Q&A for FH In-Person, Nov 3-6, 2022
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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 3-6, 2022, in Westford, MA.
As a registered attendee, you'll have an amazing choice of 360 workshops, 20 concerts, and 32 jam sessions. Teaching at Fiddle Hell is primarily by ear although sheet music may occasionally be available.
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.
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 all of the Fiddle Hell Online events we've had, and really like it.
We are bringing back Fiddle Hell in person on Nov 3-6, in Westford, MA, with fantastic instructors 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:
What safety precautions are we taking?
Best practices: FH has followed current conditions to determine FH COVID protocols so our event can take place in a safe and comfortable way for all participants. We have also looked at best practices from other music camps and festivals.
Ticket limits: In 2019 there were 800 attendees. In 2022, tickets are limited to 600 attendees, which is 25% less even if all tickets are sold.
Preregistration required: No walk-ins, single day tickets, spectator tickets, or Saturday Night Concert tickets. There are only 4-day tickets and 2-day tickets. 2-day tickets are either for Th/Fr or Sa/Su, so they don't overlap.
Vaccinations and a booster: For all FH attendees, instructors, and staff, we require proof of current COVID-19 vaccinations and at least one booster (if eligible) when you check in at FH Registration. Proof means showing your actual card, a photo of your card, or a digital vaccine card.
Agreement form signatures: We require attendees, instructors, and staff to sign an attendee agreement form in advance that will help protect them and others at FH (see details below).
Rapid tests: On the morning of your first day of Fiddle Hell, we require all attendees, instructors, and staff to perform a rapid (15-minute) COVID test and to have a clear negative result. Please do this before arriving at FH Registration. You'll be asked for your signature to affirm your negative result while checking in. Rapid tests are required at other camps such as Maine Fiddle Camp and Ashokan Camps.
Masks: Masks are welcomed and encouraged. However, they are not required except for attendees of the Saturday Night Concert and for attendees of the 22 singing workshops and jams (including the Whomp). When you're wearing a mask, we highly recommend an N95 or KN95 or KF94 mask.
Dancing: There are no dances at FH in 2022. Dancing is a high risk, close contact activity.
Space: Having 25% fewer attendees will lessen crowding. Some workshops will have staggered ending times so that everyone doesn't get out at exactly the same time. The main concert hall will be turned 90 degrees sideways and opened up to have more space for all 14 of the concerts there. We allocate rooms to sessions based on expected attendance, but rooms will also have capacity limits and may occasionally be closed if all chairs are occupied.
What are we asking you to do?
Follow precautions: We ask you to follow our safety precautions on vaccination and a booster (provide proof at check-in), and on a rapid test (on the morning of your first day, before arriving at FH Registration).
Be careful before FH: Where you can, be extra careful to avoid or reduce exposure during the two weeks before FH.
Agree to and follow the attendee agreement: This is the same as the "waiver form," and you can read the full agreement here. We'll be sending each attendee (including instructors and staff) an email with a link to sign the Fiddle Hell Waiver Form in order to attend FH. You can also view and sign your Waiver Form in the Whova app, at Resources > WaiverForm. Below is an excerpt about COVID safety:
By participating in, attending, instructing at, performing at, or carrying out staff duties at FH, I certify that I and any child/children I am accompanying (if applicable) do not fall into any of the following four categories:
(1) Individuals who currently or within the past FOURTEEN (14) DAYS have experienced any SYMPTOMS associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath among others.
(2) Individuals who believe they may have been EXPOSED to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been DIAGNOSED with COVID-19 and are NOT YET CLEARED as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.
(3) Individuals who have TESTED POSITIVE on a rapid COVID-19 test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test and are NOT YET CLEARED as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.
(4) Individuals who within the past TEN (10) DAYS believe they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have tested positive on a rapid COVID-19 test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test.
I understand that FH will refund my ticket cost, if I am a participant or attendee who falls into one of the above four categories, and if I provide documentation of the situation.
If while attending FH, I experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, may have been exposed to COVID-19, am diagnosed with COVID-19, and/or test positive on a rapid or PCR COVID-19 test, I agree to immediately put on a mask and leave the FH event as quickly as possible. Under such circumstances, I understand that FH will refund my ticket cost on a pro-rated basis.
