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General & Registration Questions
Click on a Question below to see the Answer.
Fiddle Hell Online is Thursday-Sunday, April 13-16, 2023, with sessions replayable for the next 4 months. It's virtual, so FHO is wherever you are!
In normal times, the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival is a yearly gathering of fiddlers, cellists, mandolin & guitar & old-time banjo players, and singers to meet, jam, learn, listen, and have fun. It's both friendly and diverse, and covers many traditional musical styles. This is still true now that we're ONLINE! As a registered attendee, you'll have an amazing choice of 160 workshops, 30 concerts, and 30 jam sessions. Not only can you attend these sessions when they are live, but you can replay videos of any sessions during Fiddle Hell Online and for 4 months afterwards. Teaching at FHO is primarily by ear although sheet music may occasionally be available.
Attendance and participation are from your laptop, desktop, tablet, phone, or other device. You'll be joining Zoom sessions conveniently reached (through our event software called "Whova") from a web browser or mobile app. At face-to-face Fiddle Hell, you had to make a difficult choice of where to go in each time slot; for FHO, you'll be able to replay videos of prior sessions for the next 4 months, so you won't miss your favorite instructors, workshop topics, jams, and performers. Optionally, you can access the online community once you register (it's live now right here), for discussions, messaging, exhibitors, and technical help if you need it.
Some instructors will be listed by the end of January, and most sessions by the end of February, 2023. Please look at https://fiddlehell.org/staff and https://fiddlehell.org/schedule. Once you have bought your Fiddle Hell Online ticket, and set up your Whova account (see the question on Whova setup), you can also peruse the sessions and instructors through the Whova Agenda > Sessions and Agenda > Instructr menus. If there are sessions you'd like to remember, add them to "My Agenda" in Whova. There is also a (downloadable) Whova Mobile App available as an alternative way to view the schedule, staff, and community topics.
You can attend any and all sessions (unless you have a "Concerts Only" ticket); there are no individual session signups.
Whova is the event system that helps you access Zoom sessions on the agenda, view and download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.
If you've bought your Fiddle Hell Online ticket, here's how to set up a Whova account. Using your LAPTOP or DESKTOP computer, ideally with the Chrome browser, go to https://www.fiddlehellonline.org to set up your Whova account and sign in to Fiddle Hell Online once you've registered. At that website, where it says "Don't have an account?" click "Sign up here". Sign in with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee, and create a new password. On a laptop or desktop computer, you don't need to download any software - the Whova system is browser-based.
For iPads or other mobile devices, DO NOT follow that link! First, download the Whova Event & Conference App, then use the App to establish your Whova account, and only then look for the Fiddle Hell Online event in the App. Here's how to get apps on an iPad: https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-apps-ipad9b4cea76/ipados
For iPads and iPhones, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the App Store preview: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whova-event-conference-app/id716979741
For Android tablets and Android phones, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the Play Store preview: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whova.event
Levels are discussed in detail at https://fiddlehell.org/info/session-levels. Our four levels are approximations that you can use as guidelines to help pick your workshops and jams.
Levels indicate two things: the difficulty of the material covered and the pace of the session. L1 (beginner) sessions will have the easiest material and will be at a slow pace. L4 (advanced) sessions will have the most difficult material and will be at a rapid pace. L2 (low intermediate) and L3 (high intermediate) levels are in between.
Of course, your level may vary by instrument, by style, by technical facility, by ability to learn by ear, and more. Feel free to attend any workshops and jams you'd like, expecting that they will be taught and led at the advertised level(s). Also, feel free to leave any Zoom session that doesn't feel right for you and join a different one. You can always return to the agenda to see what's happening live at the same time.
