Many thanks to Terry Mandell, widow of the terrific bluegrass guitarist Steve Mandell, who we lost in 2018, has shared some information about the Steve Mandell Memorial Music Scholarship, established in his honor.
In addition to his having been a long-time member of the bluegrass scene in Baltimore, Steve played guitar against Eric Weissberg’s banjo on the Grammy-winning recording of Duelin’ Banjos, used in the 1972 film, Deliverance.
The scholarship in his name, administered by Common Ground on the Hill – the Maryland Folklore Center, has been in existence since 2019, and has awarded 70 grants since that time, mostly in payments of $500 – $1,000 to those studying traditional American string music in a folk, bluegrass, old timey, and other acoustic Americana style. Recipients have ranged in age from 8 to over 70 years of age
In 2025, they handed out 22 awards, breaking down as follows:
- banjo – 3
- fiddle – 14
- guitar – 2
- mandolin – 2
- bass – 1
Music students all over the world are eligible, though the Scholarship gives a priority to those living in the Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia region.
Applications are open now for the 2026 Steve Mandell Memorial Music Scholarships, with submissions accepted either online or by postal mail. A form can be found for this purpose on the Scholarship web site. They must be received by December 31.
These awards are need based, and are supported by donations from the general public. Details on contributing are also available online.
