Meet the Visionary
Emilio Arredondo
From an early age, Emilio Arredondo found joy in music, inspired by fond memories of singing along to songs with his grandparents. By age three, he began formal music training through Kindermusik and, at six, chose the violin—a decision that set him on a lifelong journey with string instruments.
Emilio’s passion ignited when he discovered Celtic fiddle music, leading him to study with Roberta Rast of The Killdares and attend the Blair School of Music’s Fiddle Camp. His studies extended to Berklee College of Music, where he founded the Celtic Rock band Dublin Free Press, touring the Northeast and honing his craft in both classical and contemporary styles.
After graduating, Emilio joined Johnson String Instrument in Newton, MA, where he deepened his understanding of violin craftsmanship, sound quality, and instrument adjustments. Returning to Houston, he worked at local violin shops, taught over 100 students, and joined the faculty of the American Festival for the Arts in 2019.
In 2021, Emilio founded Fine Instrument Consulting, bringing his expertise to Houston’s string instrument market. The shop focuses on quality craftsmanship and rare instruments, filling a unique niche for musicians. During the pandemic, Emilio pursued a master’s degree at the University of St. Thomas under Houston Symphony violinist Rodica Gonzalez. Emilio regularly performs with ensembles such as Pluto Soundz and the Houston Latin American Philharmonic.
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Craftsmanship.
Quality.
Integrity.
Emilio Arredondo
Beyond his shop, Emilio serves on the board of the Houston Professional Musicians Union, their DEI committee, and AFA's DEI committee. Emilio is also on the Marketing & Membership committee of the Violin Society of America. As a proud Houston Heights resident, he spends his free time exploring local restaurants, attending concerts, walking around the neighborhood with his dog Gizmo, and traveling in search of unique string instruments.
