Bio
Elaine Conger is a Nashville native, lifelong musician, and devoted music educator whose life’s journey has been shaped by faith, worship, and the gift of music. After years of teaching, touring, and performing professionally, she now lives in the mountains of East Tennessee, where she embraces this season of life as a calling to write and share music that invites others into peace, reflection, and the presence of God.
Music has always been woven into Elaine’s life. She began piano lessons at age 4½ and was already serving in church music ministry by age 12. Through singing, accompanying worship, and participating in countless musical experiences throughout her school years, she discovered early that music could both encourage the heart and deepen spiritual connection.
Elaine earned a degree in Music Education from Tennessee Technological University, majoring in piano with minors in voice and organ. She later completed Orff-Schulwerk certification through the University of Memphis and earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education from Tennessee State University. Throughout her career, she has shared her love of music through teaching children, mentoring musicians, directing theater productions, and leading worship in many forms.
After several years of teaching in Nashville, Elaine stepped into the world of professional touring, performing as a keyboardist and backup vocalist for country artist Faith Hill and appearing on the General Jackson Showboat. Yet even during those exciting years, her heart remained rooted in ministry, family, and using music as a way to uplift and encourage others.
Elaine later returned to education and arts leadership, serving as Senior Director of Music at The Renaissance Center, where she taught Orff and Kindermusik classes, accompanied performances, directed musical theater productions, and continued nurturing creativity in students of all ages.
Her path eventually led her to Larry Conger, former National Mountain Dulcimer Champion, whom she later married. Together they discovered a shared calling of playing the mountain dulcimer, teaching and performing at dulcimer festivals across the country. For 17 years, they have served as artistic directors and instructors for “Dulcimer U” at Western Carolina University, building not only musical community but lasting friendships grounded in joy, fellowship, and encouragement.
Now living in Gatlinburg near the beauty of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Elaine and Larry continue to blend music and ministry through their Dulcimer Hymnposium, a gathering created to bring dulcimer players together in fellowship and in the sharing of beloved hymns. What began as an in-person event has continued online, allowing participants across the country to learn to play hymns on the dulcimer from wherever they are.
In 2025, Elaine and Larry traveled to Scotland with Performing Arts Educators, serving as artistic directors for the New Caledonia Folk Orchestra. In June 2026, they will lead the NCFO in Ireland. And no—you don’t have to be a musician to join the trip… wink, wink!
Elaine has faithfully served as organist and music director for both Grace Church and Trinity Church, giving a combined 15 years of ministry through music in the Episcopal Church. She is also a devoted member of the Order of the Daughters of the King and currently serves as Diocesan Assembly President for East Tennessee.
In 2024, Elaine wrote “A New Day Dawns,” the theme song for the National DOK Triennial, where she also served as a featured musician. That same year, she was honored to serve as musician for the National Episcopal Church Women’s Triennial. Looking ahead to 2027, she will serve as Music Chair, helping create worship experiences that are spiritually rich, welcoming, and deeply rooted in faith.
Today, Elaine sees this season of life as both a blessing and a ministry. Her prayer is that the music God places on her heart will bring comfort to the weary, hope to the discouraged, and moments of stillness and renewal to those seeking God in the midst of a hurried world.