learned -- and I did! I had so much fun that I've now been to 15 camps. I've made camp friends and we enjoy seeing each other. Even as a more experienced jammer there's always something new to learn - a new technique, a new song. And it's always fun.”

Question 19

Is singing required?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Singing is not required, but our classes have a lot of singing, much like typical bluegrass. Jams need singing, and singing helps develop musicianship — especially the ability to find melody notes on an instrument.

We understand some folks are shy to sing around others. Some can't seem to carry a tune. Our teachers are trained to be gentle and helpful with these common obstacles. The Wernick Method includes a sure-fire way to show any person they are capable of singing in tune, by choosing a key that best fits their voice.

Even bluegrass newcomers will likely know familiar favorites like “This Land Is Your Land” and “When the Saints Go Marching In”, which make great bluegrass songs. You can start by singing along on the chorus with everyone else. Many reluctant singers find their voice at our camps and classes, and singing becomes truly fun.

In summary, don't let this stop you from signing up!

“My Wernick Method teacher changed my life. Not a statement to be taken lightly, to be sure. But he convinced / made me lead a song and sing in public for the first time ever. This was a really powerful experience and changed my view of myself.”

Question 20

Do I have to play solos?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Most attendees come with no or limited ability to take solos. Many only know solos they have learned by rote from a teacher, a tab or video. It’s common that these folks may have some trouble doing those solos in a jam. The Wernick Method prefers to teach soloing with a combination of “keeping single notes going with the right hand while the left hand follows the chords…. along with separate teaching of “how to guess at the melody on the fly, with missed notes sounding OK”. Over time, these skills yield believable on-the-fly solos that may come out different each time — but include melody and follow the chords. Memorized solos are welcome though not always possible in jams, and the ability to *fake* a solo is what we consider the more useful focus.

We don't exactly "require" folks to try solos but since we know that many students aspire to fake solos effectively at jams, we gently push them to try the easiest possible method described above, what we call the "here goes nothing" solo, often improvised while reading the guitar player's chords. We encourage everyone to try a solo once in each song, even when the inclination is to pass. "Everyone" does not include bass players or guitarists who don't aspire to ever take solos. But banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro players are generally assumed to have soloing as a goal, so it's good for them to step up, just for practice in the safe context of our jams, as a way of building this skill.

“When I got back (home), I went to both my blue grass jams. I took breaks almost every song at both jams. I’m thrilled that I played more breaks than I ever had before.”

“It was a great intro into jamming. It was also fun to watch each other as we became more confident leading and taking breaks. I was just as proud of what others accomplished as I was about what I learned.”

Pete’s Bluegrass Jamming and Intermediate Jam videos give a player multiple opportunities to fake a solo over band accompaniment. Many Bluegrass Jamming Favorites are on the video. We strongly recommend working on this important skill, including coming in and out accurately and smoothly, as a good head start for your class.

Question 21

What are the qualifications for Level 2 Wernick Method Camps (at MerleFest, Silver Bay and others)?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Be experienced at bluegrass jamming, including following guitar chord changes easily
Be able to play comfortably in the keys of G and D, use the chord number system, and understand capo use.
Be able to jam comfortably at “intermediate” speeds (100 beats/minute or more)
Be able to sing reasonably in pitch and lead songs (“good voice” not required)
Be willing / able to fake instrumental solos on most songs in G or D (except basses and rhythm-only guitars who don’t aspire to play guitar solos)

Question 22

Any advice for future jam campers?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Jam Camp requirements are simple, but preparation is important. From previous jam students:

“Have fun and enjoy, you’ll be very impressed how much you’ll learn during the camp.”
— Gerald (TX)

“Pete and his assistants will help and encourage you, and occasionally nudge you along. Some campers are a little uncomfortable or shy in the beginning but that’s expected, and once you get started you will see that it is easier than what you may have thought. Their job is to move you gently out of your comfort zone to learn to play bluegrass with others, and have an enjoyable time.”

