Violin Shop

Fred began violin lessons at age 7 and began his professional music career at 17. He recorded his first solo album Cut Loose at age 20 with Mark O'Connor. In 1980 Fred joined the Tony Rice Unit, touring for 2 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 proper violin set-up, repair, and restoration techniques, with an emphasis on bow rehairing.