Bluegrass Jamming Class

Taught by Heidi Olsen using the Wernick Method*

Tuesdays Jun 5-July 31 (ex. Jul 17)

8 sessions 7-9:30pm, tuition $195

Manasquan, NJ

There is currently a waiting list for banjo players.

Heidi Olsen has long been involved in the bluegrass scene in the Central New Jersey area, playing banjo with her band "Heidi Olsen and The Night", and hosting "Bluegrass Jam" on Brookdale Public Radio (90.5 FM) since 2001. Heidi's mission in life is to pass on her love of bluegrass by encouraging others to sing and play together. To that end she started a workshop ten years ago which has introduced many students to the joys of jamming. Students praise Heidi's patient teaching style and her ability to get everyone jamming in a non-threatening environment.
Students at Heidi's most recent jam class say:

"Learning with Heidi has allowed me to develop the confidence to play out with others – a dream I had all but forgotten."

"I never enjoyed playing or practicing until Heidi made it click for me!"

"If it wasn't for Heidi, I don't think I would even be playing bluegrass music."

" Heidi is very enthusiastic, supportive, and encouraging. She makes you smile!"

There is currently a waiting list for banjo players.

Sign up now and we'll send a full information packet
preparing you for the class and the world of jamming!
$50 deposit holds your spot! ($145 balance due at first class)

Choose full tuition or deposit
Main instrument

Once you've paid, we'll contact you via email for registration info.
Prefer to pay with check or money order? Email rick@drbanjo.com for details.
50% of deposit refunded if you cancel more than one month in advance.

  • All bluegrass instruments welcome
  • No jamming experience necessary
  • You will be jamming the first class!
  • Friendly encouraging knowledgeable teaching.
  • Mistakes allowed!
  • Singing not required, but encouraged and taught.
  • Easy 2 and 3-chord songs, slow speeds.
  • Soloing not required! "Faking" solos taught.

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:

  • You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic tuning devices welcome) and
  • change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. (Fiddles and basses need to know which notes work with which chords)

For more info or to send payment in the mail,
email rick@drbanjo.com



*
Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!
  • Hands-on learning in large and small groups
  • Learn many bluegrass standards
  • Gentle tempos!
  • Full ground rules and etiquette of typical jams
  • How to lead songs and how to follow new songs
  • How to find melodies, fake solos, sing harmony
  • Ear skills taught and emphasized, as in real bluegrass
  • Reading skills not needed/relevant
  • Group and individualized instruction on backup skills
  • Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching

Pete Wernick ("Dr. Banjo", originator of Banjo Camps and Bluegrass Jam Camps) 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.

Practice jamming at home!

17 songs, just 4 chords and SLOW tempos. This DVD will help you prepare for your first jam class.
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