“Far too many instruction methods teach a bluegrass instrument in a way quite isolated from what it means to be a functional bluegrass musician. They teach solos, to be read from a page, where playing bluegrass involves active use of (learnable) ear skills and awareness of/ involvement in a team effort.”
— Pete

“…we need reminding that how much we get out of the camp depends a lot on how much we put into preparing for the camp and how flexible and open we are to new experiences at the camp. Pete, Joan, and the camp staff are offering us an opportunity to have a great time singing and playing some great music with some great people. How much we get out of this opportunity depends mostly on our own willingness to make the effort.”
— Bruce (KY)

Question 23

How should I prepare for my jam class?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Any time someone goes to a jam (or a Wernick Method class), bringing a song or two or three to sing is a very welcome contribution. To prepare, choose a few songs you like, and practice them in the keys you will sing and play them comfortably in. Try to commit the words to memory if possible, so you can confidently lead the song without hesitating or blanking out! ... though it's OK to still keep the words in front of you, for backup. What songs to choose? Pick some relatively easy ones from any of Pete's jam videos or songbooks, or any other songbook. The 10 songs in the PDF you'll be sent prior to class are all good choices.

One of the best ways to prepare is to try to find the melody of a song (that you know well enough to hum, perhaps one you will lead in the jam) on the neck of your instrument, trial-and-error style… and then fashion a solo based on that melody. If you can do that, it's more helpful than learning note-for-note solos that someone else figured out.

Once you can find a melody on your instrument, tabs, books, and videos can provide ideas for embellishments. Learning someone else's exact solo for a particular song or two can be helpful, to pick up new ideas. And learning solos like that can have an extra payoff if you can lift a phrase from one solo to put in another. If you can do that fairly spontaneously, it helps greatly when faking a solo at a jam.

There is no specific set of songs we cover. The goal is for folks to learn to deal with typical material, that they have not played before. Being able to handle unfamiliar songs is a skill needed at all jam sessions in the “real world” of bluegrass jamming, and we teach it.Your fellow jammers will learn the songs you bring and you’ll learn theirs — or at least learn to follow along. That’s how bluegrass jamming works, everywhere. “Preparation” is not expected, other than bringing a few songs, practicing chord changes if necessary, etc.

Shy singers are welcome to bring song sheets with words, for songs they like and can follow along on... or even lead a song by *talking* the words instead of singing. (See our FAQ on singing.)

Question 24

Should I buy training videos or books to prepare?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

One of the best things to do is to learn new songs. We recommend our JAM Songbook with 39 songs in large print, with online playlists of all the songs, to help you learn any of them by ear. You will receive a copy of the book at your first Wernick Method class but, as with Pete’s earlier Bluegrass Songbook and play-along videos, working with one before class will help you prepare. The videos (which come with a downloadable lyric/chord book) will get you following new songs in real time, and learning them in the process.

It’s ideal to practice singing songs you like, and to experiment with different keys to see which works best for each song. Commit the verses to memory if you can, though it’s OK to have a page nearby for reference. If you can work out a solo instrumental break to start the song off, so much the better.

Question 25

What songs should I practice beforehand?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

There are no specific songs to practice. Practice some good ones you like, that others might enjoy playing too. Advance emailed class materials include a mini-songbook with some good choices. You’ll want to practice a few to do in a small group setting. Know the chords and practice the song (in-tune singing not required) with the words in front of you. Try after a while to not need to read the words. Most of the songs in the class will probably be new to you, so the skill in play will be: “learn new songs more quickly”.

Question 26

What should I bring to class?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Songs to sing, whether memorized or in songbooks or any printed version. An iPad on a stand is a useful jam tool if you can get online to a lyrics website. A variety of good songs is the heart and soul of a good jam!
A clip-on electronic tuner – a “must”, $20 or less at music stores or online. Get comfortable using it. We recommend the D’Addario tuner, small enough to be left on your instrument full-time. Keep spare batteries. Tune early, tune often!
A recording device (can be your smart phone). Besides recording some of the teaching, it’s often useful to record songs as you jam – especially new ones you want to learn. You can play along with your recording later, with earphones or other amplification.
Banjo and dobro players must bring and have practiced playing with a thumb pick and two finger picks. Wearing the picks is necessary to be heard at proper volume.
Guitar and mandolin players must use a pick… a flat pick (standard), or a thumb pick.
A strap for your instrument (fiddles and basses excepted) allows you to play while standing. There will be times you’ll want to do that.
Banjo, guitar, and dobro players will need a capo for ease of changing keys.
A music stand for song lyrics or your recorder might come in handy. Not every person needs a stand as there are probably enough to share.
See this information about what will be provided to you.

