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REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR FIDDLE HELL ONLINE, APRIL 11-14, 2024

The sixth Fiddle Hell Online will be on April 11-14, 2024, with replays of all sessions for 4 months. There will be 170 live workshops to learn from, 25 live concerts to enjoy, and 25 live jam sessions to join on Zoom, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, banjo, & singing. Other instruments and listeners are welcome, too. Fiddle Hell instructors -- experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players -- will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Irish, Jazz, Jazz Manouche, Klezmer, Latin, Mexican, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Québécois, Scandinavian, Scottish, and Swing stylesHistorical and technical workshops will be on the program in addition to tune and style learning. Workshops and jams are designed for Beginners, Low Intermediates, High Intermediates, and Advanced players, although you can attend or replay any sessions you like.

Fiddle Hell Online's inspiring and incredible sessions are a great value for players and listeners. Attending FHO is not only an amazing experience, it’s a way for you to support and connect with these wonderful instructors and performers. Attendees have said that their broad opportunities for learning (tunes, styles, instruments, techniques), gains in musical inspiration, and renewed connections with the community are priceless! Discounts are always provided for seniors and young musicians, and there are further discounts and many giveaways (books, lessons, CDs, an unusual vintage fiddle, and free workshops) for early bird signups. Scholarships based on financial need are available.

Attendance and participation at FHO are from your laptop, desktop, tablet, or phone. You'll be viewing live sessions (and replays) from a web browser or mobile app, using our convenient event software called "Whova." At face-to-face Fiddle Hell, you had to make a difficult choice of where to go in each time slot; for FHO, you'll be able to replay videos of prior sessions for 4 months, so you won't miss your favorite instructors, workshop topics, jams, and performers. Optionally, you can access the FHO online community once you register, for discussions, messaging, virtual exhibitors, and technical help if you need it. 

On behalf of Fiddle Hell and my family, we had a great time jamming, learning, and having fun with you in in 2023, both online and in-person. It was a year for friendship and reconnection, and for awesome learning and listening. We'll see you online in April, 2024!

Warmly,
Dave Reiner



WHAT Do Prior Attendees Say?

What do prior attendees say about Fiddle Hell Online (in our anonymous surveys)? 

"What an amazing staff of wonderful traditional players and teachers!”

“One of the most well-organized festivals I've been to. I was able to experience new genres of music. Having the class replays for 4 months is terrific. Brilliant teachers!"

“I loved online! Being able to study the workshop information in depth over the four months afterwards is invaluable! Your technical set-up is fantastic!”

"There are workshops at FHO that I can't find anywhere else - not just great tunes but historical context, practical techniques, nuances of style, and wonderful teaching artists! It's so useful to know about workshop and jam levels and pacing in advance, and I'll be using the handouts for years."

“Fabulous way to learn tunes. I could see and hear the instructors very well from my 'front row' seat & play right along with them. The replays covered those sections I missed. I will definitely do it again and recommend it to others!”

"Thanks for your help with the Whova app. It  really felt like we were all together at Fiddle Hell!



Q&A for FHO

Click on a Question below to see the Answer. 
More extensive Q&A is here.


When and where is Fiddle Hell Online?

Fiddle Hell Online is Thursday-Sunday, April 11-14, 2024, with all sessions replayable for the next 4 months (thru August 10). It's virtual, so FHO is wherever you are!

What happens at Fiddle Hell Online?

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 160 workshops, 25 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 may occasionally be available.

What's different from the in-person Fiddle Hell?

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. Optionally, 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.

Where do I find out about the schedule and artists?

Artists are listed now, and and most sessions will be listed by the end of February, 2024. 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.

How Do I Set Up My Whova Account & Sign In To Access Fiddle Hell Online?

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 (registration opens on January 1), 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.

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 iPadhttps://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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).

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. 
What do the workshop and jam levels (L1, L2, L3, L4) mean?

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!

What sessions should I attend? Do I need to sign up in advance for particular workshops?

There are 25 concerts, 25 jams, and 160 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.

Can kids attend Fiddle Hell Online?

Yes, kids can attend FHO! There is a 10% discount for kids, and an additional 10% discount for early bird tickets (and it's even less if they qualify as an additional household member). Kids are welcome at all sessions; the session description should be useful in making decisions about what will interest them. There are no sessions specifically for kids in the Online version of Fiddle Hell, due to online privacy restrictions. Please read on for details, which are different for different ages of kids.

