Grace Elmer is a guitarist, educator, and arts leader whose work integrates performance, teaching, and community engagement, with a focus on expanding access to high-quality guitar education. Originally from Birmingham, Alabama, she holds both a Master of Music and a Bachelor of Music in classical guitar performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.

An active performer, Elmer has appeared as both a featured soloist and collaborative artist in a wide range of classical and contemporary settings, including interdisciplinary projects and world premiere productions. Her musical practice spans classical, jazz, flamenco, and electric guitar, as well as mandolin, banjo, and diverse world music traditions, enabling her to connect with varied audiences and musical communities.

Elmer also brings extensive experience in the music industry and nonprofit arts administration. She has worked in public relations at Rock Paper Scissors, where she supported communications strategy and media engagement for artists and creative projects. In addition, she has held leadership roles in community arts organizations, directing programs, coordinating outreach initiatives, and fostering partnerships that strengthen access to arts education and cultural programming.

Deeply committed to strengthening communities through music, Elmer regularly designs educational programs, workshops, and performance initiatives for students of all ages and backgrounds. In Indiana, she has helped expand access to guitar education through the statewide Strumming Hoosiers extracurricular program, bringing high-quality instruction and ensemble experiences to young musicians.

Elmer is thrilled to join the faculty at the University of South Carolina, where she looks forward to mentoring the next generation of musicians and arts leaders.