We hope to see you in November! Looking ahead, we'll have another Fiddle Hell Online on April 13-16, 2023.
Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!
The instructors are listed at https://fiddlehell.org/staff including their bios. By September 2, you'll be able to 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 instructors through the Whova Agenda > Sessions and Agenda > Staff 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.
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.
There are 20 concerts, 32 jams, and 360 workshops. During each of the four days Nov 3-6, we'll alternate 60-minute sessions with 30-minute breaks. 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 a jam, and up to 16 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, banjo, ...), the instructors or performers, 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.
| Ticket Category | 4-Day Ticket | 2-Day Ticket |
| Adult (26-64) | $370 | $222 |
| Senior (65 or older) | $333 | $200 |
| Young Adult (18-25) | $333 | $200 |
| Teen (13-17) | $333 | $200 |
| Kid (12 or Under) | $333 | $200 |
| ASTA Member | $333 | $200 |
| Non-playing parent | $185 | $111 |
Tickets are limited in number and may sell out.
4-DAY TICKETS include Nov 3-6, 2022 (Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
The full price for a 4-day ticket for an Adult (26-64 years old) is $370, for access to all sessions (concerts, jams, workshops).
We offer 10% discounts on 4-day tickets to $333 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Teens (13-17), Kids (12 or under) and American String Teacher Association (ASTA) members.
If you are a non-playing parent or guardian accompanying a Teen or Kid, you will need a ticket for yourself; these are $185 for 4 days and $111 for 2 days.
2-DAY TICKETS can be bought for either Nov 3-4 (Thursday/Friday) or Nov 5-6 (Saturday/Sunday). Please choose the correct ticket for the 2 days you'd like.
The full price for a 2-day ticket for an Adult (26-64) is $222, for access to all sessions (concerts, jams, workshops) during the event.
We offer 10% discounts on 2-day tickets to $200 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Teens (13-17), Kids (12 or under) and American String Teacher Association (ASTA) members.
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 and (if applicable) an Agreement for the Parent or Guardian of a Teen (or Kid). Credit and debit card payments are accepted.
Credit and debit cards are easier. However, it is possible to pay by check.
Since tickets are limited, first send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with each person's name, ticket category (e.g., Senior), email address, and length (4-day, 2-day Th/Fr, 2-day Sa/Su). This will let us set aside one or more tickets for you - if they haven't sold out.
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 length (4-day, 2-day Th/Fr, 2-day Sa/Su). 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 a Liability Waiver 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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to describe your request and circumstances
You don't have to wait for registration to open to send an email.
Your contributions to our Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated! You can contribute (even if you're not registering) by clicking on the big blue button at the bottom of https://fiddlehell.org/Register .
It's not recommended. Tickets are limited and are expected to sell out. And we can't accommodate walk-in attendees at the event itself.
Register now to:
- Be sure of a ticket for the days you want
- Be able to reserve a room at the Westford Regency if you need one
- 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.
Yes, kids can attend FH and many have in the past! It's a great chance for them to learn, 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 2022 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 and while signing the Attendee Agreement later on, the parent or guardian of the teen will need to agree to these additional terms.
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 2022 Fiddle Hell Massachusetts Festival with them AT ALL TIMES, INCLUDING IN EACH SESSION. Non-Playing Parents are requested to sit in the back of the session room if space is tight. 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 teen, or perhaps a musical older sibling of the teen, or the teen's music teacher.
During the registration process and while signing the Attendee Agreement later on, the parent or guardian of the kid will need to agree to these additional terms.
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. When 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
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 and guardians 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 four 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://whova.com/portal/webapp/fhof_202211/
*** 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 (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password, and look for the event "Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2022". 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 (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), 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:
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
More information will be available later about Fiddle Hell t-shirts, tanks, and hoodies. You'll be able to order different styles and colors online in advance, for pickup at Fiddle Hell in Westford. A small number of shirts in certain styles and sizes may also be available at Fiddle Hell.
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 the Registration Room) 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/FiddleHellNov2022
We read all responses carefully!