There are 30 concerts, 30 jams, and 160 workshops. During each of the four days April 13-16, we'll alternate one-hour sessions with 30-minute breaks, going from 10AM ET to 10PM ET. In almost every time slot, you'll find a concert, a jam, and 4 or 5 workshops (except during the Saturday Night Concert). To decide which sessions to attend, look at the style (such as Old-Time, Irish, Scottish, New England, Bluegrass, etc.), the target instruments (such as fiddle, cello, guitar, mandolin, old-time banjo, ...), the instructors or performers, the level of the session, and of course the session title and description. You won't miss out since you'll be able to replay sessions for 4 months afterwards, so it's fun to stretch out and try a new style or instrument - or just to relax and watch a fun concert. You don't need to sign up for individual sessions - just go where you like.
Yes, kids can attend FHO! There is a 10% discount for kids, and an additional 10% discount for early bird tickets (and it's even less if they qualify as an additional household member). Kids are welcome at all sessions; the session description should be useful in making decisions about what will interest them. There are no sessions specifically for kids in the Online version of Fiddle Hell, due to online privacy restrictions. Please read on for details, which are different for different ages of kids.
A parent or legal guardian can purchase a ticket for an older kid (13-17). The parent or guardian will need to supervise and monitor their child's participation in FHO, and take full responsibility for their child's safe and appropriate participation in FHO. During the registration process, the parent or guardian purchasing the child's ticket will need to accept these additional terms.
A parent or legal guardian can purchase a ticket for a younger kid (12 or under). The parent or guardian must also purchase their own ticket (possibly as an additional household member). To comply with the U.S. Children’s Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), there are important, required procedures to avoid sharing personal information about the kid, which includes name, display name, audio, video, chat posting, and more. While the kid can hear and see any sessions, during live sessions the kid should not be identified, nor audible, nor visible, since these sessions are recorded for later replay. During the registration process, the parent or guardian purchasing the ticket will need to accept these additional terms. It is not an option to consent to share personal information about a younger kid, since such permission could later be withdrawn, and the actions required of Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC (such as removing videos) in association with a revoked consent could be burdensome and challenging to comply with.
The price for an Adult (26-64) is $184, for access to all sessions (concerts, jams, workshops) during FHO and for 4 months afterwards.
We offer 10% discounts to $166 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Kids (13-17), Kids (12 or under), and American String Teacher Association (ASTA) members..
We offer additional 10% early bird discounts by March 31st to $166 for Adults (26-64), and to $149 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Kids (13-17), Kids (12 or under) and ASTA members. The earlier you sign up, the more giveaway drawings you'll be entered for (including the amazing "head" violin giveaway), and the more free workshops you'll be able to attend before FHO starts.
Tickets for CONCERTS ONLY are $100, with an early bird discount of 10%, for any age.
Any additional household member wishing to attend ANY concerts, workshops, or jams also needs to register (for the reduced price of $100, or $90 with early bird discount). And all registered attendees are welcome to the Saturday Night Concert; there are no separate tickets for it.
Sure, you could wait until the last moment ... But if you register right away for Fiddle Hell Online, you'll get free workshops online before FHO, and you'll be entered in various giveaways of books, CDs, online lessons from instructors, and even a great fiddle! You'll also gain early access to the event.
Register now to plan your own agenda (with the My Agenda feature), ask questions about sessions, see announcements about new sessions, post to community discussion topics (like instruments for sale), test out your connections and software, and look through our online exhibitors.
You'll need to be registered to apply for a performance spot on the open mic concert or the original tunes concert.
We have scholarship funds available now; these may run out as FHO gets nearer.
Of course, if you register now, you'll also help Fiddle Hell to plan for a smooth and exciting event!
That being said, you can actually register any time you like, even if Fiddle Hell Online has already started.
Register as an early bird in March for Fiddle Hell Online (which saves 10%), and you will also be entered to win a beautiful and unique violin!
It's a lovely vintage "Gaspard Duiffopruggar" violin made in Germany c. 1890. This is known as the "Mirecourt School Brescian Model," which means that there are some French influences in the design and construction. The violin features a lovely spruce top and flamed maple sides and back. On the back is a decorative wood inlay of a small village with houses, steeple and trees. The scroll is hand carved in the form of an older man with beard (hence the description "head fiddle"). This instrument is set up well and is in fine playing condition with just a few very small repaired top cracks that are close to invisible. You'll need to use your own bow, but it comes with a top quality Deluxe Copeland case.
