Doniell Cushman was born and raised in the quiet suburbs of Seattle, in Washington State. She began a love affair with music from a very early age beginning on an old rotor organ as a toddler. She taught herself some basics and played by ear. Doniell began private study in 1990 and continued through 2001. She attended the Washington State University's School of Music for three years, before finishing her degree with the University of Maryland, University College. She holds a B.A in Humanities & Fine Arts and graduated with Honors. Currently, she is working on her Master's Degree in Education.
In the past, Doniell spent a lot of time in musical theater, competitive cheer and dance, as a member of the Praise and Worship team at her community church, in extracurricular music ensembles such as jazz band, marching band, and as the accompanist for several choirs. At the age of 10, she played for an art exhibition at the University of Washington, and at the age of 16 she played the lobby pre-show for Katja Skanavi at the Pantages Theatre in Tacoma, Washington.
Today, Doniell is a wife, a mother, an ovarian cancer survivor, and a private piano instructor in the Spokane, Washington area. In her free time, she enjoys composing and arranging music, traveling, reading, tabletop gaming, crafting, eating ethnic cuisine, dog sitting, working as a part-time Prescool Director, and trailer camping.
Doniell is a member of:
Kappa Kappa Psi
MTNA / WMTNA
Pi Gamma Mu
Plexus
SCBWI
Young Living Essential Oils