A celebrated child prodigy, Elman studied violin from age four. In 1902 he became a tuition-free pupil of the famed violinist and teacher Leopold Auer at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. His professional debut in 1904 in Berlin quickly established him as one of the leading European violinists. From 1908 he toured the United States frequently. Subsequent tours took him throughout Europe and to East Asia. A U.S. citizen from 1923, he celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut in the United States with a concert at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Elman's tone was considered resonant and voluptuous. His repertoire was extensive. He composed several short violin pieces and arranged works by other composers for violin and piano.