Frederick earned degrees in music composition from California Institute of the Arts (BFA) and the New England Conservatory (MM). His composition teachers include Stephen Mosko, Morton Subotnick, Thomas McKinley, and Robert Cogan. Frederick also has a Master of Divinity degree from Drew University School of Theology and is an ordained minister in the United Methodist Church.

Before becoming an ordained minister, Frederick composed music for television, radio, and modern dance, while also working as a freelance jazz and classical musician. Frederick retired from fulltime ministry in 2015, but still maintains an active preaching and teaching schedule, devotes more time to composing, and is building a music ministry called Visiting Harp. He is a former member of the New York Composer Circle and the National Association of Composers USA.