How to Become a Wernick-Certified Bluegrass Jamming Teacher
To Prospective Jam Class Teachers, December 26, 2011
Sections:
Overview
Pete Wernick has created a new format for teaching bluegrass, having formalized his methods of bluegrass jamming instruction and certifying teachers to offer weekly bluegrass jam classes. The Wernick Method office in Kentucky supports the classes with a smooth-running organization responsible for administration, guidance, evaluation, and a healthy measure of promotion.
Wernick Method teachers say:
"You guys have been a great support for me the whole way. You've done everything you said you would, and I appreciate your clear, common sense communication." (Gilbert Nelson, NC)
"Thank you very much for all you do. I could not do this without Pete's great lead and Rick's help. Lots of encouragement, and good ideas." (Patsy Kline. PA)
"This method really works!" (Ira Gitlin, DC)
"Good ideas to put into practical use. All the publicity is really encouraging people to sign up!" (Heidi Olsen, NJ)
"I'm feeling pretty confident, especially with Pete's helpful instructor materials. Pete was also very helpful in a phone conversation after my first class." (Lynn Young, WY)
Certified teachers receive written and video training in the Wernick Method with personalized support, publicity through the popular DrBanjo.com (a.k.a. BluegrassJamming.com) website, email, and the creation of individualized publicity materials. While scheduling and pricing are left to the individual teachers, The Wernick Method handles registration, collecting fees, teacher payments, student orientation, student rosters and study materials, and evaluating classes.
Twenty-five teachers nationwide and in Australia have received Wernick Method certification. Thirty classes have been completed, with over 400 students registered. Publicity for the Wernick Method is ongoing, with web ads on Banjo Hangout and all the other “Hangout” sites (fiddle, resonator guitar, etc.), Mandolin Café, Folkjam.org, BluegrassMusicJams.com, etc. and print ads including several color full-pages in Bluegrass Unlimited, Bluegrass Music Profiles, and half-pages in Flatpicking Guitar, Fiddler, etc.
Student satisfaction, as measured in detailed anonymous evaluation forms, is very high, with the figures from our first 38 classes (through the end of 2011) showing::
5 |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
| Satisfying | 199 |
73 |
12 |
3 |
1 |
| Good learning experience | 205 |
68 |
13 |
4 |
0 |
| Fun | 206 |
64 |
15 |
4 |
0 |
| Worth Money | 206 |
60 |
13 |
7 |
2 |
Wernick Method students say:
“You have a wonderful program—well done.” “This class exceeded my expectations in a huge way!” “I am impressed that you improve the quality of the course with surveys and feedback.” “Your method is most fun and rewarding. This is the way music should be taught!” “This is the method I’ve been looking for, learning to jam with others without using books and training my ear!” “I learned a lot more than I ever thought I would. It was great value and I will be spreading the word.” |
“I would do it again!” “You make it friendly and informal. Good job!” “I really love the approach to music theory. Never tried to learn by ear before—so much fun.” “The slow jamming and instruction on jams was a blessing! The songs are easy for any beginnner.” “I would recommend this class to anyone and would enjoy taking another.” “It really demystified how bluegrass players are able to instantly put together music even if they have never met before.” |
How Do I Get Certified?
In the current period of the Wernick Method (est. 2010) seeking to build its base of teachers to reach all 50 states as well as points in Canada and overseas, we are eager to certify qualified teachers.
To qualify, teachers must show a multi-year involvement with bluegrass music, preferably as both a performer and teacher. There is no need to be a multi-instrumentalist, but all teachers are expected to be able to play rudimentary bluegrass guitar. As a minimum, teachers must be familiar as a participant in bluegrass jamming, and have experience professionally teaching a bluegrass instrument. Group teaching experience is valuable but not required.
