Jam Camps

Pete Wernick’s Bluegrass Music Method.The Pete Wernick Method

After the successful 2011 Jam Camp at Golden Beach this year we are seeking to run some jam camps in other regions in Australia. We are currently planning for 2 camps for 2012. One on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast and another in Victoria’s Gippsland.

Other camps will be forthcoming when we find people on the ground in likely locations who can help to find potential venues such as motels or conference centres with meeting facilities and ample accommodation all at reasonable rates.  The assistant organiser gets to take part in the camp free of charge.

The 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)

Possible camp structure is adaptable to local needs and can be run over two or three days taking in a weekend or four days taking in two consecutive weekends if needed.

The shorter the time frame the more intense the camp teaching becomes.

The Pete Wernick Method

What are some of the most fun things about playing?

  1. Learning to make sounds that emulate your favorite musicians
  2. Playing with other musicians and having it sound good
  3. Being able to play favorite songs

What might inspire students to practice more?

  1. The prospect of playing with challenging musicians in the near future
  2. Having just heard someone playing very well
  3. Being hooked on some music you just want to hear yourself play

Pete Wernick has developed a program of teaching beginners that involves their participation in group music playing.

Pete Wernick has certified a number of teachers to help spread the word and take his proven methods to beginners around the world. In Australia we have taken up this offer and Australian Bluegrass Blog editor, Greg McGrath has become Australia’s first Wernick-Certified instructor. The first jam camp was held in May 2011 at Golden Beach on the Sunshine Coast Queensland. Read more about the first camp here.

If you’d like to see a camp held in an area closer to your region and are able to help, please email us at jamcamps@australianbluegrass.com.

Here’s what people said of our first camp:

Is there anything else you’d like to convey to the teacher?

  • Thanks Greg.  I hope for the sake of others in Australia that you find a way of doing more of these in different parts of the country.

Is there anything you’d like to convey to the Wernick Method office or Pete Wernick?

  • I thought Greg was a worthy representative.

What things did you like best about the class?

  • Greg has a very good attitude and is very good at handling any issues that arise.
  • He displays confidence but with kindness, humility and a natural sense of humour.
  • I liked the fact that it was linked to Peter Wernick, thus ensuring consistency with what is being taught and practiced elsewhere.
  • I liked the emphasis on eye contact and not using props such as word sheets, music etc.  It will encourage me even more, to learn songs off by heart, so I can concentrate on interacting during a jam.

If you’d like help us arrange a 2-3 day camp held in your region please email us at jamcamps@australianbluegrass.com.