Technical Questions
Click a Question below to see the Answer.
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 four 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://whova.com/portal/webapp/fhof_202211/
*** 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 (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), sign in with your email address and password, and look for the event "Fiddle Hell In-Person - Fall 2022". 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 (perhaps from Fiddle Hell Online), 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:
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
On an iPhone, Android phone, iPad, or Android tablet, you’ll have downloaded the Whova Event & Conference App, and the interface will be a little different.
- Sign in if you haven’t already (using your email address and Whova password) to www.fiddlehellwestford.com
- You will see the Home page of Fiddle Hell on Whova, with a big banner, words of welcome, and a menu on the left. 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, make your own agenda
Instructrs - See instructor bios & sessions, send them messages
Attendees – See & search for other attendees, send them messages
Community – See community discussions, see announcements
Messages – See your messages from other attendees & organizers, and respond
Photos – See photos people have posted
Exhibitors – Visit our wonderful virtual exhibitors
Resources >
Session Q&A – Ask questions about sessions, see instructor responses if any
Video Gallery – A random collection of videos of sessions & from virtual exhibitors
Floor Map - Shows you the layout of the Westford Regency, including FH Session Room numbers
Take Survey - Take our anonymous survey after FHO is over
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 track 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. This is very helpful - it finds titles, instructors, and descriptions. If search doesn’t show what you expect, turn off filtering (#4 above). If you want to see sessions for a particular instructor, 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 or to ask a question in the Session Q&A. When you’re viewing a particular session, you can add it to or remove it from My Agenda or Like it. [Instructors can also see how many people have added their session to their agenda, and can 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.
There were several thousand attendees who were users of Whova at our Fiddle Hell Online festivals. Some will be there in person, and may be able to help you out.
Also, you may find the answers you need (how to sign in, how to use Whova) at our Q&A page.
During Fiddle Hell, we are planning to have a technical person in the Registration Room at peak times to assist with Whova.
Before or during Fiddle Hell, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. It may take a little while to help you out; please be patient.
You can ask questions to the Whova support staff by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Here's how to view and download handouts from specific workshops and jams (or even all sessions).
(c) If you click on the "Handouts" menu choice instead, that will take a long time to load ALL the handouts. It's preferable to look at handouts in the detailed session views of interest.
We're glad you asked! Most of this is just common sense to make FH a positive experience for you and other attendees. While we're in person in November, there is still an online component due to our use of Whova.
It is against Fiddle Hell Online policy (and your Attendee Agreement) to share your personal Whova password, discount codes, or any other links related to Fiddle Hell sessions with other attendees or non-attendees. Multiple concurrent sign-ons using the same email address will not be accepted by the Whova platform.
Please don't post inappropriate or derogatory photos, videos, comments, messages, links, or other material.
Please don't engage in cyberharassment, online bullying, or any activity prohibited by the Attendee Agreement on Whova, before, during, or after Fiddle Hell.
Please be aware that violating the above requirements may result in your FH attendance being restricted or terminated at the discretion of FH without a refund of your ticket purchase price.
Audio recording of a FH workshop or jam is allowed unless the instructor requests no audio recording.
If you wish to make a video recording of a FH workshop or jam, please ask the instructor first. This may be allowed or not; it can be disruptive.
To respect the professional instructors and performers, please DO NOT RECORD audio or video of concerts at FH, including the Saturday Night Concert.
Occasionally, links to audio or video recordings of some tunes and songs taught during workshops may be provided in the workshop description before or after the workshop by certain instructors.
Once you are registered for Fiddle Hell, contact the concert coordinator or the workshop instructor through Whova to request your inclusion. Lineups may be finalized shortly before FH, 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, you'll be able to interact in Whova with your registered friends (and make new friends) through messages and though Community discussion topics.
Once you arrive at Fiddle Hell in person, it's time for warm greetings, catching up, jams, and more!
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.
You can tell your friends this (customize as you like):
REALLY SHORT Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 3-6, 2022, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 360 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 32 jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. Info and registration (and discounts) at https://FiddleHell.org
SHORT Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 3-6, 2022, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 350 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 30 jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. 75 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scottish, Swedish, 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 Page at https://www.facebook.com/fiddlehell, and subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell.
