After serving as a bandsman in the U.S. Army, he attended Boston University, studying with Gino Cioffi at the New England Conservatory of Music, as well as with Rosario Mazzeo.

He was appointed Principal Clarinetist of the Milwaukee Symphony in 1961 and studied at Le Conservatoire Americain.

[2] In 1962, he won second prize in the National Competition for Woodwind Instruments, sponsored by the Musicians Club of New York.

[8] John Bavicchi, professor at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, composed his Sonata for Clarinet and Piano for Friedland,[9] which was first performed at Titusville, Florida.

[citation needed] Friedland resided in Cornwall, Ontario with his wife of 50 years, Linda.

[citation needed] He wrote many articles on clarinet repertoire, instrumental problems and various aspects of the musical experience.