Practice jamming at home!

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

Bluegrass Jam Camp

taught by Gilbert Nelson

assisted by Dee Rosser & Leigh Nelson

using the Wernick Method*

Jubilee House Retreat Center
Abingdon VA • Sept. 18-21, 2018
2-6pm Tue, 10am-6pm Wed. - Fri.

Tuition $299 incl. lunches + Friday festival pass for Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Sign Up Now!

We'll email you full information you'll need for the class and the world of jamming! $120 deposit holds your spot! ($179 balance due at first session)

Sign me up!

All registrants receive a coupon code for $10 off any Jam DVD!

Once we receive your payment, we'll contact you via email for registration info. Prefer to pay with check or money order? Email [email protected] for details. 50% of payment refunded if you cancel more than one month in advance.

Closet pickers, this is for you!

All bluegrass instruments welcome
No jamming experience necessary
You will be jamming the first morning!
Encouraging teaching by Gilbert + Leigh Nelson

Camp Flyer (PDF) Current Space Availability

FAQs

How you qualify

It's easier than you may think!

If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or resonator guitar 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. Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required.

Intermediates welcome! You will be given extra challenges and jamming opportunities

Comments from Gilbert's students

“Gilbert and Leigh, you have empowered me this weekend... I’ll have you to thank the rest of my life.”

“I highly recommend the class and would do it again in a heart beat.”

“I wish I had met Gilbert years ago!”

“Thanks for the help and confidence I received, letting me feel I could do this.”

“He made everyone feel welcome and important to the success of the group.”

“Why didn't someone explain these things to me before?”

“I can count on one hand the master teachers I’ve known and Gilbert is one of them.”

“Gilbert, you have an uncanny way of blindfolding my musical presuppositions . . .you always find ways to help me ‘get it’.”

Questions?

Visit our FAQ section. If you still have questions feel free to email us at [email protected].

Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!

Hands-on learning in large and small groups
Learn many bluegrass standards
Gentle tempos! Mistakes expected!
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 or used
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.