"Studying with Donna was a life-changing experience. She quickly discovered my strengths and interests, and cultivated my musical studies to support my individuality. I began work with her at the University of Denver's Lamont School of Music when I was a freshman in college. At the time, I didn't know what musical modes were and I didn't know how to technically support my own singing practices. Instead of judging me for my lack of knowledge, she viewed it as an opportunity to start fresh and establish stable groundwork. I went from being an undertrained music student to the top of my class. Now I'm a professional composer and music director in New York City. 

To say that Donna impacted my career trajectory with her training only hits the surface — she is a mentor, friend, and one of those rare instructors whose extreme compassion and skilled guidance makes me feel eternally grateful to have found her."

~ Alaina Ferris
Composer and Music Director

"I studied with Donna Wickham for two years (while attending graduate school at DU) with the goal of expanding while singing professionally. I made the best possible choice in a teacher! Donna grounded me in jazz fundamentals: vocal styling, jazz theory, transcribing solos and arranging songs, playing chords and chord progressions, effective warmups, song selection, and set ordering. Her knowledge of jazz, jazz history, and the enormous library of jazz standards is vast and deep. I gained knowledge, tools, and ways of working that I will use for the rest of my life, and share with my young students as well. I could not recommend her highly enough."

~ Janine Gastineau
Jazz Vocalist

"I have studied voice, improvisation, and composition with Donna for 4 years at the University of Denver. She has been a tremendous influence on my music career, being a supportive and wise mentor. Donna is an amazing, diverse vocalist and teacher. Under her caring guidance I developed into a better jazz musician, improved my vocal technique, learned more about my voice as an instrument, and investigated my capacity for composing and song-writing. I would strongly recommend Donna as a teacher to any musician, beginner or advanced, for she is nurturing to each person's individuality. If you are open, your lessons can be an interesting journey full of discoveries!"

~ Ariadna Kryazheva
Vocalist, violinist and composer ​

"Donna is a total pro voice teacher and composer. When I got a last minute gig, she was able to give me life-saving instructions to get me ready to sing. 
And over the course of time, she had improved my writing, singing, and composing as well. Her knowledge and deep background will help any serious musician up their game."

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~ Cymber Lily Quinn
Harpist, vocalist and composer

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"I have taught guitar full time since 2005. I decided I myself needed some training and input, so I contacted Donna and wow, was it ever an amazing experience! Donna knows her material inside and out. Each week, I went away feeling like I had crossed some impossible barrier. She knows how to break down unfamiliar material and make it pop with relevancy."

~ Jeff Rockwell
Guitar instructor

"Donna is one of the most dedicated teachers I have ever known. She truly cares about her students and walks the miles to help them reach their goals. She is knowledgeable in her field and is always on the move to learn more. She is focused, organized, and inspiring. I'm thankful for the time I had studying with her."

~ Heidi Schmidt
Jazz Vocalist

"After being on tour for a few months, my bandmate and I realized that we really needed some vocal coaching to get our technique and harmonies in check.  We struggled with tuning and tone control, especially in the studio, and had difficulty with vocal endurance during longer shows. We were so lucky that our paths happened to cross with Donna's.  Over the last year, she has absolutely changed our lives and our sound by giving us a solid baseline of vocal technique and helping us reimagine several of our original songs. We've been back in the studio recently and our producers are just blown away by how much our vocals have improved.  

Donna's also wicked funny and her cats are the cutest darlings in the world.  If you're a singer looking to grow into a great musician, Donna is your teacher."

~ Stephanie Dodd
Vocalist, accordionist, The Fremonts Band

I’ve worked with Donna for over two years and I’m constantly surprised by how much more I have to learn from her. Under her guidance, I’ve gone from a complete beginner in jazz piano to receiving a large scholarship to pursue my masters in jazz piano performance. Throughout our time together we’ve worked on everything from piano and vocal technique, jazz theory, ear training, sight reading, and music history (and if you’re interested in conducting she has a degree in that too!). Donna is an excellent resource for any musical element you want to improve. She teaches with enthusiasm, clarity and a light-hearted patience that reminds you that music is supposed to be fun! If you’re serious about expanding your abilities as a musician, I’d highly recommend contacting Donna.

~ Philip Lotterhos
Jazz pianist, producer

"Donna gives musicians the tools they need to be successful in the real world. She has the knowledge and experience to give you a competitive edge and take your musicianship to the next level. After studying with Donna I was an entirely different and more confident musician, learning skills in writing, arranging, improvisation, and advanced vocal technique.
Donna Wickham has strong connections throughout the community that allow her to provide practical and engaging experience for students."

~ Brendan Schuster
Vocalist, pianist, producer