Taught by Gilbert Nelson using the Wernick Method*
October 16-18, 2020
Abingdon, VA – Jubilee House Retreat Center
Friday 4-8pm; Saturday 10-6pm; Sunday 10-4pm
Tuition: $300
Assisted by Leigh Nelson
Saturday and Sunday lunch included. On-site private accommodations available; contact Leigh Nelson for more information.
Our two consecutive weekend Abingdon camps’ agendas (this one and Oct. 23-25) will be essentially the same, but “entry level” will be emphasized at the earlier camp and “experienced level” at the later one. All are welcome to attend either camp or both. Not sure which is the better for you? Contact Gilbert Nelson and he’ll help you figure it out!
- Dates shown for this and all WM classes are “tentative” — expected but subject to change.
- We welcome you to register and promptly receive 18 pages of useful student materials, with access to video playlist of 116 jam favorites and great ways to work on jam skills!
- If dates of this class change, we will promptly update this page and notify all registrants.
- Deposits fully refundable on request until 7 days pre-class — a change from our usual policy.
- Watch our class listing, always updated, and go here to be notified of future classes.
Safety precautions to be taken at this camp:
- All Wernick Method classes/camps will be conducted either outdoors or in very well-ventilated indoor spaces.
- Safe 6′ distancing at all times
- Temperature screening of all participants upon arrival, followed by all washing hands
- Prior disinfecting of common surfaces (doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, etc.)
- Student materials (all paper) will not touched, except by just-washed hands, for at least 24 hours before distribution.
- Anything handed from one participant to another (such as a borrowed tuner or capo) will be disinfected before transfer.
- With these measures taken, we expect that all can relax and enjoy the class!
Gilbert Nelson has been a regular on the jam scene for 30 years, with a passion for jamming, performing and teaching a variety of instruments. Gilbert’s teaching is action packed and always encouraging, emphasizing fun and success, providing a safe and supportive learning environment while still finding ways to stretch comfort zones and bring students to a higher level of musical maturity. Gilbert leads his own band “The Jam Town Grass” as well as coaching other groups in musicianship and stagecraft.
Gilbert’s students say:
“You can see the passion that he has for both teaching and playing music. Very friendly, very welcoming and very knowledgeable.”
“I highly recommend the class and would do it again in a heart beat.”
“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?”
“Gilbert and Leigh, you have empowered me this weekend . . . I’ll have you to thank the rest of my life.”
“I can count on one hand the master teachers I’ve known and Gilbert is one of them.”
“You’ve given a 58 year-old guy with no “ear” who started with music less than 2 years ago, the belief that I can reach my dream of being able to play music with other people!”
“Gilbert has a fabulous touch and a way to bring a true beginner up to and over their comfort zone.”
“Jamming with Gilbert is one of life’s real pleasures. I’ve never met anyone so positive and interested in others’ success. He makes learning fun.”
*Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming!
- All bluegrass instruments welcome
- No jamming experience necessary
- You will be jamming the first class!
- Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching.
- Gentle tempos! 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.
- Understanding, low-pressure, time-tested teaching
- Intermediates welcome, and given added challenges
- Hands-on learning in large and small groups
- Learn many bluegrass standards
- 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
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].
