Q&A for FH in Westford, MA, Nov 7-10, 2024
©2020-2024 D. Reiner - All rights reserved. If you'd like to re-use some of this information for your own event, please
General & Registration Questions
Click on a Question below to see the Answer.
For many years, the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival has been a yearly gathering of fiddlers, cellists, mandolin & guitar & 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 year, it's Nov 7-10, 2024, in Westford, MA, at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center.
As a registered attendee, you'll have an amazing choice of 350 workshops, 20 concerts, and 40 artist-led jam sessions. Teaching at Fiddle Hell is primarily by ear although sheet music may occasionally be available. There are many informal jam locations in the hallways.
Even though FH is in person, attendees are encouraged to use Whova, an online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees or artists.
Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival. Attendees have used Whova at Fiddle Hell In-Person in 2022 & 2023, and at all six of the Fiddle Hell Online events we've had, and really like it.
Fiddle Hell is in person on Nov 7-10, in Westford, MA, with fantastic teaching and performing artists and a great schedule. From a Covid safety standpoint, you may have questions about what we are doing at the event and what we are asking you to do. Here are the answers:
1. Participation in the Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival (FH), Nov 7-10, 2024, includes risk of exposure to and illness from infectious diseases including but not limited to Covid-19. Attendance is at your own risk. Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC has determined the Covid safety protocols below for FH and may modify these protocols at its sole discretion before or during FH. These protocols apply to attendees, teaching and performing artists, and FH staff members.
2. Covid vaccination is OPTIONAL in 2024. Evidence indicates that Covid vaccines are highly effective at making the disease milder and may also reduce the spread of disease.
3. Masking is OPTIONAL but welcome at FH workshops, jams, and concerts. Evidence indicates that masking works very well in mitigating the transmission of airborne disease, which may be especially important for those who with increased risk factors. Free masks (both surgical and higher-filtration N95, KN95, or KF94 masks) will be available at FH to anyone who would like them. In the main concert hall, there will be a masks-only section for those wishing to sit near others who are also masked.
4. If you feel unwell at all, have had a positive Covid test result, or have had Covid very recently (with a positive test or symptoms beginning less than 10 days before FH), or have a household member with Covid, please do not attend FH. Covid symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. We’ll have another FH next year and would love to see you then! If you are unable to attend due to illness, a positive test result, or a household member with Covid, we will refund tickets purchased in advance.
5. Anyone who develops symptoms consistent with Covid or tests positive for it while attending FH should communicate this situation immediately to the FH staff.You will be asked to put on a mask and leave the event immediately, and will be entitled to a pro-rated refund.
6. We trust our caring community to find the right balance of caution and fun by following these safety protocols, and to treat fellow FH attendees with respect.
Thursday, Nov 7: Registration opens 11AM, with the first session at 12:30PM. Last official session ends at 11:30PM, but jamming keeps going!
Friday, Nov 8: Registration opens 8:30AM, with the first session at 9:30AM. Last official session ends at 11:30PM. Jam all night!
Saturday, Nov 9: Registration opens 8:30AM, with the first session at 9:30AM. Last official session ends at 11:30PM, but the jamming keeps going in many locations.
Sunday, Nov 10: Registration opens 8:30AM, with the first session at 9:30AM. Last official session ends at 6PM. Time to pack up, but the glow remains!
Many attendees commute to Fiddle Hell. There's a lot of free parking at the Westford Regency Inn & Conference Center, 219 Littleton Rd, Westford, MA.
Many attendees stay at the Westford Regency (now sold out, sorry), where the FH rates are $121 per room per night plus taxes. FH registration is required before you can book a sleeping room at the Westford Regency. FH registration opened July 1st and the room booking code is be in your confirmation email. These rooms are now sold out. Most of the rooms have two beds, so sharing with friends is a fun and cost-effective option.
Some attendees stay at other hotels in the area, such as the Hampton Inn & Suites Westford a mile away, although these don't generally match the FH rate.
Some attendees stay nearby with friends, or seek out Airbnb or other similar lodgings. Again, there's lots of free parking at the Westford Regency.
The artists are listed at https://fiddlehell.org/staff including their bios and sessions. You can view the detailed schedule of concerts, jams, and workshops at https://fiddlehell.org/schedule.
