Bluegrass Jamming Class
Taught by
Leslie Dare & Susan West
using the Wernick Method*
Wednesdays,
May 6-Jun 10
6:30-9pm
Tuition: $195
Early Signup Discount:
$10 until Apr 6!

$10 discount for family members!

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FAQs
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Leslie Dare & Susan West have found great synergy in working together to teach others the essentials of bluegrass jamming. Both grew up with music but after being musically inactive for many years, both joined the bluegrass community through their experiences at camps run by Pete and Joan Wernick, re-discovering the joys of music later in life. Leslie plays guitar and Susan plays mandolin and bass. They are both active in the Raleigh, NC-area jamming scene, including regular participation with the Raleigh chapter of the Handsome Ladies.
Email Leslie & Susan
  •  Visit Leslie & Susan's website

Leslie & Susan's students say:

“Susan West and Leslie Dare are both excellent musicians and teachers. I have been impressed with their ability to help others learn and grow.”
“Leslie has a very calming and positive energy which informs her interactions with other jammers. She articulates clear, encouraging ideas for improvement when I've felt awkward or self-conscious about my performance and skills.”
“Susan is a positive, encouraging, and kind teacher who has a love for the music.”
“Leslie is a talented, welcoming leader who makes jamming fun for everyone, regardless of their level of proficiency.”
“Other jam leaders have made me feel intimidated; Susan has such an encouraging approach, and you sense that anything is possible.”
“Both Susan and Leslie are great at leading jams. They are both very relaxed, but focused in Jam settings. They go out of their way to involve everyone.”
All registrants receive a coupon code for $10 off any Jam DVD!
Once we receive your deposit we'll contact you via email with class preparation 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.
  • All bluegrass instruments welcome
  • No jamming experience necessary
  • You will be jamming the first class!
  • Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching.
  • Mistakes expected!
  • Music reading not needed or used
  • Singing not required, but encouraged and taught.
  • Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds.
  • Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught.
  • Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges

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 [email protected]

For ALL instruments!

Watch a class, and hear what students and teacher say!

*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
  • 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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