The Ted and Roberta Mann Foundation Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my vocal recovery after having had serious surgery on a preexisting condition which had made my singing career come to an almost complete stop. I had been a full time professional opera singer for nearly 20 years when my injury was discovered. I had given up hope of being able to continue singing at an international level. The quality of my singing had deteriorated to such a degree that I felt a need to stop completely or get my voice fixed. After my surgery was performed by Dr. Goding at the University of Minnesota Hospital it became clear that I had a chance at full recovery.

I applied to the U of M, Twin Cities Graduate School for the DMA program and was accepted. The acceptance into the DMA program and the subsequent vote of confidence given me by the U of M faculty, in the form of the Ted and Roberta Mann Scholarship, renewed my hope and energy to pursue my vocal recovery and re-launch my singing career and elevate my teaching dreams.

This scholarship allows me the freedom to teach 'nearly full time' at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. This teaching position, with such a highly respected College provides health care/salary and retirement benefits for me and my family. As I work toward the completion of my DMA, the Mann Foundation Scholarship will be instrumental in helping me to acquire a tenure track appointment at a significant University or Conservatory where my strengths and experience may benefit the next generation of performers.
– Mark Calkins

With the help of a scholarship from the Ted and Roberta Mann Foundation I was able to pursue and accomplish my dream of earning a masters degree in harp performance at the University of Minnesota. I completed the degree in two years and graduated in May 2006.

While a student at the University, I was able to benefit from the many opportunities there, frequently performing with the University orchestra, the University opera, and a chamber ensemble that I formed with fellow colleagues (harp, flute and viola). A particular highlight was the rare opportunity to perform for the world-renowned composer Elliot Carter during a festival that showcased his compositions. The concert I was in (one of many in the weekend-long festival) was held in Ted Mann Concert Hall and featured mainly members of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra along with a handful of University students. It is one of many experiences that I will treasure for the rest of my life.

The magnitude of what this scholarship means to me is difficult to sum up in words: a graduate college degree, life-long friendships with musicians from across the country and world, professors who continue to be resources for making connections in the professional music world, and numerous unforgettable performance experiences.
– Sarah Grudem, 25-year-old classical harpist