In most cases, a teacher will be asked to provide a recorded sample of their playing, preferably as part of a group, to show their competence as a player who can play rhythm and lead on a bluegrass instrument, and sing reasonably in-pitch. The sample can be digital music file (email to rick@drbanjo.com) or hard copy (CD or tape) mailed to: Wernick Method, 2317 Barnetts Creek Rd, Columbia KY 42728.
Also, teachers will generally be asked to provide at least two emailed recommendations, at least one from a music colleague, and one from a student, stating the teacher’s ability to play and responsibly teach bluegrass music. Note that upon certification, at least four student quotes will be needed to promote the teacher’s first class.
The applicant must also complete a form supplying contact information and answering brief questions about their music and teaching experience, submitted to the Wernick Method Office.
Upon submission of the form (and the recorded sample and recommendations, unless those are waived by Pete Wernick), Pete will arrange a one-to-two-hour phone call with the applicant, to get to know each other and discuss the teacher’s experience and the Wernick Method. If Pete feels comfortable that the teacher is qualified to try a provisionally-certified first Wernick Method class, by the end of the call he will grant provisional certification, pending the receipt by the Wernick Method Office of the signed Wernick Method Essentials document:
Every Wernick Method teacher must carefully read the one-page document Wernick Method Essentials (available on DrBanjo.com, and also included with Wernick Method orientation materials sent to prospective teachers), and feel comfortable adhering to those principles when teaching a Wernick Method class. For the granting of provisional certification, a copy of that document, with agreement to teach by those principles, must be signed and returned to the Wernick Method Office.
Once that signed document is received, the teacher will be mailed a “Provisional Wernick Method Teaching Certificate” good for one multi-session Wernick Method class. Further (five-year) certification will be granted following the completion of a class with 10 or more students, considered worthy of certification by Pete Wernick (details below).
Currently there is no cost to apply for provisional Wernick Method certification.
The Setup of a Wernick Method Jam Class
Upon provisional certification by Pete Wernick, teachers receive by mail (not-to-be-copied) teacher training materials: lesson plans for weekly classes, a jam coaching guide, and teacher training videos and CD. Consultations with Pete re the teaching are available via phone and email, as is regular contact with the Wernick Method Office (run by Rick Saenz at rick@drbanjo.com) regarding administrative matters. A weekly newsletter is emailed to all certified Wernick Method teachers, with current signup statistics and web pageviews, plus news of Wernick Method progress.
Once a teacher is certified, he/she is expected to promptly find a class venue that meets basic criteria provided, followed by a phone call with the Wernick Method Office reviewing details of the venue, class size factors, pricing, the possible use of an assistant, and ways to advertise the class.
Teachers set the tuition, time and place of the classes, number of sessions, and class maximum and minimum. (For class sizes over 9, an additional room and assistant/coach are needed for the 2nd half of class sessions, coached small group jam time.) Recommended class length is 2.5-3 hours, and suggested pricing is based on $8-10 per teaching hour, or roughly $25 per session. As an example, an 8-session class might then cost $200 or $195.
For each class, the DrBanjo cut is the 1st, 12th, and 20th tuitions, (i.e., one tuition for 1-11 students, two tuitions for 12-19 students, three tuitions for 20 or more students) and one tuition for each seven additional students. All other income goes to the teacher, who pays any rent, incidental expenses, and outside advertising costs.
For publicity purposes, the teacher must provide:
- A black and white or color “head shot” (photo of their face in a nice expression) with their instrument visible
- No less than 4 student quotes indicating satisfaction with the teacher’s way of teaching, with some emphasis preferred on how they make novices comfortable
- Short bio (under 100 words) including their main band associations, teaching experience, and honors such as contest wins.
Upon receipt of the above materials, and with a venue chosen, and dates and pricing determined, the Wernick Method Office creates, generally within a week, the class’s web page and flyer, for approval by Pete and the teacher. With that approval, the class is officially scheduled and promptly listed on DrBanjo.com, and the pdf master of the flyer sent to the teacher for printing and distribution.