Worth about $2500 -- but its cool factor is off the charts! The winner will be announced at the FHO Saturday Night Concert on April 15. You do not have to be present to win.
Register in March for a chance to win this fiddle! Early bird giveaways in March also include online lessons, books, strings, and CDs.Why wait? And please tell your musical friends!
Yes! Thanks to generous contributors to our scholarship fund (including many of the instructors and attendees), a limited number of partial (and even full) scholarships are available to those who can't afford the fees.
Go to the Registration Page. During the registration process, you'll be able to register just one person or several. You'll be asked some questions about each person being registered (unique email, state, time zone, instruments, ...), and will read and agree to an Attendee Agreement (as we do at the in-person Fiddle Hell) as well as Agreements related to children, if applicable.
Credit and debit card payments are accepted (see next answer for paying by check).
Please send a check in the mail by March 25th (mail can be slow these days) to Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC, P. O. Box 316, Lexington, MA 02420-0316, and let us know who it's for, their age categories, and their email addresses. We'll then send you a 100% discount code (specific to you) to use for online registration at https://fiddlehell.org/register. Each attendee needs a unique email address to register, and will be asked to agree to the Attendee Agreement when registering, as well as Agreements related to children, if applicable.
You'll need to accept this Attendee Agreement when you buy a ticket for yourself or for another person, as well as Agreements related to children, if applicable.
No, it's not. As at in-person Fiddle Hell, each registration is valid for only one attendee at Fiddle Hell Online. Any additional household member wishing to watch or participate in any concerts, workshops, or jams also needs to register (each additional household member can register at a reduced price).
At a time when all musicians' gigs have partially disappeared, and are only slowly returning Fiddle Hell Online pays all instructors, performers, and technical staff, and we rely on your registration fees to do this. Please respect the artists who are at the heart of Fiddle Hell Online by asking your friends and family to register.
1. You'll get a confirmation email from Whova with ticket purchase details.
2. Using a laptop or desktop computer, go to www.fiddlehellonline.com to set up your account (easy!). If you already have an account (from last November or before), sign in with your email and password. If not, where it says "Don't have an account?" click "Sign up here". Sign in with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee, and create a new password. The Whova website will be how you access Zoom sessions on the agenda, view or download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees. You don't need to download any software - the Whova Web App is browser-based.
3. From your iPhone, iPad, or Android phone, you might want to download the Whova mobile app to conveniently browse the FHO agenda and talk to the community. This is required only if you want to view FHO from these devices (including setting up a Whova account). Otherwise this is optional, and you can ignore any emails from Whova telling you it's critical :-).
4. Please help spread the word about Fiddle Hell Online to your musical friends - fiddlers, mando players, cellists, guitarists, banjo players, singers, and more. You can direct them to our Fiddle Hell website, our Facebook group, our YouTube channel (for jam videos), or our Instagram channel.
5. What happens at Fiddle Hell Online is different from an in-person Fiddle Hell, of course. But you'll likely try out new tunes and styles, pick up techniques and nuances, enjoy hearing others play, participate in guided jams, hear concerts, connect online with old friends and make new ones. Whatever your level and musical preferences, you'll find a supportive community and kindred spirits. There will be 13 year olds and 83 year olds, local musicians and attendees from far away, players who perform regularly and those who rarely play for anyone.
Speaking for the Fiddle Hell organizers - and all the instructors, performers, and technical staff - I hope you'll enjoy the event as it unrolls, and have fun throughout and for the 4 months afterwards when you can replay sessions. Relax and experience the unique gathering that is Fiddle Hell Online!
- Dave Reiner
Order here by April 20th to have your shirt delivered to you after FHO! It's a great new design from Autumn Rose Lester on the front & our amazing instructor list on the back. Softstyle, 50/50, woman's, and long sleeve options; each style in a different color.
