He began playing at age 11 and also plays guitar and electric bass. Graham grew up in Minnesota and studied at Wheaton College, where he earned a Bachelor of Music in Viola Performance, and at Eastman School of Music, where he received a Master of Music in Viola Performance. Before joining The Phil, he was Principal Viola of the Knoxville Symphony. Graham is secretary/treasurer of the Fort Wayne Musicians Association, American Federation of Musicians Local 58. His other interests include tennis, jazz and rock music and playing electric bass in a church worship band. He and his wife, Debra, have one daughter, Catherine.