Once you have bought your Fiddle Hell ticket, and set up your Whova account on the device of your choosing, you can also peruse the sessions and artists through the Whova Agenda > Sessions and Agenda > Artists menus. If there are sessions you'd like to remember, add them to "My Agenda" in Whova.
You can attend any workshops, jams, and concerts you like; there are no individual session signups at Fiddle Hell. We teach workshops and lead jams at the levels listed for them on the schedule.
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 session that doesn't feel right for you and join a different one - or join an informal jam in the hallways.
Sessions on the agenda are arranged by date and time, with 30 minute breaks (generally) between sessions.
At many time slots, you'll find a CONCERT . At most time slots, you'll find one or more JAMs and up to 16 WORKSHOPs .
WORKSHOPs are listed in order of difficulty for a given time slot.
L1 L2 L3 L4 describe levels of difficulty and pace (more info on levels here).
Styles describe various traditional music styles; many sessions cover more than one style.
Instruments are those targeted by the workshop or jam.
Artists (not always in order) are shown with the instruments they're using for this session.
Descriptions give you exciting details of workshops.
Use the date and track filters to focus on particular attributes, or use the very helpful search box.
Click on an artist's name to see bio and sessions.
The schedule is subject to changes in session days, times and details.
There are 20 concerts, 40 jams, and 350 workshops. During each of the four days Nov 7-10, we'll alternate 60-minute sessions with 30-minute breaks. There are also dinner breaks from 6-7:30PM on each day except Sunday. A few sessions will be 70 minutes instead, with a 20-minute break at the end. In many time slots, you'll find a concert. In most time slots, we'll have one or more jams, and up to 16 workshops (fewer during the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Night Concerts).
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, banjo, ...), the teaching artists, the level of the session, and of course the session title and description. It's fun to stretch out and try a new style or instrument - or just to relax and watch a fun concert.
You can attend any sessions you want without the need to sign up for them. A few sessions may have capacity limits based on room size.
If you wish to be one of the players for a masterclass, before the workshop, there will be a signup sheet at Fiddle Hell Central [the FH Registration Room]. If there are slots left, players may volunteer during the workshop itself. Listeners at masterclasses are always welcome - you'll likely learn some very useful ideas about style and technique that you can apply to your own playing, even if you're not one of the players directly receiving feedback from the artist.
Tickets are available through Nov 6, and during Fiddle Hell if space is available.
There is a 10% discount on tickets for younger and older players (and American String Teachers' Association [ASTA] members).
Ticket Prices below are for 2024.
| Tickets | 4 Days | 3 Days | Th-Fr | Fr-Sa | Sa-Su | Th | Fr | Sa | Su |
| Adult (26-64) | $445 | $355 | $245 | $290 | $245 | $125 | $155 | $155 | $125 |
| Senior (65 or older) | $400 | $320 | $220 | $260 | $220 | $110 | $140 | $140 | $110 |
| Young Adult (18-25) | $400 | $320 | $220 | $260 | $220 | $110 | $140 | $140 | $110 |
| Teen (13-17) | $400 | $320 | $220 | $260 | $220 | $110 | $140 | $140 | $110 |
| Kid (12 or Under) | $400 | $320 | $220 | $260 | $220 | $110 | $140 | $140 | $110 |
| ASTA Member | $400 | $320 | $220 | $260 | $220 | $110 | $140 | $140 | $110 |
| Non-playing parent | $220 | $175 | $120 | $145 | $120 | $60 | $75 | $75 | $60 |
Early bird registration was finished on Sept 30. Early birds are entered into a drawing for a "head" fiddle.
This fiddle was played for many years by a busker in New Orleans. It's in the style of Gasparo Duiffopruggar, and is responsive and easy to play, with a clear and even tone across the strings. Carbon fiber bow and fitted case are included, for a value of about $1500, but the coolness factor is way off the charts. SRSLY!
The winner will be announced at the FH Saturday Night Concert on Nov 9th, 2024. You do not have to be present at that concert to win.
Early birds also won concert tickets, books, CDs, lessons, and strings.
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 (email, state, instruments, ...), and will read and check off an Attendee Agreement for each person registered. Credit and debit card payments are accepted.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at our Registration Page. However, it is possible to pay by check by mail before the event, or at the event itself.