The Fiddle Hell Common Tune list consists of 104 tunes that were suggested by the Reiner Family Band (the original 52) and by Fiddle Hell attendees (the new 52). It's a list of exciting tunes in various styles; most are traditional and a few are by known composers. These are suggested for your repertoire, and often show up in jams or workshops. Of course, many tunes not on the list are also played regularly at Fiddle Hell. The Reiner Family Band has recorded the common tunes (played both fast and slow) on two 2-CD sets, available for $15/set postpaid to US addresses at the Fiddle Hell Store.
Please help us make Fiddle Hell better by filling out our anonymous survey after the April event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FiddleHellApril2023
We read all responses carefully!
Technical Questions
Click a Question below to see the Answer.
Whova is the event system that helps you access Zoom sessions on the agenda, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.
If you've bought your Fiddle Hell Online ticket, here's how to set up a Whova account. Using your LAPTOP or DESKTOP computer, ideally with the Chrome browser, go to https://www.fiddlehellonline.org to set up your Whova account and sign in to Fiddle Hell Online once you've registered. At that website, where it says "Don't have an account?" click "Sign up here". Sign in with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee, and create a new password. On a laptop or desktop computer, you don't need to download any software - the Whova system is browser-based.
For iPads or other mobile devices, DO NOT follow that link! First, download the Whova Event & Conference App, then use the App to establish your Whova account, and only then look for the Fiddle Hell Online event in the App. Here's how to get apps on an iPad: https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-apps-ipad9b4cea76/ipados
For iPads and iPhones, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the App Store preview: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/whova-event-conference-app/id716979741
For Android tablets and Android phones, here's the Whova app you're looking for in the Play Store preview: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.whova.event
Technical questions:
If you have technical questions about Fiddle Hell, using Zoom, navigating Whova, or anything else, we encourage you to attend the Fiddle Hell Online practice session before the festival begins, from 8:30-10:30AM on Thursday, April 13th. There will be several people from our large Fiddle Hell Online tech staff ready to help answer your questions and get you ready for the event! There will also be tech support available during all four days of the festival.
This information is for both attendees and instructors.
First, you may find the answers you need at our Q&A page. Second, the Chrome browser is highly recommended for laptops and desktops.
During Fiddle Hell, our Fiddle Hell Online support staff will be reachable by email at
You can ask questions to the Whova support staff by emailing
Here's the general Zoom help center and a set of Zoom Q&A's from Zoom itself (select a Q&A category on the left and see questions on the right).
You can test out your connection and software from 8:30-10:30AM on Thursday, April 13 - a very good idea! In Whova, go to the DROP-IN HELP Session, which is first on the Agenda.
You'll easily be able to see workshops, jams, and concerts after they have occurred through the Whova website for Fiddle Hell Online on laptops and desktops, or in the Whova Mobile App for smartphones and iPads. Just look at the agenda and click on the session, and then on the video, which will play inside Whova.
You can pause and continue a video, slow it down to half or three-quarters speed (without changing the pitch), or make it full-screen. And you can click elsewhere in Whova and return to the video later.
There are more details in "How Do I Attend a Workshop, Jam, or Concert in Whova?" above.
This information is also in the "How To" resources. on the Whova web portal.
SEEING: Use a laptop or desktop computer to attend Fiddle Hell Online - you'll see more than on a tablet or phone. Make livestreams and videos full-screen if you want to see details more easily. And it's always helpful to update your Zoom app to the latest available version: 1. Sign in to Zoom desktop client at zoom.us . 2. Click your profile picture, then click Check for Updates.
BEING SEEN: This is for live Zoom meetings, not replays. Aim your camera straight on at you (not from below), using the built-in camera in your laptop, or a webcam. Get good lighting from lamps and natural light in front of you (not backlit or overhead lights only). Have a non-distracting real background if possible (please, no virtual backgrounds, since they sometimes cut instruments out and can cause problems for people with light sensitivity).