Promotion includes two emails by the Wernick Method Office (one far in advance, the other usually two weeks out) to the Wernick Method’s list of people within approximately an hour’s drive of the teaching venue (target audience is mutually agreed on by the teacher and W.M. Office). Teachers may request as needed, with a week or two lead time, and receive customized print and web ads and radio announcements created at no charge by the Wernick Method Office. Students register through the DrBanjo.com website, though if a class is to be offered through a music store or other sponsoring organization, other arrangements are possible.
Unless other arrangements are made, the Wernick Method Office registers students, collects tuitions and promptly sends the students their class materials (by mail, and if registration is shortly before class starts, also by email). In time for the first class, the Office emails the student roster to the teacher for printing and distributing to students. On the day of the first class, the Office mails a check for collected tuitions to the teacher. Additional student materials are mailed to the teacher in time for distribution at subsequent classes.
If the teacher desires, the Wernick Method Office can arrange for Pete’s Jamming DVDs (and other Homespun instructional DVDs) and his Bluegrass Songbook to be shipped to them at wholesale prices, for sale to students and/or their own use.
The evaluation process is a critical part of the Wernick Method system. After the first two sessions of the teacher’s first class, the Office emails all students a comment form for return to the Office by email. Anonymous answers are shared with both Pete and the teacher, and as needed, Pete may want to consult with the teacher by email or phone. Following the last class, a more detailed student evaluation form is emailed and the results are shared with all (anonymous) comments and a summary forwarded to both the teacher and Pete.
Following a teacher’s first (provisionally-certified) class, Pete consults with the teacher by phone and determines whether the teacher receives full certification, good for five years, or continued provisional certification, or denies further certification. (To date, no teacher has been denied further certification.) The key factor in full certification is the student evaluations viewed as a whole. While perfection is never expected, closely following the Wernick Method Essentials and student satisfaction are the main determinants.
FAQs
Is there a minimum number for a class?
That is at the teacher’s discretion. Our method of getting paid covers our minimum. If a class is canceled, we of course refund any tuitions paid.
Is there a maximum number for a class?
We can play this by ear but it depends on the available space, the skills and comfort level of the teacher, and the quality of the assistance available for small group jam coaching. Generally Pete has limited his camp class size to 33 or 35, though he has handled as many as 60.
What are the exact requirements for the class venue?
For up to nine people in the class, a space that will fit all nine and their instruments is all that's required. The place should be reasonably comfortable with adequate chairs for all to sit if desired… and for guitar players especially, chairs without arms are necessary. The venue must be reasonably accessible by car with nearby parking, and with running water and bathrooms available.
If the class is 10 or more, then in the second half of each class ("jam time") the students are divided into two groups. Then there is a need for a breakout space that will not only fit the people and instruments, but will allow the two (or more) groups to play without interfering with each other.
In outdoor locations in warm weather, generally only shade and shelter from rain are required. For indoor places, climate control is necessary.
Am I required to teach to the letter strictly according to the Wernick Method, or may I include my own methodology?
This has to be considered case by case. The Wernick Method is spelled out clearly in the Teacher Guide each certified teacher is provided, and a single-page summary called Wernick Method Essentials can be found in the Teachers section of DrBanjo.com.
If you have different methods or ideas you intend to use, Pete will want to know what they are, and he'll let you know his recommendation. The specifics of his method can be flexible, but need to be consistent with the essential philosophy. Teachers are always welcome to consult with Pete about teaching methods. It’s possible that a teacher consultation will result in an expansion of the Wernick Method!
What exactly does it mean to be Wernick-certified?
It means you are eligible to run a Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Class. If you have a specific proposal to run a class, the venue and schedule must be OK'ed and the class is then scheduled and advertised.
What makes a Wernick Method jam class different from one someone else may be doing?
