David Okay Patton

27/05/2025

A great FREE learn to Jam experience at ROMP!

08/05/2025

I'm hosting a Learn to Jam Camp in conjunction with the Spirit in the Bluegrass festival in Lexington next month!

More info on the camp here: https://wernickmethod.org/event/dp-2025-06-lexington

More info on the festival: https://www.spiritinthebluegrass.com/

14/04/2025

Some background on me:
I wanted to play the banjo since I was a kid, but school and then military service but that desire on hold. Finally, for my 35th birthday, I gave myself banjo lessons! I soon attended one of Pete Wernick’s banjo camps, where Pete challenged me to start jamming. As a result of Pete’s encouragement, I started a successful weekly jam.

My first band, Coal Creek, spun out of that jam. Coal Creek played festivals and concerts throughout Colorado and neighboring states, and hosted an annual bluegrass jam camp for several years. In 2008, I joined Steel Pennies with my wife, Kathy, and for over ten years performed at festivals, concerts, and private events. While with both bands, I hosted numerous jamming and instrumental workshops.

I could not have imagined the impact bluegrass music would have on my life that day I started banjo lessons! I am grateful for the encouragement I’ve received from so many great musicians, and deeply thankful for the many friendships I’ve made through bluegrass. I have met many of my musical heroes, and on a few occasions had the amazing experience of joining them on stage. The music has become a passion I share with my wife, Kathy, and our musical journey together has enriched our lives immensely.

12/04/2025

Here is a great video that explains the value of the Wernick Method Learn to Jam instruction!

12/04/2025

Two weeks until the Learn to Jam class in Philpot! We're still looking for a few more students If you know any "closet pickers" who are looking for a start jamming, please suggest they check out Wernick Method Jam Classes and camps that are happening soon!

More About Camps Multi-day intensive-but-relaxed instruction focused on how to jam Camps are full-immersion for two or more days, a good way to instill learning in a short time Camps tend to draw students from a wide region, to be together for a weekend Understanding instruction on following and...

10/03/2025

Wernick Jam Camp at Spirit in the Bluegrass festival!
New jam class added last week, held in conjunction with the Spirit in the Bluegrass festival in Lexington, KY, June 12-14. Here is a link with more info: https://wernickmethod.org/event/dp-2025-06-lexington
Please contact me if you have any questions!

Calling All Pickers! You'll be sent student materials as soon as you register. Learn to jam with people like you Hands-on instruction: rhythm, lead, harmony singing Learn standard bluegrass repertoire and etiquette Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching Intermediates welcome, given extra chal...

10/03/2025

Jam class near Owensboro, KY starting April 26th! Here is link for more information: https://wernickmethod.org/event/dp-2025-04-philpot
Please contact me if you have any questions.

19/02/2025

Here is a great video on the Wernick Method!

19/02/2025

Getting started as a Wernick Method Learn to Jam instructor! I'm in the Owensboro, KY area.

For my 35th birthday, I gave myself banjo lessons! I soon attended one of Pete Wernick’s banjo camps, where Pete challenged me to start jamming. As a result of Pete’s encouragement, I started a successful weekly jam. my first band, Coal Creek, spun out of that jam. Coal Creek played festivals and concerts throughout Colorado and neighboring states, and hosted an annual bluegrass jam camp for several years. In 2008, I joined Steel Pennies, and for over ten years performed at festivals, concerts, and private events. Both bands hosted numerous jamming and instrumental workshops. In 2007, I was inducted into the Colorado Bluegrass Music Society Hall of Honor.

I could not have imagined the impact bluegrass music would have on my life that day I started banjo lessons! I am grateful for the advice and encouragement I’ve received from so many great musicians, and deeply thankful for the many friendships I’ve made through bluegrass. I have met many of my musical heroes, and on a few occasions had the amazing experience of joining them on stage. The music has become a passion I share with my wife, Kathy, and our musical journey together has enriched our lives immensely.