
Donna Canale
Singer, Songwriter, Performer, Coach
Donna Canale’s musical journey began in Aberdeen, Scotland, where she dreamed of a life on stage while working in her family’s Italian gelato and coffee shops. Influenced by artists like Joni Mitchell, Bert Jansch, and Rickie Lee Jones, she joined her first band at 16 and soon moved to London to train at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama.
Since then, Donna’s career has spanned jazz clubs, cruise ships, major concert halls and recording studios. From performing with the Glenn Miller Orchestra UK to touring internationally, singing chart-topping dance hits with Shaft, and appearing at iconic venues like the Royal Festival Hall and London Palladium—her versatility as a performer is undeniable.
Now based in East Sussex, Donna blends her love for storytelling with rich musicality, sharing original songs that reflect the highs, lows, and humour of a life well lived. With roots in folk, jazz, and acoustic pop, her warm vocals and intricate harmonies create music that is at once timeless and deeply personal.
Her upcoming 2025 album marks a return to her acoustic roots—honest, heartfelt, and unmistakably Donna.
🎧 Listen to her latest single:
“Waltz for the Girls” – a tender, folk-inspired tribute to the bond between parent and child.
▶️ Preview the track on SoundCloud
(Cover photo by Carl Proctor)


Vocal Coaching / Teaching
“I have always believed that every person has the right to explore their voice – whether through poetry, songwriting, or interpreting the songs of others. Music is deeply woven into our human experience, and I’m hugely motivated to create space for singers to express themselves through jazz and beyond.”
The Jazz Singing Class is not rooted in one rigid style. Donna sees jazz as both a genre and an approach to music – a language that threads through popular culture, folk, and even rock. Each term includes two ensemble pieces, helping students develop vocal harmonies, blending, and dynamics. But the heart of the course lies in individual growth, and in fostering a space where every voice matters.
“There’s something powerful about learning together,” Donna says, “as students observe one another and grow through the personalised feedback shared in the room.” A key part of this experience is working with a professional live accompanist during every class, giving students real-time opportunities to develop their communication with musicians—an essential part of jazz performance.
At its core, the Jazz Singing Class is a space for discovery, confidence-building, and creative joy. With Donna’s thoughtful leadership and deep respect for every voice, it continues to thrive as a beacon for all who are drawn to the expressive world of jazz.
EVER WANTED TO LEARN THE ART OF JAZZ SINGING?