Background, professional training and performance history
Donna is a retired music teacher, who has taught music in public schools and privately for over 30 years in California and Oregon. She received her B.A in Music, and Teaching Certificate at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and has performed in orchestras and chamber ensembles on violin and viola for many years. She has been playing fiddle music for over 15 years, playing Bluegrass, Old Time, Celtic and other forms of folk fiddle. Donna is a member of the Oregon Old Time Fiddlers Association, and has competed in the Willamette Valley, Oregon State and Washington State Fiddle contests. She has been an instructor at the West Cascades Fiddle Camp, in Westfir, Oregon for eight years.
Artist statement and teaching philosophy
“I have always felt that music should be an enjoyable way to learn many life enriching skills and enable students of all ages to gain confidence in their ability to be creative. My teaching varies, depending on the abilities, goals and interests of the students. I teach by rote and by note, enabling students to play music, and then add skills, technique and theory. I will teach students to improve in school orchestra music, prepare for contests or play for personal pleasure. So go ahead and fiddle for the fun of it!”
Instruments & classes taught
Donna teaches violin, viola, beginning cello.