Our schedule and instructor list are posted at https://FiddleHell.org, and registration is open for Fiddle Hell Online, April 15-18, 2021. FHO will have 200 live workshops to learn from, 35 live concerts to enjoy, and 35 live jam sessions to join on Zoom, for fiddle, mandolin, cello, guitar, old-time banjo, and singing. All sessions will be replayable (and can be slowed down) for 3 months after the event.
More than 100 instructors — experienced & supportive teachers, and wonderful & inspiring players — will cover Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Cape Breton, East European, Electric, Québécois, Gypsy Jazz, Irish, Jazz, Klezmer, Latin, Mexican, New Acoustic, New England, Old-Time Southern, Scandinavian, Scottish, Swing, Texas, and Western Swing styles. Attending FHO is not only an amazing experience, it’s a way for you to support and connect with these wonderful instructors and performers. Bluegrass instructors & performers include Sharon Gilchrist, Andy Statman, Erica Brown, Richie Brown, Margaret Gerteis, Billy Contreras, Darol Anger, Ellen Carlson, Jeremy Kittel, Alex Hargreaves, Matt Shipman, Peter Anick, Joy Adams, Andy Reiner. A few instructors in other styles include: Kevin Burke, Wendy MacIsaac, Michael Doucet, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason, Hanneke Cassel, Jake Blount, Mike Block, Cathy Fink, …
With 270 sessions + 100 instructors + 3 months of video replays, Fiddle Hell Online is of great value to players and listeners alike. Previous attendees said that their broad opportunities for learning (tunes, styles, instruments, techniques), gains in musical inspiration, and renewed connections with the community were priceless! And it’s great to have a front row seat for every session. As in the past, discounts are available for seniors and young musicians, and there are further discounts and giveaways for early bird signups. Scholarships based on financial need are available.
If you register by March 8th, you’ll be able to attend two 90-minute online workshops on bow chopping for free (normally $49 each) with Andy Reiner, at 7:30PM ET on March 10th and April 7th. You’ll also be entered in a drawing for 3 free half-hour online lessons, 3 classic fiddle books, a tunebook, and 3 CDs.
Historical and technical workshops are on our program, too — “Songs from Black History,” “Indigenous Fiddlers and Influences,” “Efficient Practice Strategies,” “Slay the Pain Dragon,” “Looping Essentials,” “Taking Your Music Online,” “Electric Violin – How to Get There,” “Five Ways to Learn a Fiddle Tune So You Never Forget It,” and many more. Workshops and jams are designed for Beginners, Low Intermediates, High Intermediates, or Advanced players, although you can attend any sessions you like.
See https://fiddlehell.org/register for Registration, https://fiddlehell.org/Schedule for Schedule, https://fiddlehell.org/Stafffor Instructors, and https://fiddlehell.org/info/Racial-Justice for Racial Justice Statement. You can sign up for our Mailing List at https://fiddlehell.org/Contact, join the FH Facebook group at https://facebook.com/groups/FiddleHellMassachusetts, visit the Facebook event at https://www.facebook.com/events/2758860164378653, and subscribe to the FH YouTube channel at https://YouTube.com/FiddleHell to replay and slow down jams for free.
On behalf of Fiddle Hell and my family, we hope you are doing ok, staying healthy, and coping with the difficult changes to everyday life. We hope you’ll join us in April for fun and friendship, and for incredible learning and listening!
Warmly,
Dave Reiner