Since tickets are limited, first send an email to
Then send a check in the mail right away (mail can be slow these days) to Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC, PO Box 316, Lexington, MA 02420-0316. Along with your check, remind us again of each person's name, ticket category (e.g., Senior), email address, and days desired. We'll then send you a 100% discount code (specific to each person) to use for online registration at https://fiddlehell.org/register. Each attendee needs a unique email address, and each will need to sign the Attendee Agreement online after registering.
Yes! Thanks to generous contributors to our Scholarship Fund, a number of scholarships (and partial scholarships) are available to those who can't afford the fees.
Your contributions to our Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated! You can contribute during registration and also at https://fiddlehell.org/online/donations (even if you're not registering).
Tickets are limited, and certain days may possibly sell out.
Register early to:
- Be sure of a ticket for the days you want
- Plan your own agenda (with the My Agenda feature in Whova)
- Ask questions about sessions
- See announcements about new sessions and more
- Post to community discussion topics (like Instruments for Sale)
- Browse through our Virtual Exhibitors
We have some funds available currently for full and partial scholarships - these will run out as FH gets nearer.
Of course! Kids can attend FH and many have in the past. It's a great chance for them to learn, hear and try out new styles and techniques, have fun, and meet new and old friends.
There is a 10% discount for Teens (13-17) and Kids (12 or under). Teens and kids are welcome at all sessions; the session descriptions should be useful in making decisions about what will interest them. There are also 7 or 8 sessions specifically for teens and kids planned for this year's Fiddle Hell.
Teen (13-17) Attendees
A parent or guardian can purchase a ticket for a teen (13-17). Teens (13-17 years old) are required to have an accompanying, responsible adult (18+) present on the premises of the Westford Regency at the 2024 Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival with them. The accompanying adult is responsible for the teen's safe and non-disruptive participation in and/or attendance at Fiddle Hell Festival activities, including following all FH rules and policies whether general or COVID-related. The accompanying adult must be registered at Fiddle Hell as an Adult, Young Adult, Senior, or Non-Playing Parent. The accompanying adult may be the parent or guardian of the teen, or perhaps a musical older sibling of the teen, or the teen's music teacher.
During the registration process, the parent or guardian of the teen will need to agree to the Attendee Agreement for the teen, and will need to agree to these additional terms when checking in at Fiddle Hell during the event.
Kid (12 or under) Attendees
A parent or guardian can purchase a ticket for a kid (12 or under). Kids (12 or under) are required to have an accompanying, responsible adult (18+) at the 2024 Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival with them AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING IN EACH SESSION. The accompanying adult is responsible for the kid's safe and non-disruptive participation in and/or attendance at Fiddle Hell Festival activities, including following all FH rules and policies whether general or COVID-related. Since the kid may be using Whova on a mobile device (phone, tablet) and/or laptop or desktop, to comply with the U.S. Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), the accompanying adult should ensure that the kid avoids sharing on Whova any personal information, including but not limited to the kid's name, Whova display name (which should be anonymized), address, phone number, revealing chat postings, self photos or other photos of kids under 12. The accompanying adult must be registered at Fiddle Hell as an Adult, Young Adult, Senior, or Non-Playing Parent. The accompanying adult may be the parent or guardian of the kid, or perhaps a musical older sibling of the kid, or the kid's music teacher. Non-Playing Parents are requested to sit in the back of the session room if space is tight.
During the registration process, the parent or guardian of the kid will need to agree to the Attendee Agreement for the kid, and will need to agree to these additional terms when checking in at Fiddle Hell during the event.
1. The ticket purchaser will receive a confirmation email from Whova with ticket purchase details. Other attendees whose tickets were purchased at the same time will also get a confirmation email.
2. Please set up your Whova account (see the Whova question for how to do this).
Whova is the online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees. Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival.
3. Eventually, each attendee will get an email from Fiddle Hell asking them to sign the Attendee Agreement online. You do need to sign this to attend the event. You can also sign it within Whova on a mobile device at Resources > WaiverForm .
4. Please help spread the word about Fiddle Hell 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. After the detailed Agenda is available in September, think about which sessions you'd like to attend. You'll see these listed at https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule and in the Whova Agenda. In Whova, you can add them to My Agenda just to keep track of them. You can attend any sessions you want without the need to sign up for them. A few sessions may have capacity limits based on room size.