INTERNET: Your wifi may work just fine! But if it’s slow or freezes, here are some ideas (these will help for more than just Fiddle Hell):
Connect to your network via an ethernet (preferably “cat6”) cable instead of using wifi. If you are unable to do that, locate your computer as close as possible to the router. It’s also ideal if there are no walls between you and the router. If that’s not possible, you might consider a wifi repeater or extender which will extend the coverage of your wifi network. If you’re on wifi, please take your phone off the wifi.
Certain times of day are often busy while others are not, depending on where you live. If you can concentrate on the less busy hours, that may help a surprising amount. Since FHO sessions are replayable, you have quite a bit of control over when you see some of them. Also, close other programs on your computer, and persuade other members of the household to stay away from online gaming or bandwidth-intensive downloads or viewing.
If these suggestions don’t help, try your smartphone for replays, if you have one. Even with fast Internet, people sometimes find that their phones work more smoothly.
HEARING: Use good quality headphones and plug them into your computer before joining each Zoom session (you may need to select your headphones as the output device in Zoom audio settings after joining a session). Alternatively, use good Bluetooth speakers, or wired speakers.
BEING HEARD: You don't need anything fancy to perform in an open mic concert, or ask a question in a workshop. If you're playing an instrument that others will hear, it is important to adjust your Zoom audio settings (lower left-hand corner of the screen, ^ to the right of the mic icon) for the best sound.
First: If needed, Select a Microphone
Second: Click on Audio Settings...
Third: Within Audio Settings:
If needed, Test Microphone and adjust volume slider as needed
Uncheck the box “Automatically adjust microphone volume.”
Set “Suppress background noise” to Low.
Choose "Original sound for musicians" assuming you're playing an instrument
Check the box "Echo cancellation".
Fourth: Close the settings window, go back to the meeting window. In the upper left, if it says "Original Sound for Musicians: On" then you're all set. If it says, "Original Sound for Musicians: Off," click on that once so that it says "Original Sound for Musicians: On."
FIddle Hell Online has additional guidelines for instructors about mics, audio interfaces, and settings, which we are happy to share with attendees on request.
Signing up for a free Zoom account and installing the "Zoom Client for Meetings" at https://zoom.us/download on your laptop or desktop computer is strongly recommended for the best listening, viewing and participation experience for Fiddle Hell Online. You can also download the Zoom app for your smartphone or tablet, though you'll won't be able to see multiple instructors and other attendees in participatory workshops on these devices. Zoom does not knowingly allow children under 16 to sign up for their own accounts.
If you already have the Zoom desktop client installed, you can check for updates: (1) Open and sign in to your Zoom app. (2) Click your profile picture then click Check for Updates and follow instructions. For iOS or Android tablets or phones: Download the Zoom mobile app from the Apple Appstore or Google Play.
If you wish, you may disable your audio and video at any time in Zoom meetings so you will not be audible or visible to others during the live meeting or during future replays. The audio and video on-off controls, and access to audio and video settings (such as audio output to headphones) are in the lower left on laptops and desktops.
Please don't turn on a virtual background; some people have a sensory sensitivity to these.
You may wish to switch between "Speaker View" (just the instructor or performer) and "Gallery View" (everybody) by clicking on the "View" option in the upper right; this also lets you go to fullscreen view.
You can bring up the Zoom Chat window in workshops and jams, using the Chat command at the bottom of your screen on a laptop or desktop. Whova has its own chat, but we plan to just use the Zoom Chat. You can ask musical questions in the Chat to the instructor or technical questions in the Chat to the Zoom host of the session. Wiggle your hands in the air for Zoom applause or happiness. Zoom Chats aren't saved beyond the live session; if you want information to persist (such as a link), put it in the Whova session Q&A instead.
Using an iPad? Here are some iPad-Zoom suggestions. As on laptops, please don't turn on a virtual background; some people have a sensory sensitivity to these. BTW, for an iPad, a left to right swipe on a video will get you out of the video.
Here's how to view and download handouts from specific workshops and jams (or even all sessions).
