William Carter was born in Jacksonville, Florida. After gaining both Bachelors and Masters Degrees in music from Florida State University, William made over a 1000 performances in North Carolina's Artist-in Residence programme. He then accepted the post of Professor of Guitar at Pennsylvania State University. During this period he became increasingly interested in instruments of the lute family and the world of historical performance practice. Following initial guidance from Pat O'Brien in New York, William came to London in 1989 as a Fulbright Scholar to study with Nigel North at the GSMD. During this period he became one of the founding members of the Palladian Ensemble. He presently makes his home in London where he often appears as a guest artist with ensembles such as London Baroque, Fretwork and the Locke Consort. 
His first solo recording of Corbetta - La Guitare Royale (LINN CKD 185) was released in 2004 and was described in the Gramophone as a wonderful disc, impeccably recorded, and sure to become a most agreeable bedtime companion for many. (Corbetta composed music for King Louis XIV's bedchambers).
 William is principal Lutenist of both the Academy of Ancient Music and the English Concert. He is currently Professor of Lute and Baroque Studies at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is also a regular faculty member of the Annual Summer Academy of Baroque Music held at the Wilanow Palace in Warsaw.