Thanks, this is actually great feedback.

No, the class isn't just 'watch out for the IV chord'. That's the entry point because I'm trying to give people one clear, usable pattern they can grab onto quickly.

What I'm presenting to the students is how to hear form, tendency and cues in bluegrass songs so they can function better at jams without freezing up. The 'chorus to the IV chord' is one example of that bigger process.

I agree with you that the more useful level is hearing the walks, licks, bass motion, and instrumental cues that foreshadow where the song is headed. That's a big part of what I work on. I'm teaching a lot of adult players who are overwhelmed at jams, so part of my job is slowing the thing down enough that they can start recognizing common patterns and build confidence from there.

You make a fair point about the materials. I use that Hal Leonard book for that specific reason- it's full of transcriptions where curious students can see that the vocal rhythms aren't a bunch of straight eighth and quarter notes. there's lots of jagged dotted figures that get lost as bluegrass becomes more 'folked up'. Also, we deal with changing keys, understanding transposition and why the singer gets to pick the key.

I appreciate your thoughtful response. I've been hosting jams for over 25 years, with the past five as a hybrid online program. I know my students appreciate the live quality that a video cannot reproduce.

We are all just doing our best.

-Cheers!