6. Get ready to try out new tunes and styles, pick up techniques and nuances, enjoy hearing others play, participate in guided jams, hear great concerts, connect 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 staff - I hope you'll enjoy the event as it unrolls, and have fun throughout Fiddle Hell. Relax and experience this unique gathering!
- Dave Reiner
The Attendee Agreement describes the policies and actions you agree to as part of your participation at Fiddle Hell. You'll need to accept this Attendee Agreement as you register. And each attendee will need to sign this same agreement online later on, in response to an email from Fiddle Hell. Parents, guardians, and responsible adults are asked to sign on behalf of their teens (13-17) and/or kids (12 or under) who are attending.
You can also sign the agreement within Whova on a mobile device at Resources > WaiverForm .
Fiddle Hell is in person in November - but we use a helpful app called "Whova".
Whova is the online event system that helps you access agenda details, download handouts, see messages and announcements, visit the virtual exhibits, ask questions about sessions or in general, and (optionally) connect with other attendees.
Whova is optional at Fiddle Hell, but we highly recommend using it on your phone, tablet, or laptop during the Festival. The attendees at the last two IN-PERSON Fiddle Hells and six ONLINE Fiddle Hells have used Whova and been quite pleased with it. We'll assist you with Whova if needed when you're at Fiddle Hell.
Once you've bought your Fiddle Hell ticket, you'll need to set up your Whova account and sign in as described below.
*** Helpful Links ***
For iPhones and iPads, 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
Here's how to get apps on an iPad: https://support.apple.com/guide/ipad/get-apps-ipad9b4cea76/ipados
For Android phones and Android tablets, 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
For laptops and desktops, no app is needed. The Whova Web portal for Fiddle Hell is at https://fiddlehellwestford.com
*** End of Helpful Links ***
For smart phones, iPads, tablets or other mobile devices, download the Whova Event & Conference App.
If you already have a Whova account (likely from a previous Fiddle Hell), sign in with your email address and password, and look for the event "Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2024". You might have to search events for "fiddle" to find the right one. If you don't have a Whova account, sign up with the same exact email address used for your registration as an attendee and a password you create, and then look for the event.
For a LAPTOP or DESKTOP computer, ideally with the Chrome browser, go to www.fiddlehellwestford.com (not fiddlehell.com).
If you already have a Whova account (likely from a previous Fiddle Hell), sign in with your email address and password. If you don't have a Whova account, 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 Web Portal is browser-based.
Troubleshooting:
NEW: Whova now uses 2-factor authentication during your sign-in. For security, Whova may send you an email (to your registered email address) with a CODE to continue signing in. You've probably done this code thing with an online credit card account or bank account.
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using an iPad or other mobile device to set up your Whova account, make sure to download the Whova Event & Conference App first and use the App to set up your account. Then you should be able to see Fiddle Hell right away as one of "My Events" or you can seach for it in "Find My Event".
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using a laptop or desktop to set up your Whova account, it's usually because you're using a different email address than the one you gave when you bought your Fiddle Hell ticket. Please try again, using the same email address you gave when you bought your FH ticket. Fiddle Hell staff can help if needed.
Questions?
Email
Shirts are available thru Oct 21 for pre-order at https://www.customink.com/g/uke0-00cw-q9zx . There are 5 styles, some with color choices. The new softstyle t-shirts and hoodies are really soft! You can pick up your shirts at Fiddle Hell Central (= the Registration Room) any time during Fiddle Hell, Nov 7-10, Westford, MA. No shipping charge!
A smaller selection of t-shirts will also be available at Fiddle Hell Central in Westford.
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 in the Fiddle Hell Store (in Fiddle Hell Central) for $15/set. These are also available online, with free shipping to US addresses, at the Fiddle Hell Store.
Please help us make Fiddle Hell better by filling out our anonymous survey after the November event at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FiddleHellNov2024
We read all responses carefully!
Q&A for FH Online, April 11-14, 2024
©2020-2023 D. Reiner - All rights reserved. If you'd like to re-use some of this information for your own event, please
General & Registration Questions
Click on a Question below to see the Answer.
Fiddle Hell Online is Thursday-Sunday, April 11-14, 2024, with all sessions replayable for the next 4 months (thru August 14th). It's virtual, so FHO is wherever you are!
Fiddle Hell Online is a yearly gathering (every April) of fiddlers, cellists, mandolin & guitar & banjo players, and singers to meet, jam, learn, listen, and have fun. It's both friendly and diverse, and covers many traditional musical styles. As a registered FHO attendee, you'll have an amazing choice of 170 workshops, 29 concerts, and 25 jam sessions.
