I have had the professional privilege and personal joy of casting Donna as my star in 15 major musicals at Leddy Center for the Performing Arts in Epping, NH.  Beginning in 1996, Donna was Rapunzel in Into the Woods, Patience in G & S’s Patience in 1997, Elsie, in G & S’s Yeomen of the Guard in 1998, Mabel, in G&S’s The Pirates of Penzance in 1999, Dolly, in Hello, Dolly in 1999, Josephine, in G&S’s HMS Pinafore in 2000, Yum-Yum in G&S’s The Mikado in 2001, Robert Ann, in Nuncrackers in 2001, Gianetta, in G&S’s The Gondoliers in 2003, Rose Maybud, in G&S’s Ruddigore in 2004, soprano in our Christmas Quartet in A Christmas Carol in 2004, Mrs. Potts in Beauty and the Beast in 2005, Elizabeth in A Leddy Christmas, 2007, Mother, in Porcelain Diaries in 2008, and Mrs. Paroo, in The Music Man in 2012.  That list stands alone as an impressive resume. Donna’s joy in performing, her work ethic, her professionalism, her reliability and commitment, her incredible ability to play different characters, the perfection she insists upon, are all the ingredients that make a star performer.  Donna is the epitome of a star performer.  I have also had the privilege of having students of Donna in my shows throughout these years and am always impressed with the vocal education they demonstrate from being a student of Donna.  I could not recommend anyone any higher than Donna Tongue as a performer, teacher, and friend.

My 13 year old daughter has been taking violin lessons with Donna for 1 year. I looked for a teacher who was encouraging and gentle. My daughter flourishes under Donna’s instruction and continues to build confidence after 2 recitals. I see Donna as theatrical, inspiring, and fun! Just what music should be about.

My daughter Marissa has taken piano lessons for 4 years and my daughter Olivia has taken voice lessons for 2 years. Both girls have loved their lessons with Donna and always come out smiling. They learn all the basics of musicianship and technique, but also Donna encourages them to take on new challenges to build their self-confidence, not just as musicians but as young women. I am so grateful for the foundation Donna has given my girls that will pay off throughout their lives!

Our daughter has been with Donna for many happy years. What started as just a vocal lesson has bloomed into vocals, piano, and guitar. With Donna’s instruction the development of our daughter’s voice has been placed into an area we never thought possible. Each time she is at a recital we are so pleased with the growth and in awe of the performance with the vocals and piano.

Donna’s patience is that of a saint. She is truly in love with music and wants to transfer all of her skills to any child willing to work hard. Over the many years, we have observed so many success stories with other students and have enjoyed watching the children learn and be challenged. If anyone is considering Donna as a teacher we highly recommend her.

Donna is not only talented and encouraging, but one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. She’s smart, interesting and has a delightful sense of humor. If you have a chance to work with her, grab it.