What not to bring (as they won't be used):

Metronomes
Instrumental technique books
Tablature

Question 27

What is your policy on “non-bluegrass” instruments (ukulele, dulcimer, autoharp, harmonica, etc)?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

We are glad to accept people who play acoustic string instruments that are not normally thought of as bluegrass instruments. But we feel it’s important to make clear why the instrument is not normally thought of as “belonging” in bluegrass.

In general, the reason is the instrument is too quiet or low-definition in sound to stand out among a group of bluegrass instruments. The player can participate by playing along, but their playing may not be heard by the other musicians, so it’s not the usual type of participation, where interactions are part of the artistry and the fun.

Ukulele or mountain dulcimer, for instance, would be hard to hear over guitars, banjo, bass, etc… unless amplified. Amplification could work, but that would open another challenge, since many jams take place outdoors, and the absence of an outlet could be a problem… Then again, there are good battery-operated, rechargeable amps, which would solve the problem. Or, as with electric basses that need amps, we could make sure that that person was able to jam within reach of an outlet.

Hammered dulcimers can usually solo loud enough to be heard in a bluegrass jam, but there’s no designated role for them as a rhythm/chording instrument. Because only two notes can be played at once, it would have less role to play in backup than a typical chording instrument.

Autoharp is not necessarily quiet, but its sound as a rhythm instrument would likely be lost amidst the strumming of guitars and mandolins. Soloing on an autoharp could be audible if done well.

Clawhammer banjo – see this information.

Harmonica has been a bit controversial in bluegrass (as a non-stringed instrument that doesn’t typically fit well in faster songs), but we are happy to accept harmonica players who understand the limitations of the instrument. Like hammered dulcimer it’s not able to make full chords, limiting its use for backup. But harmonica, like fiddle, can play good melody lines and background fills with expression, and a skilled player can make a good contribution to a bluegrass jam. It’s a rare harmonica player that can keep up with fast bluegrass, and the results are not always likeable, but it can be done and done well.

Percussion has long been the most controversial aspect of bluegrass instrumentation… with even some of the founding bluegrass fathers taking different stands on the issue -- sometimes at different points in their own career (!). Even Monroe had a bit of percussion on a few cuts, and brushes on a snare drum was a regular component of Jimmy Martin records and at times, his and others’ stage shows. In a bluegrass jam, percussion most likely would show up as spoons, bones, or washboard. Some songs and situations can take percussion more readily than others, and if the player knows that and tastefully lays out when appropriate, he or she will likely get general appreciation. Bones and spoons can work easily as a brief novelty, and then can wear out everyone if they are heard even a little too often (like three songs in a row). The typical protocol in bluegrass jams for washboard is "they're not welcome". A tasteful player who doesn't just barge in may get acceptance but there'll definitely be some frowns.

One last thing worth mentioning: If a person wants to play bluegrass, it makes most sense to learn to play one of the instruments normally associated with bluegrass: guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo (played Scruggs style), bass, or dobro guitar. Many people play more than one instrument, and play different styles of music. Usually, the second instrument or the second style is learned faster than the first, and being versatile is an advantage in that it allows a person to participate in more situations. This is worth considering!

Question 28

Do I have to know how to read tab or notation?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Both tab or standard notation are just fine as a way of learning solos that someone else has created. But in bluegrass jamming, people have to “think on their feet” and learn to come up with solos based on their ability to follow chord progressions with notes that fit in the chords, and put in melody notes or pre-learned “licks” where they can. So we actually don’t use written notation in our classes at all, but work on developing ear skills.

We want students to cultivate (with help from a teacher) ear skills such as the ability to remember and anticipate chord changes, and eventually to correctly guess chord changes, and to find melodies by ear. Most students recognize if they lack ear skills and understandably wonder how they will ever learn them. A teacher saying, “It comes in time,” may not be enough to overcome a building pessimism. However – a student who jams regularly gets ample evidence of their developing ear skills at every session.

"But can I use it anyway?"

We encourage you to just leave the tab and notation at home...or in your instrument case! Use the time at camp to learn those ear skills. Unless you are the song leader and need the lyrics in front of you, books shouldn't be used during class. Read more about what to bring to class/camp.

“It was great fun and I for sure got a lot out of it. I’m about to throw out a good portion of my tablature library and use my ears!”