Not only can you attend these sessions when they are live online, but you can replay (and slow down) videos of any sessions during Fiddle Hell Online and for 4 months afterwards. Teaching at FHO is primarily by ear although sheet music handouts are sometimes available (handout links are in session descriptions).
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. For FHO, you'll be able to replay videos of prior sessions for the next 4 months, so you won't miss your favorite teaching artists, workshop topics, jams, and performers. You can access the online community starting on January 31st for discussions, messaging, exhibitors, and technical help if you need it.
Note: The next In-Person Fiddle Hell will be Nov. 7-10, 2024, in Westford, MA.
Artists and sessions are listed now. 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 artists through the two Whova menus: Agenda > Sessions and Agenda > Artists. 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); individual session signups are not needed.
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 as an attendee, 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. 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.
NEW: Whova now uses 2-factor authentication during your sign-in. For security, Whova may send you an email with a CODE to continue signing in. You've probably done this code thing with an online credit card account or bank account.
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
Troubleshooting:
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using a laptop or desktop to set up your Whova account, it's usually because you're using a different email address than the one you gave when you bought your FIddle Hell Online ticket. Please try again, using the same email address you gave when you bought your FHO ticket. Fiddle Hell Online support staff can help if needed (email
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using an iPad or other mobile device to set up your Whova account, make sure to download the Whova Event & Conference App first and use the App to set up your account. Then you should be able to see Fiddle Hell Online right away as one of "My Events" or you can seach for it in "Find My Event". Even if you plan to view FHO with an iPad, it may be easier to set up your Whova account first with a laptop or desktop computer if you have that option.
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.
Regardless of level, repetition helps learning, and you can replay any sessions you want through August 10, and even slow them down!
There are 29 concerts, 25 jams, and 170 workshops. During each of the four days April 11-14, we'll alternate one-hour sessions with 30-minute breaks, going from 10AM ET to 11PM ET.
In almost every time slot, you'll find a concert, a jam, and one or more workshops. 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 teaching artists or performers, the level(s) 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 an amazing 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. 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. Some of the details only apply to the live part of the event, April 11-14.
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.
All that being said, younger kids can enjoy FHO and learn a lot from it!
The price for an Adult (26-64) is $197, for access to all 200+ sessions (concerts, jams, workshops) during FHO and for 4 months afterwards (through August 10).
We offer 10% discounts to $177 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Kids (13-17), Kids (12 or under), and American String Teacher Association (ASTA) members.
Any additional household member wishing to attend ANY concerts, workshops, or jams also needs to register (for the reduced price of $100).
Tickets for CONCERTS ONLY are $100 for any age.
Register as an early bird for Fiddle Hell Online (which saves 10%), and you will also be entered to win a beautiful and unique violin! The earlier you register, the more chances you'll have to win.
It's a rare German lion-head violin with a one-piece maple back. Made after a Nicolo Gusetto pattern, circa 1900, it is cornerless, with Tyrolean sound holes. The violin was set up by luthier Jess Fox, and is very responsive, with a full, deep, open, wide tone. Case included, provide your own bow. The instrument is worth about $2000, but the coolness factor is way off the charts. Seriously!
Sign up for FHO in January for 3 chances to win this vintage violin; in February for 2 chances; in March for 1 chance. The winner (Dave Christie) was announced at the FHO Saturday Night Concert on April 13th. You do not have to be online at that time to win.
You'll also have those same chances to win 2 front-row seats to see Lúnasa perform at the beautiful new Groton Hill Music Center (Groton, MA) on March 27th, 7:30PM, two weeks before Fiddle Hell Online begins. That'll put you in the right mood.
And if you sign up really early (by Jan 10th) and are near Boston, you may win a pair of tickets to see Big Richard (with Joy Adams) at Club Passim (Cambridge, MA) on January 23rd.
Other monthly early bird giveaways are books, CDs, strings, Fiddler magazines, and online lessons. Why wait?
And please tell your musical friends about FHO!
Yes! Thanks to generous contributors to our scholarship fund (including both teaching artists and other 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).
Sure! 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 many musicians' gigs have partially disappeared, and are only slowly returning, Fiddle Hell Online pays all teaching and performing artists, 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. The Whova website or app is 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 on a laptop or desktop - the Whova Web App is browser-based.
