Donna McClary-Derrick Music

Donna McClary-Derrick — Music from the Heart

Donna McClary-Derrick is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Beech Island, South Carolina, whose music is inspired by faith, family, nature, and the people and experiences that touch her heart. Whether she’s singing, playing mountain or hammered dulcimer, or sharing one of her original songs, Donna’s hope is simple—to create music that connects with people and brings a little encouragement, comfort, and joy along the way.

Music has been a part of Donna’s life for as long as she can remember. A self-taught musician, she began playing drums as a teenager and performed in several bands during her twenties. Years later, she discovered the mountain dulcimer, an instrument whose beautiful simplicity and distinctive Appalachian sound quickly captured her heart. It eventually became her primary instrument and opened the door to a new chapter of songwriting and performing. She later added the hammered dulcimer to her music, along with other instruments that have become part of her recordings and performances.

Donna’s songwriting journey took a meaningful turn in 2015 when she began writing a song for her oldest daughter as she approached her high school graduation. That experience awakened something in her, and the songs continued to come—often inspired by people she loves, her faith, and moments in life that seemed to call for music.

In 2016, Donna released her debut EP, Keep God in Sight. Since then, she has continued writing, recording, and releasing original music while also putting her own style on beloved hymns, worship songs, traditional tunes, and familiar favorites. Her musical journey has also given her opportunities to collaborate with talented musicians including Mike Frost and acclaimed hammered dulcimer artist Joshua Messick.

Some of Donna’s most meaningful songs have grown from deeply personal experiences. Her original music includes A Mother’s Love, written from the heart of a mother, and I’m Wearing Pink, inspired by her own breast cancer journey and dedicated to those who have gone before her as well as those who are still fighting. For Donna, these songs represent what music has always meant to her—a way to express what words alone sometimes cannot.

Faith remains an important thread throughout Donna’s life and music. She regularly shares music in churches and helps lead worship at Celebrate Recovery. She also enjoys performing for community gatherings, special events, senior communities, and other opportunities where music can bring people together.

When she isn’t writing, recording, or performing, Donna loves spending time with her husband, Mike, and their family, enjoying the outdoors and camping—and finding inspiration in the everyday moments that often become the beginnings of another song.

Through it all, Donna continues to follow the philosophy at the heart of her music:

Music from the Heart.

Because sometimes the simplest melody can encourage someone, bring back a treasured memory, strengthen faith, or remind us that we’re not alone.