Gottfried Holzer-Graf was born in Styria (Mürzzuschlag). He studied music/musical education, German language/literature and musicology in Vienna and Salzburg. Classes in conducting and composition completed his musical education. Majoring in organ as a student of Alois Forer, he graduated with honors and resumed his studies under Flor Peeters and Gaston Litaize.

Receiving a sponsorship award at the 5th International Bach Contest in Leipzig and winning the award for improvisation at the International Bruckner Contest in Linz in 1978, Holzer-Graf went on to become the founder and artistic director of the Neuberger Kulturtage (1977-1978). He conducted the Wochen Alter Musik in Salzburg and produced Alte und Neue Musik for the Austrian Broadcaster ORF as well as records and CDs. He was repeatedly invited to compile cultural concepts and to supervise the restoration and construction of organs. In addition, he also gave performances throughout Europe and the United States. Since 1991, he has been the artistic director for sacred music at the former collegiate church in Mondsee where he also directs the Musik und Kirche festival.

In 1974, Gottfried Holzer-Graf began lecturing at the Mozarteum University in Salzburg, teaching improvisation, basso continuo, didactics and organ. He was appointed Professor of Organ in 2000. Holzer-Graf served as Dean of Science and Education from 2000 - 2003. During this time, the initial conversion of university curricula into Bachelor (Bakkalaureat) and Master (Magisterstudium) programs was implemented as stipulated in the Bologna Process and the preparation of transcripts and personnel data for the electronic administration system MOZonline was accomplished. The Mozarteum was also the first Austrian University of the Arts to undergo an international peer evaluation.

Beginning in 2003 until 2006, Holzer-Graf held the office of Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Furthermore, he jointly assumed the position of Interim Chancellor with Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lange throughout the academic year 2005/06. During this time, planning and execution of events celebrating the Mozart Year 2006 were handled, a development plan was prepared and compensation agreements were generated, institutes were refurbished and the curriculum was revised and implemented.

In addition, cooperative agreements with the State Conservatorium Feldkirch and the State of Tyrol were reached. Finally, the move into the new main university building at Mirabellplatz 1 took place in summer of 2006. After the election of a new Chancellor, Holzer-Graf took a one-semester sabbatical leave and has returned to teach at the Mozarteum University with the beginning of the winter semester 2007.