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Fred started violin lessons at age 7 and began his professional music career at 17. He recorded his first solo album “Cut Loose” at age 20. In 1980 Fred joined the Tony Rice Unit, touring for 3 years and recording 2 albums, ”Still Inside” and “Backwaters”. From 1980 to 1984, Fred worked as an apprentice at Loveland Violin Shop in Santa Rosa CA where he learned the proper methods of violin repair, set-up, and bow rehairing.

In 1987, Fred moved to Nashville and immediately began touring with Emmylou Harris and the Hot Band. He continued as a touring musician for the next 5 years with several artists including Ronnie Milsap, Suzy Bogguss, George Strait, and Kathy Mattea. In 1992, Fred recorded his second solo album, “In the Stillness”. Over the last 20 years, Fred has attended numerous violin auctions, set up at several fiddle camps, and hosted over 30 incredible concerts at The Violin Shop (directing and producing the Fiddle Masters Concert Series DVD’s).  In addition to his time spent at The Violin Shop, Fred is now performing with guitarist extraordinaire, Tim May.  Their first self titled CD, CARPENTER & MAY, is completed and is scheduled for a late summer 2010 release. For more, see www.carpenterandmay.com.