Workshop FAQs

Updated April 7, 2025

What is the HFAA Summer Workshop like?

Our Hardanger Fiddle Summer Music and Dance Workshop each July offers an extended weekend of intensive classes in Hardanger fiddling and Norwegian dance. Participants from throughout the country gather in the upper Midwest for learning, playing, dancing, and fun. You can find more detailed general information about our Summer Workshops here. Prospective fiddlers without instruments of their own are invited to enroll in our Workshop Hardingfele Loan Program. 

We also offer a weekend Winter Workshop ("Open Hearth") each February at no charge, held online via Zoom.

Will the HFAA be holding its Summer Workshop in person in 2025?

Yes! The HFAA is holding its Summer 2025 Hardanger Fiddle Music and Dance Workshop in person July 17-20 at Folklore Village, near Dodgeville, Wisconsin: https://folklorevillage.org/

When does the workshop begin and end?

Our workshop begins at 1 pm on Thursday and ends with lunch at 12 noon on Sunday. Everyone must be completely out of Folklore Village by 2 pm on Sunday.

How do I register?

A registration form and more information is available here.

What is the registration deadline?

For 2025 the registration deadline is June 23 to avoid a late fee; July 7 (postmarked) is the final registration deadline (individual exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis).

Is it possible to attend part time?

We offer six different options for part-time attendance; our 2025 Summer Workshop registration form will have more details when it is available.

What does it cost to attend?

See our 2025 Summer Workshop registration form for fee information.

Can I bring a companion who won't be attending classes but will join me for meals?

Yes. Adult companions who do not participate in classes may attend for the same fee as teen attendance.

Can I bring my children to the workshop?

Children who are mature enough to participate in the dance or fiddle classes are very welcome. However, if you are attending classes you must find another adult to be responsible for their care while you are busy; we do not provide activities or supervision for children.

Can unaccompanied teens attend the workshop?

Teens are welcome to attend without a parent, but they must have an assigned responsible adult. Contact the Workshop Chair at workshopchair@hfaa.org to make arrangements.

What is your cancellation policy?

Cancellations by June 23: Full refund less a $20 handling fee (per registration). Cancellations between June 24 and July 7: Refund is the greater of $20 or 70% of the registration fee. Cancellations after July 7: 20% refund. The HFAA will provide documentation of a 501(c)(3) contribution for the non-refundable portion of registration fees for canceled registrations. We will refund all payments in the event that we are forced to cancel our workshop because of any circumstances beyond our control.

Can you help me find a ride to Folklore Village?

See our page Housing, Meals, Transportation where you will find information on public transportation to Madison, WI, the nearest city. Also, our Ride Sharing Board will be available to workshop registrants to help workshop attendees needing rides to match up with drivers and vice versa; information on ride sharing will be sent to workshop registrants via email.

Do you have a sample class schedule?

Yes, a sample schedule is available on our website here, along with detailed information on our classes.

What are the COVID-19 policies that will be in force at the 2025 Summer Workshop?

A description of our health policies can be found on our website here. Updates will be posted if conditions change, and registrants will be notified.