DONA CARTER is a well known jazz pianist, composer and band leader in the New York City area. She has been a music educator and mentor to many talented young people. Recently she was asked to reflect on her career, which has spanned three decades. Here are some of the highlights from her interview with Dahoud Darien, an established urban music producer, who studied for many years with Dona Carter.

Welcome Each Gig as Unique:
Each musical engagement has its own opportunities and challenges. I try to prepare for each performance as a unique challenge to present a musical experience that is uplifting for the audience as well as the musician. When I was invited to perform at the Lenox Lounge in Harlem, the music I prepared was well received as earthy and swinging. I love to add a bluesy tinge to many pieces I play. When I was rehearsing for the Jazz Vespers at St. Peter’s Church, I made sure the selections reflected the venue. To my surprise I was asked to sing and lead the congregation in a selection. My experience with choirs came in handy. It worked out fine.

Cultivate Your Skills:
Education was very important to my family. I always encourage my students to practice and study hard. My style is to lead by example. There were times when I was tired, so I would use a lap piano to practice in bed. There were evenings when I would work on arrangements for my group rather than watch television or talk on the telephone. This is after working all day at a job that would pay the bills. Part of my inspiration came from growing up in Connecticut where the work ethic was very strict. Both of my parents worked as professionals. My father also played guitar, and my mother made sure all of us kids took music lessons. I was fortunate to attend the Hartford Conservatory of Music. No matter what your background is, cultivating your skills, continuing to learn and enhance what you know is so important. I think the phrase is “live in shape.” That’s what I try to do.

Share Your Talents:
Everyone has something to offer. When I’m playing in a band, we all listen and learn from each other. Each performer inspires the next person, and the audience loves it. One of the reason’s I’ll be directing IWJ’s Jazz Chorus Workshops, is so that I can teach others some of the songs I know. Then they can go out and have fun, sing and perform if they like. International Women in Jazz is an organization devoted to promoting this uplifting music we call jazz. You don’t have to be a professional to take part in the workshops, just a love of singing and the desire to learn jazz repertoire. A woman told me that she had a life long dream of being able to get up in front of a group (small or medium in size), and sing a song from beginning to end. I told her to come to the March 2009 Workshops, and your wish can come true.

Dona Carter’s complete biography is available if requested through regular mail. You may also inquire about lead sheets to her music on the following CDs: Dona Carter ~ Make a Wish, Dona Carter ~ DC Jazz, Heart to Heart and The Best of Dona Carter.

Member of B.M.I., Local 802 Musicians Union, Board Member of IWJ
B.A. in Music from Barnard College, Columbia University
Master’s Degree in Music, Lehman College; Certified Music Teacher NYS, NJ.

Many outstanding musicians have performed with Dona Carter, and her music has been heard not only on WKCR and WHCR in New York City, but in places near and far, like California, Japan and Siberia. Check out her music on CDBaby.com. Her Portraits in Major and Minor, where jazz meets theater, was described as “A Marvelous tapestry of music and voice that lifted my spirit to some beautiful places.” (Lamon Fenner, 09/06)

Contact information: 212.234.8564 dcjazz@donacarter.com