The Wernick Method provides:
- Time-tested and field-tested full lesson plans based on Pete’s experience hosting over 60 jam camps, all guided by student evaluation forms
- An extensive guide for jam coaching
- Student materials mailed directly to students, and name tags and appropriate supplies sent to teachers
- The registration and payment process
- Customized advertising materials, a full page announcement and home page listing on Pete's web site, as well as email publicity locally and occasional mention in national publication print advertising
- Class evaluation by students including full summaries and anonymously-presented student comments.
What if a student can only make it to some of the classes, or is relatively advanced and doesn't need the elementary first classes?
In general, we prefer the class not be fragmented by inconsistent attendance, but exceptions may be made. For more advanced players, it can be a useful challenge to play at slow speeds (with extra-challenging assignments given that can be addressed in the context of a slow jam), and there are many benefits of the first jam classes even with novices present. Players willing to lead slow and easy songs are given those opportunities and receive valuable experience.
What is the policy re setting tuition?
We leave that completely to the individual teacher, according to what he/she thinks fits the market. Suggested rates are based on $8-10 per teaching hour.
Who pays for the production of flyers, or the cost of advertising?
The teacher or a sponsor (working with the teacher) pays. The Wernick Method office provides customized pdf files for the printing of flyers, or print or web ads as needed.
How much lead time is needed for advertising a class?
Optimally, two or more months' lead time maximizes attendance. However, the ideal lead time can vary according to the local situation: If there are easy ways of getting the word out at a place where many lessons are taught, or in a community with good coverage by bluegrass media (such as internet networks, local publications, or radio programs), publicity might only need to appear starting a few weeks ahead of the class.
What is the procedure regarding hiring, overseeing, and paying of assistants?
Assistants are hired at the discretion of the Wernick Method teacher, with respect to their qualifications and ability to coach small group jamming. The first two or three classes involving more than one small-group jam must have each jam attended at all times by either the teacher or an assistant. After the small-group jams are determined by the teacher to be able to go on without important difficulties (insufficient material, “train wrecks”, etc.), it’s not necessary for all jams to be always attended by a teacher or assistant. The teacher may rotate between groups while leaving one or more unattended, at his/her discretion.
When student registration reaches 10, and a second jam group will then be necessary, the teacher is expected to arrange for an assistant to at least be there for the small-group jam time for the first two or three class sessions. Or the teacher may arrange for the assistant to be there during the entire class, for as many class sessions as the teacher chooses.
Any pay arrangement for the assistant is worked out between the teacher and the assistant, and not overseen by the Wernick Method Office.
The name and mailing address of the assistant must be emailed to the Wernick Method Office as soon as the assistant is arranged for, so that the Office may send him/her by mail a (not-to-be-copied) copy of the Jam Coaching Guide. The assistant is expected to study the guide, to abide by it during coaching sessions. The teacher is expected to stay in touch with the assistant after each class session, to make sure the assistant is aware of and working well with the Wernick Method principles embodied in the Coaching Guide. If student comments reflect that the assistants are not doing their job according to Wernick Method principles, the teacher will be asked to do a better supervisory job.
In the event of a class needing to be canceled or rescheduled, what is the procedure?
By mutual agreement with the Wernick Method Office, a deadline by which a minimum must be reached is set, and if that deadline passes with insufficient registrations, the Office or teacher makes the contacts to announce the cancellation and the Office refunds the payments to students.
If a teacher’s schedule requires a rescheduling of all or some of the class sessions, whether before or after the start of the class, the Office or teacher consult about how to make sure the students are informed of the change in the timeliest way possible. If any student is thereby unable to attend any or all rescheduled classes, he/she is given the opportunity for a refund.
What about the Wernick Method classes that are taught at bluegrass festivals?
We are excited about the possibilities, explored and experimented with during the summer of 2011, of teaching shortened jam classes at bluegrass festivals. We limit our involvement with these classes to supporting only those Wernick Method teachers who have experience teaching weekly classes, due to the extra demands of teaching classes in “festival mode”, which we consider more demanding.