“Speaking as someone who tries to learn without the benefit of a teacher, I want to compliment you on your insightful style of teaching us “how to fish’ rather than just giving us the fish. It’s easy to get hooked on all the tablature that’s out there today, but it can postpone indefinitely the real “woodshedding” we all need to go through in order to truly “make music”. Your appreciation of that fact, coupled with your genuine encouragement and realistic instruction, makes the journey much more credible and a lot less intimidating.”

“The camp was responsible for helping me break out of tablature dependence, and which gave me the encouragement to work out melodies on my own, as well as removing some of the fear of playing around others.”

Question 29

How much individual instruction is there?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

During “small group jam” time (about half of all class time), teachers and coaches give each of the players in a jam group pointers and feedback. We feel that a student can be helped the most when their playing under “real conditions” is observed by a teacher, who can offer guidance based on what they see and hear.

At a Wernick Method class the emphasis is not on individual skill but on the principles and skills of playing together. Individual skills such as finding melodies by ear (essential for soloing) pickup licks to use for kickoff solos can be and are taught to the full group.

Question 30

What's different about Wernick classes compared to other jam classes?

wm-prime-2021 · Accepted Answer

Many things. One of the major differences is that every class session spends about half the time with the pickers in small circles, leading themselves in jams, each circle attended by an experienced, helpful coach. I think a student can get better help being coached while they're jamming than in a one-on-one lesson or sitting in a class listening to a teacher.

We teach a lot of skills that are normally never taught in books or lessons, such as how to lead a song, how to learn a chord progression quickly, how to fake a solo on the fly, and so on. Many jam classes I've seen are more about following the teacher leading everyone. We teach jam skills and repertoire that way, but the best way to get good at jamming is to practice actual jamming... so we show them how it's done and get them jamming!

We offer online playlists of the most popular jam songs, to learn by ear, supply handouts with the full unspoken ground rules and etiquette for jamming, and have our own songbook with the biggest possible print and chords given in numbers, to let singers pick their best key for singing.

Based on two decades of teaching jamming, we've tried to anticipate all needs and work hard for "customer satisfaction". To that end, all our classes are followed by detailed student surveys which get high response rates. The students tell us what's working and what's not. Pete and the teachers read those surveys carefully and learn from them in an effort to keep improving. We're not only the first to offer jam classes, we want to be by far the best!

The Wernick Method provides:

Time-tested and field-tested full lesson plans based on Pete’s experience hosting over 100 jam camps and overseeing all Wernick Method classes and camps since 2010, always guided by detailed student evaluation forms
An extensive guide for jam coaching
Student materials emailed directly to students, and supplied to teachers in hard copy at no cost, to distribute at the first class session, with name tags and other optional supplies available at cost to teachers
Online registration and receiving deposits, accounting and payment to teachers at time of the first class session
Customized advertising materials, a full page announcement and listing on our website, as well as email publicity locally and listings in online and national publication print advertising
Class evaluation by students with summary including all (anonymous) comments, shared with teacher and Pete.

What should I bring to class?

What not to bring (as they won’t be used):

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How do I register?

How do I pay the deposit?

How do I pay the balance due?

What’s included in the price?

What if there is a waitlist?

What if I need to miss a session?

What if I need to cancel my registration?

Can I get a refund if I have to cancel?

Are discounts available?

What’s the difference between a camp and a class?

What’s covered at a Wernick Method jam class or camp?

Should I start with jam class versus lessons or a class specializing in my instrument?

Are friends and family allowed at class or camp sessions?

How much individual instruction is there?

What’s different about Wernick classes compared to other jam classes?

What is your policy on “non-bluegrass” instruments (ukulele, dulcimer, autoharp, harmonica, etc)?

Any advice for future jam campers?

How should I prepare for my jam class?

Should I buy training videos or books to prepare?

What songs should I practice beforehand?

What should I bring to class?

What not to bring (as they won’t be used):

What are the requirements for Wernick Method classes and camps?

What are the average age and skill levels for jam camp?

Is it more for beginners or intermediates?

Is singing required?

Do I have to play solos?

What are the qualifications for Level 2 Wernick Method Camps (at MerleFest, Silver Bay and others)?

Do I have to know how to read tab or notation?

“But can I use it anyway?”