LONG Version:
I'm going to Fiddle Hell, Nov 3-6, 2022, and I think you would really enjoy this amazing event! FH will have 360 hands-on workshops to learn from, 20 concerts to enjoy, and 32 jam sessions to join, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. 75 instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scottish, Swedish, and Swing styles.
Historical and technical workshops are also on the program -- Songs from Black History; The Blues: North America's Musical Language; Honoring & Acknowledging the Black Artists Who Helped Create Country Music; Native American Tunes on Fiddle; The Franco-American Fiddle Tradition; The Calentano Fiddle Style from Mexico; Fiddle As Backup - What to Do, What Not to Do; Luthier's Corner - Keeping Your Fiddle Healthy & Happy; Mapping the Guitar Fretboard; Essential Scottish Bowing Techniques; Your Cello is a Rhythm Monster; How to Learn Tunes by Ear; Inventive Arranging for a String Band; Creating Variations on the Banjo; How to Take Your Irish Fiddling to the Next Level; New Grooves in Bluegrass Mandolin; Guitar Accompaniment Strategies & Techniques; Building Blocks for Jazz Solos; Harmony Singing; How to Improvise Over Jazz Chord Changes; Intro to Melodic Style Bluegrass Banjo; The Magic of Pentatonic Scales; Intro to Québécois Fiddle Style; How to Read Music; Intro to Cross-Picked Mandolin; Singing with Strength; Achieving Your Best Tone on Cello, and many more.. 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, 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 Page at https://www.facebook.com/fiddlehell, 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 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 FH community, and visit the virtual exhibitors.
I hope you'll register now and join me at this amazing event!
More information will be available later about Fiddle Hell t-shirts, tanks, and hoodies. You'll be able to order different styles and colors online in advance, for pickup at Fiddle Hell in Westford. A small number of shirts in certain styles and sizes may also be available at Fiddle Hell.
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 FH Agenda, you will see sessions reflecting these goals.
Our privacy policy is on the Info menu here.
Fiddle Hell doesn’t sell your email address or share it with anyone externally.
The Whova system knows your email address, since you register and sign in with it, but doesn't share your email with other attendees. If anyone sends you a message in Whova, your email is not shown to the sender. You can propose "Exchange contact info" with another Fiddle Hell 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 contact the exhibitor through the exhibit, your email will be sent along so the exhibitor can contact you. But that's under your control.
We look for instructors who are great musicians; friendly, supportive, well-prepared, effective teachers; and diverse in backgrounds and gender identity. As we always do from year to year, for the November Fiddle Hell we're rotating some instructors out and some new ones in, to offer attendees an ever-changing lineup of musicians and sessions. With the Online FHs, we were 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 both online and in person.
If you have a recommendation for an instructor, please let us know who and why at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on the Fiddle Hell Survey after the event. For in-person FHs, we focus on more local instructors.
We appreciate your enthusiasm! We are not currently seeking volunteers at Fiddle Hell.
In the meantime, you can help us a lot by recommending Fiddle Hell to your musical friends.
Yes! It's in the Registration Room. 100% of the proceeds go to the instructors.
Also, instructors' merchandise (recordings, books, etc.) is generally available through their own websites, which are usually listed in their bios in Whova. For the Reiner Family Band, books and CDs (including the two sets of Common Tune CDs), are also at our online Store.
Yes, once you're registered, through messages in the Community Topic "Instruments for Sale or Trade or Wanted." At the in-person Fiddle Hell, you can post a notice on the Notice Board about the instrument you'd like to buy or sell, including description, price range, and your contact info (name, cell #, email)
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 IN-PERSON Fiddle Hell Festival is planned for November 3-6, 2022. After that, we are planning for Nov 2-5, 2023. As always, the in-person vs. online decision depends on considerations of safety, legality, liability, and site availability, as well as comfort levels of organizers, instructors, and attendees.
The next ONLINE Fiddle Hell Festival is planned for:April 13-16, 2023.
We are bringing back Fiddle Hell in person on Nov 3-6, in Westford, MA, with fantastic instructors 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:
What safety precautions are we taking?
