Some think you have to get good before you play with others.
The truth is—you get good by playing with others.
Check Out Our Partners
The Wernick Method is the wellspring for much of what we do at JamTown bluegrass camps. We love the Wernick Method and they love us!
How do I know if I'm ready for jam camp?
You don't have to know a lot or have experience.
That's what we do at jam camp. This short read will
orient you and help you to prepare. Click and learn.
What Jam Camp Is
There’s a certain satisfaction when you find your place in the circle—when all that hard work turns into teamwork.
That’s what JamTown Jam Camps are about. Stepping into the music with other people and learning how to be part of what’s happening, not just follow along from the outside. You’ll try things as you’re ready, take risks, land some, miss some, and keep on going—because the music keeps going. You’re not waiting on it anymore—you’re moving into it.
We break out for instruments, techniques, and topics, but the heart of it is jamming. Regular sessions, after-hours playing, and plenty of time in the circle where things start to click. We host both large camps and smaller, more focused groups for players at different stages—from getting started to more seasoned jammers.
What you'll step into
- Time in real jam settings with other players like you—and teachers who’ve been in your shoes
- Space to build confidence with friendly support and instruction
- Guidance as you sharpen your ear for what’s happening around you
- Better awareness of your role in the circle
- New material, ideas, and refinements that make your contribution meaningful
- Feedback when it helps—gentle correction when it’s called for, and room to work things out
- A safe friendly place where risk, failure and success all come together.
- Small groups - like in real bluegrass
What you'll work on
- Finding your key—and staying with it
- Hearing where the chord is going before it gets there
- Catching pickup notes and cleanly entering the song
- Holding a harmony part without losing your place
- Following a song—and learning how to lead one
- Building simple, workable melodies on the fly
- Developing skills to "fake" a solo
- Bluegrass singing - presence and style
- Tradition and history
- Creating that group groove and texture
- Building active anticipation - shaping the music while it's in motion
February 5-7, 2025 | $ 220.00
Saluda Bluegrass Camp
Testing this font (which I forget right now. Dang! Okay so it looks like primary text font so my altering the secondary font had no effect here. Heck, I don't even know what a secondary font is or how to use it. Sheesh!
November 7-9, 2025 | $ 325.00
Family Style Bluegrass Camp - Abingdon VA
Jubilee House Retreat Center is our favorite getaway for jam camp. March's camp is typically low key and informal. We call it Family Style. There's room for all to stay on campus and we dine at local eateries. Friday we pick in the great room from 4:00 'till late when we're sung out. Sometimes Leigh orders a pizza to keep the fires burning. Breakout sessions for instrument or topical instruction and lots of good old jamming experience all weekend long. We try and get you on the road to home by 4:00 Sunday.
April 21-25, 2025 | $ 500.00
Pre-MerleFest Jam Camp
Our big springtime jam camp at Camp Harrison YMCA. Music in the mountains of NC. Founded by Pete Wernick 26 years ago. Pete will be in attendance as we take the reigns with a focus on the One Room Schoolhouse, the model Leigh and I have been honing for a number of years. Students are grouped with attention to instrumentation, skill, singing ability, style and other preferences. Camp Harrison is a sprawling campus surrounded by forest, mountains, lakes and rivers. Traditionally Pete and I will accompany some of the jammers to perform on the Cabin Stage at MerleFest.
September 9 -12, 2025 | $ 475.00
Pre-Rhythm & Roots Bluegrass Jam Camp - Abingdon VA
Our fall flagship bluegrass jamming camp is taught according to the Wernick Method with all the hustle and bustle of lots of students and teachers, food, fun and action. Jubilee House Retreat Center is a beautiful self contained campus nestled in the green pastures and trees of Abingdon VA. Sponsored by Rhythm & Roots Music Festival. Home cooked meals, lodging (on campus and off) paid separately. After hours jamming, open mic. Free Friday pass to the festival. Click the info button to find out a whole lot more.
November 14-16, 2025 | $ 325.00
Winston/Salem NC 2025
Our inaugural event at Old Holler Farm - dating back to post revolution days. Modern electric, bathrooms, and climate control.
This One Room Schoolhouse is for all levels of skill and experience from basic to advanced. Breakout sessions for instrument or topical instruction, and lots of skills appropriate guided jamming experience. After hours jamming where everyone gets to be a part of things.
Friday dinner and lunches served.