17 songs, just 4 chords and SLOW tempos. This DVD will help you prepare for your first jam class.
Bluegrass Jam Camp
taught by
Maggie Bilby
using the Wernick Method*
Jackson MI,
April 20-22, 2018
at
Holiday Inn Express & Suites
Fri 2-5pm, Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 9am-1pm
Tuition $195--$175 until April 1! (Additional discount for returning students--email Maggie for details.)
NOTE: All slots in this camp have been filled. Join the waitlist by clicking on the button below.
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Maggie Bilby has been singing and playing bluegrass music for over 30 years, on banjo, guitar, reso guitar and bass. She's performed with Old South, Dry County Pickers, many impromptu bands, and in the play "Cotton Patch Gospel". She and her husband have conducted jam workshops for the Northern Indiana Bluegrass Music Assn.'s festivals and assisted at one for the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Assn. She says, "Bluegrass music has been a LARGE part of my life and continues to excite, stretch and interest me!"
Closet pickers, this is for you!
- • All bluegrass instruments welcome
- • No jamming experience necessary
- • You will be jamming the first morning!
Join waitlist
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.
Camp Flyer (PDF)
FAQsHow 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 Maggie's students
“Maggie is easy to understand and it is obvious that she really cares about her students. She was always encouraging.”
“I enjoyed the friendly interaction with the staff and other students. It was the first time I ever sang in front of people.”
“Maggie did an amazing job. She got everyone to a better spot than they were before. Everyone learned how to jam, everyone had a great time and felt like they were a part of the bluegrass community.”
“She always has good advice and friendly encouragement... very helpful and polite, always positive, an excellent Bluegrass instructor for the beginner.”
“Maggie is clear in her explanations and has a way that encourages questions to be asked without any feeling of embarrassment.”
“I finally learned how to play backup, sing and transition from lead to backup.”
“I was able for the first time to understand the mechanics or format of a jam. It eliminated much of the fear-factor.”
“I had a great time and I'm more motivated than ever to move my playing up a level.”
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.