Best practices: FH is following current conditions to determine FH COVID protocols so our event can take place in a safe and comfortable way for all participants. We are also looking at best practices from other music camps and festivals.
Ticket limits: In 2019 there were 800 attendees. In 2022, tickets are limited to 600 attendees, which is 25% less even if all tickets are sold.
Preregistration required: No walk-ins, single day tickets, spectator tickets, or Saturday Night Concert tickets. There are only 4-day tickets and 2-day tickets. 2-day tickets are either for Th/Fr or Sa/Su, so they don't overlap.
Vaccinations and a booster: For all FH attendees, instructors, and staff, we require proof of current COVID-19 vaccinations and at least one booster (if eligible) when you check in at FH Registration. Proof means showing your actual card, a photo of your card, or a digital vaccine card.
Agreement form signatures: We require attendees, instructors, and staff to sign an attendee agreement form in advance that will help protect them and others at FH (see details below).
Rapid tests: On the morning of your first day of Fiddle Hell, we require all attendees, instructors, and staff to perform a rapid (15-minute) COVID test and to have a clear negative result. Please do this before arriving at FH Registration. You'll be asked for your signature to affirm your negative result while checking in. Rapid tests are required at other camps such as Maine Fiddle Camp and Ashokan Camps.
Masks: Masks are welcomed and encouraged. However, they are not required except for attendees of the Saturday Night Concert and for attendees of singing workshops and jams (including the Whomp). When you're wearing a mask, we highly recommend an N95 or KN95 or KF94 mask.
Dancing: There are no dances at FH in 2022. Dancing is a high risk, close contact activity.
Space: Having 25% fewer attendees will lessen crowding. Some workshops will have staggered ending times so that everyone doesn't get out at exactly the same time. The main concert hall will be turned 90 degrees sideways and opened up to have more space for all 14 of the concerts there. We allocate rooms to sessions based on expected attendance, but rooms will also have capacity limits and may occasionally be closed if all chairs are occupied.
What are we asking you to do?
Follow precautions: We ask you to follow our safety precautions on vaccination and a booster (provide proof at check-in), and on a rapid test (on the morning of your first day, before arriving at FH Registration).
Be careful before FH: Where you can, be extra careful to avoid or reduce exposure during the two weeks before FH.
Agree to and follow the attendee agreement: This is the same as the "waiver form," and you can read the full agreement here. We'll be sending each attendee (including instructors and staff) an email with a link to sign the Fiddle Hell Waiver Form in order to attend FH. You can also view and sign your Waiver Form in the Whova app, at Resources > WaiverForm. Below is an excerpt about COVID safety:
By participating in, attending, instructing at, performing at, or carrying out staff duties at FH, I certify that I and any child/children I am accompanying (if applicable) do not fall into any of the following four categories:
(1) Individuals who currently or within the past FOURTEEN (14) DAYS have experienced any SYMPTOMS associated with COVID-19, which include fever, cough, fatigue, loss of smell or taste, and shortness of breath among others.
(2) Individuals who believe they may have been EXPOSED to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19 or have been DIAGNOSED with COVID-19 and are NOT YET CLEARED as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.
(3) Individuals who have TESTED POSITIVE on a rapid COVID-19 test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test and are NOT YET CLEARED as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities or the health care team responsible for their treatment.
(4) Individuals who within the past TEN (10) DAYS believe they may have been exposed to a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19, have been diagnosed with COVID-19, or have tested positive on a rapid COVID-19 test or a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test.
I understand that FH will refund my ticket cost, if I am a participant or attendee who falls into one of the above four categories, and if I provide documentation of the situation.
If while attending FH, I experience symptoms associated with COVID-19, may have been exposed to COVID-19, am diagnosed with COVID-19, and/or test positive on a rapid or PCR COVID-19 test, I agree to immediately put on a mask and leave the FH event as quickly as possible. Under such circumstances, I understand that FH will refund my ticket cost on a pro-rated basis.
We hope to see you in November! Looking ahead, we'll have another Fiddle Hell Online on April 13-16, 2023.
Please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions or comments. Thank you!