2. Once you register, you'll get a confirmation email from Whova with ticket purchase details.
3. Using a laptop or desktop computer, go to www.fiddlehellonline.org to set up your account (easy!). If you already have an account (from a previous Fiddle Hell), 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.
4. 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 :-).
5. 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.
6. 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 teaching and performing artists, 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
They will be delivered to you AFTER Fiddle Hell Online. There's a $9.95 shipping charge per address, so it pays to combine shirt orders where possible.
The design is by Autumn Rose Lester, and there are 6 style choices, each in a different color. You can order a shirt even if you haven't signed up for FHO yet.
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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/FiddleHellApril2024
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 (at the end of January or later). 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. 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.
NEW: Whova now uses 2-factor authentication during your sign-in. For security, Whova may send you an email with a CODE to continue signing in. You've probably done this code thing with an online credit card account or bank account.
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
Troubleshooting:
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using a laptop or desktop to set up your Whova account, it's usually because you're using a different email address than the one you gave when you bought your FIddle Hell Online ticket. Please try again, using the same email address you gave when you bought your FHO ticket. Fiddle Hell Online support staff can help if needed (email
If you are asked for an "invitation code" when you're using an iPad or other mobile device to set up your Whova account, make sure to download the Whova Event & Conference App first and use the App to set up your account. Then you should be able to see Fiddle Hell Online right away as one of "My Events" or you can seach for it in "Find My Event". Even if you plan to view FHO with an iPad, it can be easier to set up your Whova account first with a laptop or desktop computer if you have that option.
Zoom:
There are no Zoom meeting IDs and passwords to remember once you sign in to Whova. Please see the next question is this list to learn how to attend sessions and how you'll get to Zoom from Whova.
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 11th. There will be several people from our 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 artists.
[On an iPad or smartphone, you'll have downloaded the Whova Event & Conference App, and the interface will be a little different. You'll need to look for Staff under Additional Resources rather than under Agenda.]
- Sign in if you haven't already (using your email address and Whova password) to Fiddle Hell Online at https://www.fiddlehellonline.org .
Whova may send a CODE to your email address during this process, to continue signing in.
If you haven't yet set up a Whova account, click on the blue sign up here text, type in the email address you used in buying your Fiddle Hell Online ticket, and create a new password. [Artists should use their own email addresses.] - You will see the Home page of Fiddle Hell Online on Whova, with a big banner, words of welcome, and a menu on the left. If you're not in the Eastern time zone, you can choose at the top of the Home page to have times displayed in your local time zone or switch to the event time. Here are the magical menu choices to help you navigate to different parts of Fiddle Hell:
Agenda >
Sessions − See sessions, search for them, see details, attend sessions, make your own agenda
Artists − See teaching and performing artist bios & sessions, send them messages
Attendees − See & search for other attendees, send them messages
Community − See community discussions, see announcements, set up virtual meet-ups
Messages − See your messages from other attendees & organizers, and respond
Photos − See photos people have posted
Exhibitors − Visit our wonderful virtual exhibitors, including t-shirt sales
Resources >
Session Q&A − Ask questions about sessions, see artist responses if any
Recordings − A random collection of all videos of sessions & from virtual exhibitors
Whova Guides − The Whova Attendee User Guide is pretty good!
- Click on Agenda > Sessions on the menu to get a Full Agenda of all sessions. As you look at the sessions, you can make your own agenda by clicking on "Add to My Agenda" on the right of a session. Next to the words Full Agenda at the top, click on My Agenda to see only those sessions you have added to My Agenda. Click on Full Agenda to go back to seeing everything.
- You can filter sessions at the top left. Where it says Filter by tracks click on Tracks at the top to turn off all checkmarks, and then select the tracks you want (by type, style, level, instrument). Click Tracks at the top again to turn off filtering. You can also choose the day just below that: Thu, Fri, Sat, or Sun.
- You can search for sessions across all days at the top middle search box. Search is very helpful - it finds titles, artists, and descriptions. If search doesn't show what you expect, turn off filtering (#4 above). If you want to see sessions for a particular artist, enter all or part of their name.
