Kipper Ackerman, a native of Dalzell, South Carolina, holds a Master of Music Education degree from North Greenville University and a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Presbyterian College, where she focused on vocal and piano performance. She started learning the piano at age five and began studying the harp at ten under the guidance of Nina Brooks in Columbia, South Carolina. Later, she continued her harp studies with Joyce Fankhouser in Greenville, South Carolina.

A professional musician for over 25 years, directing choirs in churches and private and public schools, Kipper currently works as the Director of Music and Communications at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Sumter, South Carolina. She is also the director of The Sounds of Grace, a non-profit organization that uses music to promote peace and healing in healthcare facilities, hospice facilities, and special needs classrooms. Kipper has spent countless hours practicing in studios, performing on stage, and playing for people in assisted living facilities and hospitals with her harp. She cherishes the time when she plays her harp at the bedside of someone about to enter Heaven. Kipper is often asked why she chose to play the harp. Her answer is simple: her grandfather asked her to.

In addition to directing choirs, playing the harp, and leading The Sounds of Grace, Ackerman loves performing on stage at the Sumter Little Theater. Some of the roles she has played recently include Oklahoma (Ado Annie), The Music Man (Mrs. Paroo), Fiddler on the Roof (Golda), and Mamma Mia (Donna). She was also the musical director for Forever Plaid and performed in a Rodgers and Hammerstein review titled Some Enchanted Evening.

Although she spends much time on stage playing her harp and sharing music and stories, her passion lies deep within choral music. She is currently working on developing a community-wide choir in Sumter, South Carolina, and nearby areas. She will be directing them in the performance of John Rutter's “Te Deum” and “Gloria” at Carnegie Hall in April 2025. The choir is set to start rehearsing in September 2024.

Kipper has benefitted from the support of her community throughout her entire life, and she loves giving back. In addition to The Sounds of Grace, she enjoys being active in the community of Sumter through membership in the Sumter Art Association, the Woman’s Afternoon Music Club, Rotary Club of Sumter (Gamecock City), Daughters of the American Revolution, Sumter Chapter, and proudly supports her alma mater by serving on the Alumni Board of Presbyterian College.

Kipper and her husband Curt recently celebrated their 25th anniversary and have been blessed with three adult children: Eliza, Laura Ruth, and Sam. Curt and Kipper have been gifted with many opportunities to make music together, but their favorite event is a benefit for The Sounds of Grace, HOMEGROWN. HOMEGROWN is a bi-annual concert in support of the ministry and puts local professionals from Sumter, SC on stage to showcase their musical talents in support of a great cause. Many concertgoers are surprised to see their pediatrician jamming out on the guitar or their school’s headmaster tearing up a keyboard while simultaneously shaking a golden egg. You may even see the surgeon who just removed your appendix leading an awesome rendition of your favorite Hootie and the Blowfish cover. HOMEGROWN has become an event people look forward to each and every year. 

Kipper's journey as a musician, educator, and community leader has been marked by unwavering dedication and a profound love for music. From her early years of piano and harp lessons to her current roles as a harpist for all occasions, choir director, and founder of The Sounds of Grace, Kipper's passion for using music as a source of healing and connection shines through in everything she does.