We're glad you asked! Most of this is just common sense to make FHO a positive experience for you and other attendees. Since each registration is valid for one attendee only at FHO, please make sure that any additional household member wishing to attend any concerts, workshops, or jams is also registered (for a reduced price). Please know that it is against Fiddle Hell Online policy (and your Attendee Agreement) to share your personal Whova password, discount codes, video replay links, or any other links related to Fiddle Hell Online sessions with other attendees or non-attendees. Multiple concurrent sign-ons using the same email address will not be accepted by the Whova platform.
The Whova platform does not allow videos of sessions to be downloaded, so please don't attempt to download any FHO videos (workshops, concerts, or jams); these will be viewable and replayable during the event and for four months afterwards to FHO registered attendees only. PDF downloads (of sheet music, for example) are fine. Please mute yourself conscientiously on Zoom. Please don't post inappropriate or derogatory photos, videos, comments, messages, links, or other material.
Please don't engage in Zoom bombing, cyberharassment, online bullying, or any activity prohibited by the Attendee Agreement you agreed to at registration or by law, during FHO sessions and afterwards. Please don't share your screen unless invited by a FHO instructor. Please be aware that violating these requirements may result in your FHO attendance being restricted or terminated at the discretion of FHO without a refund of your ticket purchase price.
Audio recording of FHO workshops and jams is allowed (but not really needed since replays are available for 4 months) unless the instructor requests no audio recording.
Taking video recordings of your computer screen during a workshop or jam is not allowed unless it is invited or pre-authorized by the instructor.
To respect the professional instructors and performers, please do not record audio or video of concerts at FHO, including the Saturday Night Concert.
All sessions are planned to be viewable and replayable during the event and for four months afterwards, through your Whova account, on your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone. Additionally, audio recordings of some tunes and songs taught during workshops may be provided after the workshop by certain instructors.
Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell Online, contact the concert coordinator or the workshop instructor through Whova to request your inclusion. Lineups may be finalized shortly before FHO, or slots may still be available at the time of the concert or workshop. Please recognize that slots are limited, and decisions of the instructors and coordinators are final.
Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell Online, you'll be able to interact with your registered friends (and make new friends) through messages and though Community discussion topics. Unless your friends have turned off their videos in Zoom, you'll be able to see them and chat with them in the Zoom Chat window. It is also possible in Whova to schedule and attend a virtual meet-up with other attendees (click on Community in the Whova menu, and then Meet-Ups or Virtual Meets).
Logistics & Miscellaneous Questions
Click a Question below to see the Answer.
Please do encourage your friends through social media to attend this epic event! With many styles, instruments, and levels represented, they're likely to find lots of workshops, jams, and concerts of interest. If they want, they can attend sessions in a low-key manner, with nobody hearing or seeing them. And they can replay session videos for up to 4 months after the event.
You can tell your friends this (customize as you like):
REALLY SHORT Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell Online, April 13-16, 2023, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FHO will have 160 live workshops to learn from, 30 live concerts to enjoy, and 30 live jam sessions to join on Zoom, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. Info and registration (and discounts) at https//FiddleHell.org.
SHORT Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell Online, April 13-16, 2023, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FHO will have 160 live workshops to learn from, 30 live concerts to enjoy, and 30 live jam sessions to join on Zoom, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. From beginner to advanced levels, and all sessions can be replayed (and slowed down) for the next 4 months. 110 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, Latin, Mexican, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scandinavian, Scottish, and Swing styles. Go to https://fiddlehell.org/Register for Registration (discounts for seniors & young musicians, and for early birds), https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule to see the Schedule, https://fiddlehell.org/Staff for Instructors, and https://fiddlehell.org/info/Racial-Justice for the FH Racial Justice Statement. You can also sign up for the Mailing List at https://fiddlehell.org/Contact, join the FH Facebook Group at https://Facebook.com/groups/FiddleHellMassachusetts, visit the Facebook event at TBD, and subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell.
