Bluegrass Jam 101
helps you
join the circle with confidence.
For players who
already know the basics
of their instrument,
but want to feel
more comfortable in
a bluegrass jam.
For guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and other players who already know the basics
You already know how to play.
The jam is the part that feels hard.
A lot of musicians can practice at home, play along with recordings, and handle basic songs on their own. But the fact is that making music is a lot more fun when you're playing with other people. And that's why bluegrass jams are so great!
For many people, however, the problem comes the moment they step into a jam. Everything feels different. What do you do when it’s your turn? How do you avoid overplaying? How do you handle songs you don’t know? Bluegrass Jam 101 gives you answers to those questions and much more.
This course is for you if:
You already know the basics of your instrument.
You can play simple songs, chords, and melodies.
You want to feel more comfortable in bluegrass jams.
You do not want a course on instrument fundamentals.
You want practical guidance, not advanced improvisation training.
Meet Alfred Poor,
Your Jam Leader!
Alfred Poor has performed with bluegrass and other bands for over forty years. He is an active participant in bluegrass jams at all levels and founded the Kelly Center Bluegrass Jam in Havertown, PA, which now meets twice each month and is in its fifth year. He plays mandolin, sings, and especially enjoys helping people feel welcome and comfortable in a jam.
In this video, Alfred gives you a quick overview about the course and how it will help you be a confident and welcomed participant in a bluegrass jam.
What changes after this course:
Instead of guessing, you’ll have a simple framework for how to listen, when to play, when to wait, and how to respond in common jam situations.
You’ll be less pressured and more confident in the circle. The lessons focus on real-world situations, the skills are easy to remember and use.
Inside Bluegrass Jam 101:
How a bluegrass jam works
How to find a jam near you
Jam etiquette and unwritten rules
What to do when you don’t know the tune
How to take or pass a break
Very basic strategies for simple solo breaks
How to stay relaxed, alert, and useful in the circle
Do/don’t examples that will make you a welcomed participant
Practical. Visual.
Easy to remember.
The course includes four dozen short videos and more than a dozen handouts to download. It uses simple explanations and scenario-based examples instead of heavy music theory. That makes it easier to absorb and easier to apply. If you learn best by seeing exactly what to do in common situations, this format will work well for you.
More Than a Video Library
Subscribers also get access to a discussion board where they can ask questions, share experiences, and learn from other players. Monthly live online sessions give you a chance to interact directly with Alfred, get live answers, and see examples in action. Replays are available to current subscribers, so the value continues after the live session ends. And monthly bonus handouts will give you new tunes and backing tracks.
Choose the Access Plan That Fits YOU!
Monthly Access — $17
Full course access; proceed at your own pace.
Discussion board access.
Live session access.
Replay access and monthly bonuses while subscribed.
Best Value: Yearly Access — $67
Full course access for the year.
Discussion board access.
Live session access.
Replay access and monthly bonuses while subscribed.
Biggest savings over monthly.
Questions You Might Have:
Q: Do I need to be an advanced player?
No. You should already know the basics, but you do not need advanced skills.
Q: Does this teach improvisation?
Only very basic break strategies. It is not a deep improvisation course.
Q: Is this for beginners?
It is for players who can already play basic songs or chords and want to be more confident about participating in a jam.
Q: What instruments does this cover?
Guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and other bluegrass instruments.
Q: What bonuses are included?
Current subscribers can participate in the community discussion board, join the monthly live sessions with Alfred, and access all the monthly bonus items.
Q: How many bluegrass songs are covered?
One of the key goals of the Bluegrass Jam 101 course is to show you how to play songs that you don't know. You will confidently play along with just about any bluegrass tune.
Ready to feel more comfortable in the jam?
Join Bluegrass Jam 101 and learn the practical skills that help you participate in a jam
with more confidence.
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