Donna began piano lessons at the age of five, but by age eight she fell in love with the violin and viola. As a 13 year old, Donna was the youngest person ever to play with the East Carolina University Symphony. During high school she attended the Governor’s School for viola and violin. While earning her BA at NC State, she continued performing, playing with the local civic orchestra and numerous chamber music ensembles.
Donna performed with the Johnson City Symphony while living in Tennessee, and joined the Charlotte Civic Orchestra after moving to the Queen City. While homeschooling her four children for more than 23 years, Donna also taught private lessons in violin, viola, and piano. Some of her favorite musical influences include hymns, fiddle music, and everything Mozart, Beethoven, and Tchaikovsky. Donna also enjoys music by The Police, Billy Joel, and Christian artists Michael W. Smith, Michael Card, and Steven Curtis Chapman.