Ulf Grahn studied music at the Royal Academy of Music, Stockholm and at the Stockholm City College where his principal composition studies were with Hans Eklund. He holds degrees from Stockholms Musikpedagogiska Institut and the Catholic University of America. He has also studied Business Administration, Economics and Development Studies.at The University of Uppsala, Sweden.

In 1973 he founded the Contemporary Music Forum, Washington, D.C. and served as its Program Director until 1984. During 1988-90 he was Artistic and Managing Director of the Music at Lake Siljan Festival, Sweden. Prior to this he was on the faculty of George Washington University and Director of its Electronic Music Studio.Presently he teaches Swedish language and culture at the Foreign Service Institut.
He lecturers on Swedish and Scandinavian music including his own, American music and Cultural Economic issues.

Recent perfomances include: The Instrumental Opera The Enchanted Forest; Sinfonie no II, Celebration for Marimba, Nocturne for pianotrio and Tape, Trombone Unaccompanied?!, Three Dances with Interludes for six percussionists, Kurbitsmålning for choire and violin, Psaltaren 9:2-3,9-12 for two Sopranos.

Mr. Grahn has composed for all media and received numerous prizes, grants, awards and commissions. His music is published by Seesaw Music Corp, Edition Suecia and Edition Nglani. His music is available on Opus One, Orion and Caprice Records.