A parent or legal guardian can purchase a ticket for an older kid (13-17). The parent or guardian will need to supervise and monitor their child's participation in FHO, and take full responsibility for their child's safe and appropriate participation in FHO. During the registration process, the parent or guardian purchasing the child's ticket will need to accept these additional terms.

A parent or legal guardian can purchase a ticket for a younger kid (12 or under). The parent or guardian must also purchase their own ticket (possibly as an additional household member). To comply with the U.S. Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA), there are important, required procedures to avoid sharing personal information about the kid, which includes name, display name, audio, video, chat posting, and more. While the kid can hear and see any sessions, during live sessions the kid should not be identified, nor audible, nor visible, since these sessions are recorded for later replay. During the registration process, the parent or guardian purchasing the ticket will need to accept these additional terms. It is not an option to consent to share personal information about a younger kid, since such permission could later be withdrawn, and the actions required of Fiddle Hell Massachusetts LLC (such as removing videos) in association with a revoked consent could be burdensome and challenging to comply with.

All that being said, younger kids can enjoy FHO and learn a lot from it!

What's the price of Fiddle Hell Online? Are discounts available?

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. 

We offer additional 10% early bird discounts by March 31 to $177 for Adults (26-64), and to $159 for Seniors (65 or over), Young Adults (18-25), Kids (13-17), Kids (12 or under) and ASTA members. The earlier you sign up, the more giveaway drawings you'll be entered for (including the amazing lion-head, cornerless fiddle giveaway; as well as online lessons, online workshops, books, CDs, and pairs of tix to two Massachusetts concerts).

Tickets for CONCERTS ONLY are $100, with an early bird discount of 10%, for any age.

Any additional household member wishing to attend ANY concerts, workshops, or jams also needs to register (for the reduced price of $100, or $90 with early bird discount). 

Should I wait until the last moment to register?

Sure, you could wait until the last moment - we all procrastinate!  But if you register right away for Fiddle Hell Online, you'll get free workshops online before FHO, and you'll be entered in multiple giveaways of books, CDs, online lessons from artists, and even a great fiddle! You'll also gain early access to the event, including several instructional replays from the last FHO.

Register early to plan your own agenda (with the My Agenda feature), ask questions about sessions, see announcements about new sessions, post to community discussion topics (like instruments for sale), test out your connections and software, and look through our online exhibitors.

You'll need to be registered to apply for a performance spot on the Original Tunes concert. 

We have scholarship funds available now; these may run out as FHO gets nearer.

Of course, if you register now, you'll also help Fiddle Hell to plan for a smooth and exciting event! 

That being said, you can actually register any time you like, even if Fiddle Hell Online has already started.

What's the "Lion-Head" Fiddle GIVEAWAY for Early Birds?

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 February for 2 chances to win this vintage violin; in March for 1 chance. The winner will be 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!

Are scholarships available? How do I apply?

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. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to describe your request and circumstances.

How do I register with a credit or debit card?

Go to the Registration Page (starting on January 1, 2024). 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).

Can I register by sending a check instead?

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.

What Does the Attendee Agreement Say?

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.

Is it ok for my friends and family to watch or attend concerts, jams, or workshop sessions using my login?

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.

What happens once I register? And what is "Whova"?

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

How Can I Order a Fiddle Hell T-SHIRT?
Fiddle Hell Online shirts and hoodies can be pre-ordered by MARCH 24th at https://www.customink.com/g/ufg0-00cu-qw6s . These are excellent quality and wash well.

They should be delivered to you before Fiddle Hell Online, April 11-14. 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.

What's the Fiddle Hell Common Tune list?

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.

How Do I Fill Out My Fiddle Hell Survey After the 4 Days Are Over?

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!


Giveaways!

Fiddle Hell is giving away a vintage violin to an early bird registrant for our April Online Festival. 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. It 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 February for 2 chances to win this vintage violin; in March for 1 chance.

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 27, 7:30PM, two weeks before Fiddle Hell Online begins. That'll put you in the right mood.

Other monthly early bird giveaways are books, CDs, strings, Fiddler magazines, and online lessons. Why wait?