Bluegrass Jamming Class

Taught by Ellen Carlson using the Wernick Method* Thursdays, May 9-Jun 27 • 7-9:15pm 8 Sessions $160 (repeat students $120!) Exeter, NH Exeter Recreation Dept.

Ellen Carlson has been performing on Ellen’s students say: fiddle for over 35 years, currently with the acoustic “An amazing teacher! ” roots band High Range, as well as swing, old country and Irish with Jim Prendergast. She teaches fiddle, “Supportive and easy-going, puts the guitar and mandolin, both privately and at major nervous beginner at ease.” festival including Grey Fox, Joe Val and Pemi Valley. “Lessons with Ellen are such a fun, Ellen leads the NH Fiddle Ensemble and runs her own ” camp, the Fiddleheads Acoustic Music Camp. positive learning experience! • All bluegrass instruments * Wernick Method Classes teach real bluegrass jamming! • No jamming experience necessary * in your area * * with other pickers like you *

• You will be jamming the first session! * 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 * Tab/note 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 that has taught DO YOU QUALIFY? It’s easier than you may think! If you play guitar, thousands nationwide how to fit into mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam. bluegrass music jams at their own Only requirements: You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic level. Wernick Method teachers are tuning devices welcome) and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. personally certified by Pete based on (Fiddles and basses need to know which notes work with which chords) their knowledge of bluegrass, teaching in general, and teaching bluegrass according to his methods. Fast playing is not expected, nor is the ability to solo required.