Lerryn Donatelle holds a Master of Music degree in viola performance from DePaul University, a Bachelor of Music degree in viola performance from the Lawrence Conservatory of Music, and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Lawrence University. Her principal teachers have included Matthew Michelic, Rami Solomonow, Leslie Straka, and Jacquelyn Schwandt.
As a violist, Lerryn performs regularly with several regional orchestras and opera companies. She also is an avid chamber musician and has performed in master classes for Michael Tree, Abram Loft, Charles Castleman, and the Pacifica, Ebéne, and Brentano String Quartets