LONG Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell Online, April 13-16, 2023, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FHO will have 160 live workshops to learn from, 30 live concerts to enjoy, and 30 live jam sessions to join on Zoom, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. All sessions can be replayed (and slowed down) for the next 4 months. 80 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, Latin, Mexican, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scandinavian, Scottish, and Swing styles.
Historical and technical workshops are also on the program -- details coming soon. Workshops and jams are designed for Beginners, Low Intermediates, High Intermediates, and Advanced players, although you can attend any sessions you like.
These inspiring and incredible sessions are a great value for players and listeners, with discounts for seniors and young musicians, and further discounts and giveaways for early bird signups. Scholarships are available, too. Go to https://fiddlehell.org/Register for Registration (discounts for seniors & young musicians), https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule to see the Schedule, https://fiddlehell.org/Staff for Instructors, and https://fiddlehell.org/info/Racial-Justice for the FH Racial Justice Statement. You can also sign up for the Mailing List at https://fiddlehell.org/Contact, join the FH Facebook Group at https://Facebook.com/groups/FiddleHellMassachusetts, visit the Facebook event at TBD, and subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell. to replay & slow down jams for free.
Visit https://fiddlehell.org to see the 4 teaching levels, the common tune list, repertoire CDs, jamming guidelines, links to online resources, and more. The Fiddle Hell Online event software from Whova, accessed from your web browser or tablet or phone once you’re registered, helps you browse the agenda, ask questions, chat with the FHO community, easily attend live Zoom sessions, replay sessions once they’ve happened, and visit the virtual exhibitors.
I hope you'll register now and join me at this amazing event!
Order here by April 20th to have your shirt delivered to you after FHO! It's a great new design from Autumn Rose Lester on the front & our amazing instructor list on the back. Softstyle, 50/50, woman's, and long sleeve options; each style in a different color.
We have written a detailed statement outlining Fiddle Hell's efforts for racial justice and have shared it on our website. We hope you will read it to learn about how we are approaching this very important topic. We are committed to teaching and accurately attributing repertoire from Black and Indigenous sources, to supporting diverse instructors and performers, and to actively reaching out to and more explicitly welcoming participants of color into the Fiddle Hell community. As you look through the FHO Agenda, you will see sessions reflecting these goals.
Our privacy policy is on the Info menu here.
The Whova system knows your email address, since you sign in with it, but doesn't share your email with other attendees. If anyone sends you a message in Whova, your email isn't shown to the sender. You can propose "Exchange contact info" with another FHO attendee in the Mobile App, but they won't see your email unless you send it to them (and vice versa). If you visit a Virtual Exhibit and "sign up for offers and deals" with the exhibitor, you'll be asked for your email so the exhibitor can contact you. But that's under your control.
And of course, FHO doesn’t sell your email address or share it with anyone externally.
We look for instructors who are great musicians; friendly, supportive, well-prepared, effective teachers; and diverse in backgrounds and gender. As we always do from year to year, for the April Fiddle Hell, we're rotating many instructors out and some new ones in, to offer attendees an ever-changing lineup of musicians and sessions. We are able to add certain instructors who live farther away because travel isn't needed for an online event, making it possible to have them join us. We are excited to add instructors with ties to Black and Indigenous music and musical history, and we'll be continuing to do this each year in the future.
We appreciate your enthusiasm! While we are not seeking volunteers at Fiddle Hell Online, we might need you when we meet in person in the future. In the meantime, you can help us a lot by recommending Fiddle Hell Online to your musical friends.
Instructors' merchandise (recordings, books, etc.) is generally available through their own websites, which are listed in their bios in Whova. For the Reiner Family Band, books and CDs (including the two sets of Common Tune CDs), are at our online Store.
Yes, once you're registered, through messages in the Community Topic "Instruments for Sale or Trade or Wanted." Any sales or trades are private transactions between the parties, and Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC is neither directly involved nor responsible for transactions or any problems.
The next online Fiddle Hell Festival is April 13-16, 2023.
The next in-person Fiddle Hell Festival is November 2-5, 2023.