Grant Manhart began playing trumpet when he found his Great-Grandfathers Civil War Era Cornet in

the attic at age 10, and his father showed him how to “make a sound” on 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, a Master’s

degree at Cincinnati Conservatory, and a Doctorate at Indiana University where he became a student

under the legendary William Adam (1917-2013). His biggest breakthrough on trumpet came from this

experience with Adam. From then on trumpet became a fun, and “easy” instrument to play from top

to bottom, in and out, and has ever since.

Grant toured the world playing with the greats such as Buddy Rich, Carol Channing, Rita Moreno,

Carmen Cavallero, and many others alongside other phenomenal players like Chris Botti and Eric

Miyashiro.

He has also overcome many challenges. The sudden passing of his first wife after the birth of his twin

sons, financial failure, and then success in real-estate. After every setback he returned to his one

passion, the sound of the trumpet.

After he received his doctorate from Indiana University, Grant found a home after his touring days in

Aberdeen, South Dakota where he teaches at Northern State University since 1998. 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 (trumpet, real-estate, mentoring young people), writing,

cutting firewood, gardening, and creating rental properties.

He is an author of 4 books:

Music Appreciation: A Socioeconomic Perspective Kendall Hunt pub.

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/music-appreciation-socioeconomic-perspective-0

A History of Rock and Roll: The Youthful Spirit Kendall Hunt pub.

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/history-rock-and-roll-youthful-spirit

Mapping Your Success: The Art of Being Yourself Kendall Hunt pub.

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/mapping-your-success-art-being-yourself

If I Were More Confident, I Would…..Innovative Ink pub

https://www.innovativeinkpublishing.com/

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