Dr. Grant Manhart

Grant Manhart began playing trumpet when he found his Great-Grandfathers Civil War Era Coronet in the attic when he was in 5th grade, and his father who was a medical Doctor showed him how to “make a sound” by doing so-and-so with the horn. Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, his friends and neighbors recalled the familiar sound of him practicing from his open bedroom window at “Trempealeau Trail”, a quaint cul-de-sac in the Madison suburbs.

His love for the sound carried him through college at the University of Wisconsin Madison, and a Doctorate at Indiana University where he became a student under the legendary Bill Adam (1917-2013). His biggest breakthrough on trumpet came from his teacher, Bill Adam. From then on trumpet became a fun, and “easy” instrument to play from top to bottom, in and out, and has ever since.

While in and out of school Grant toured the world playing with the Greats such as Buddy Rich, (insert names) and alongside other phenomenal players like Chris Bodhi and Eric Merashiro . On the Circus, in Europe, and Caribbean.

Proving that life is not liner, nor straightforward, he has overcome many challenges. The sudden passing of his first wife after the birth of his twin sons, failure, and success in real-estate, (hobbies, ice skating, teaching, RV business) and starting a fishing lure business. After every setback he returned to his one passion, the sound of the trumpet.

Once he received his Doctorate from Indiana University, Grant found peace and quiet from his touring days in Aberdeen, South Dakota where he teaches at Northern State University. He shares his love for the sound with all three of his sons, and daughter, who are actively playing and creating in their own spheres of influence.

Grant currently spends his days teaching (both trumpet and real-estate), cutting firewood, and flipping rental properties.

He will speak to anyone and everyone at manhartg@norther.edu.