donovan raitt is an acoustic fingerstyle guitarist from orange county, california.
Donovan Raitt incorporates percussive techniques, strong melodic hooks, live looping, and improvisation. His musical influences ranging from Rock and Pop to Jazz and Classical music, and his innovative performance techniques combined with an extensive background in improvisational music create a unique sound all his own.
Based in Los Angeles, Donovan has released three albums of original solo acoustic guitar music to critical acclaim. 2012’s Strategic Tension, 2014’s Pursuing the Horizon, and 2019’s Water and Light, the latter two recorded and produced by Antoine Dufour. In addition to these releases, Donovan has released a series of hymn arrangements for solo guitar with the Guitar Hymns series, as well as 2018’s Acoustic Covers Vol. 1., a collection of cover arrangements of popular pop and rock songs, Donovan has been touring extensively behind his music, performing across the United States, Canada, the UK, and China.
Donovan is also an active educator, and currently teaches guitar at Golden West College, Concordia University Irvine, and Hope International University. Donovan has also taught at Musicians Institute and the University of Southern California. Donovan completed his Undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in 2005, and was awarded the Paul LaRose memorial scholarship for guitar performance. Donovan completed his Masters of Music in Jazz studies from California State University, Long Beach, and a Doctorate of Musical Arts degree from USC in 2021. Upon completing his DMA degree, Donovan was the recipient of the 2021 award for outstanding doctoral graduate in guitar performance.
Donovan is currently endorsed by Furch Guitars, Breedlove Guitars, Yamaha Guitars, Henriksen Amplifiers, Ernie Ball Strings, G7th Capos, Journey Instruments, GruvGear Cases, and DiMarzio Pickups.