Local music school brings nationally recognized Wernick Method Bluegrass Jam Camp back to Davis, June 12-14.
When participants arrived at the first-ever Bluegrass Jam Camp in Davis last January, many had never played music with other people before. Two days later, they were performing traditional bluegrass tunes together — and some have been jamming at local bluegrass gatherings and in living rooms and garages ever since.
Now the camp is returning to Davis for a second session, June 12-14, 2026, hosted at Watermelon Music in partnership with Friends of Watermelon Music.
The camp is built around the Wernick Method, an internationally recognized bluegrass education program founded by Pete Wernick — banjo player for the legendary Hot Rize and inductee of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame. Since its founding in 2010, the Wernick Method has taught more than 18,000 students to play music together across 47 states and 14 countries.
The format is deliberately hands-on. Rather than lectures or individual practice, participants spend the weekend playing together from the start — learning rhythm, chord progressions, song structure, and improvisation through doing, not watching.
“Really, what this camp is about is getting together and building community,” said David Abramson, instructor and founder of PlayReady Music. “For a lot of people, this is their first experience making music with others, or their first time playing bluegrass. By the end of the weekend, that changes.”
The January camp concluded with a full group performance of “Bury Me Beneath the Willow,” with an audience of family and friends joining in the fun. In the months since, alumni have attended regional bluegrass festivals, formed their own playing groups, and begun hosting informal jams in their neighborhoods.
The June camp is open to players of all experience levels on guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and bass. All participants need are basic chords G, C, D, and A. Registration is currently open.
January participants describe the experience in their own words:
“The weekend gave me the confidence I need to go to jams and play bluegrass with other people, which is something I have always wanted to do.” — Michelle, Davis
“I have never encountered such an inclusive, approachable, fun, and effective way of learning to play. The philosophy of the Wernick Method and the teaching methods are remarkable.” — Michelle, Davis
“I have been notoriously nervous about learning a string instrument, and how to jam with others, until David came into my life. Before I knew it, like in five minutes, I was jamming. This was so gratifying for me. He created a safe atmosphere for me to come out of my musical shell and have fun, take risks, and learn something new.”
For registration and full details, visit: playreadymusic.com/bluegrass.
Extensive media footage — photo and video — from the January camp is available upon request.
About PlayReady Music: PlayReady Music is a Davis-based music education studio founded by David Abramson, whose passion is helping people learn how to jam and play music with others and to build musical community and make music accessible to everyone. Learn more at playreadymusic.com.
About the Wernick Method: The Wernick Method is an international bluegrass education program founded in 2010 by Pete Wernick, banjo player for Hot Rize and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee. The program has offered more than 1,600 camps and classes in 47 states and 14 countries, teaching over 18,000 students to play music together. Learn more at wernickmethod.org.
About Watermelon Music: Watermelon Music is a beloved independent music store in Davis, California, serving the local music community for over 25 years (30 if you include their time as Second Street Music). Friends of Watermelon Music is a nonprofit organization supporting the store’s role as a cultural hub for the Davis community. Learn more at https://watermelonmusic.com/