- When you see a session of interest, click on the View Session button to read more about it, to ask a question in the Session Q&A, to join it live (as an attendee or as the artist), or to replay it after it has happened. When you're viewing a particular session, you can add it to or remove it from My Agenda or Like it. [Teaching artists can also moderate the Session Q&A for their sessions.] You can experiment to see what Show Agenda and Hide Agenda will do. At any time, you can click on Agenda in the menu column to restore the initial Full Agenda view.
- To attend a live session, click on the green button "Join the live stream here" (or just "Live Stream" on a phone). In the (recommended) Google Chrome web browser, say yes to the question about opening zoom.us (which will open your Zoom app for the session, and give you a chance to download the Zoom app from https://zoom.us/download if you don't have it yet). [In the Safari or Firefox browser, click on the words Zoom app at the end of the yellow banner.] You may be asked for your email when attending concert sessions.
- Artists should join their sessions early for sound check (20 minutes for concerts, 15 minutes for workshops & jams). Session attendees may be held in the Zoom waiting room until sound check is done.
- If you're not familiar with Zoom, see How To Use Zoom During Live Sessions in the How To menu. We'll be using the Zoom Chat for workshops and jams (but not concerts); please ask your questions in the Zoom Chat (NOT the Whova Chat). Wiggle your hands in the air for Zoom applause or happiness.
- When a Zoom session ends, or if you leave early, just return to your initial Fiddle Hell Online browser window. Click Rate Session to give us quick, anonymous feedback.
- To view a replay of a previous session (whether or not you attended it before), click on View Session from the Agenda in the usual way. If the video has been uploaded, the video will be visible and you can click on the play icon in the bottom left. It may take Fiddle Hell staff up to 24 hours to upload videos to Whova once the live session is over. Please be patient as the length of this process depends on multiple factors that are out of our control.
- When replaying a session video, you can pause it in the bottom left, or make it full-screen in the bottom right. If you click on the Settings icon (looks like a little gear) in the bottom right, you can slow the video to half or three-quarters speed without changing the pitch! You can click on another menu item and your video will pop into a different window so you don't lose your place in it. The Community command in the upper right will show you a small community window without disrupting the video playback.
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 11 - 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 at https://fiddlehellonline.org on laptops and desktops, or in the Whova Mobile App for smartphones and iPads. Just look at the Agenda > Sessions, 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 Online):
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 smartphone 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"
Select "Original sound for musicians".
Uncheck the box "High-fidelity music mode". While HFMM may improve sound slightly for guitar and mandolin, it doesn't do much for fiddle in our testing. And HFMM uses extra processing resources and can cause video quality to drop on slower connections.
Check the box "Echo cancellation" (unless your mic or other sound equipment already does cancellation (RARE), or you are wearing isolating headphones)
Uncheck the box "Stereo audio"
Do not select Live performance audio (this is a new feature for synchronization, but it causes problems for FHO!)
Here's what these audio settings should look like:
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 changes to "Original Sound for Musicians: On."
FIddle Hell Online has additional guidelines for artists 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. The Zoom Chat will be saved, and you'll find a link to it in the session description later on (for replays).
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 PDF handouts from specific workshops and jams (or even all sessions).
If you click on a handout link, it'll open the handout in a new browser tab so you can see it, but it won't actually download it to your computer. Viewing may be all you need to do.
If you want to actually download or print a handout right away, the approach depends on your device.
On a LAPTOP or DESKTOP, you use the standard browser method to do a download (e.g., hover towards the bottom of the window on the Mac, the download icon at top right in Chrome, File / Export as PDF in Safari, etc.). Standard printing also works fine.
On a PHONE or TABLET, downloading and printing don't work unless you have the Google Drive app. If you don't have this app, you'll First need to go to the Google Drive Folder (the Folder Link will be emailed to attendees, and will be visible in Community Announcements). Second, in a new browser window or tab (not in Whova), paste in the Folder Link at the top. Third, In the Google Drive Folder, scroll or search for the tune or sub-folder you'd like to download or print. Fourth, click on the 3 dots in the upper right of the document icon to choose to print or download it.
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, through August 10) unless the artist 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 artist.
To respect the professional teaching and performing artists, please do not record audio or video of any 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 August 14th), 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 some artists.
Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell Online, contact the concert coordinator or the "feedback" workshop artist 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 artists 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).
Or get together in person with your registered FHO friends to watch concerts or participate in jams or workshops together. Beverages and snacks are up to you!