Married in 1976 to Cynthia Esparza and is still in love to this day. She was a counselor, physical education teacher, currently retired and runs her own jewelry making business. They have one son, Aaron Schiff born August 8th 1981. Don graduated from Concord High School (Wilmington, DE) in 1974 and immediately proceeded to Las Vegas where he performed with Rosaline Kind (Barbra Streisand‘s half sister) at the Flamingo Hilton. When that gig ended he stayed in Las Vegas and for 5 months worked as a busboy at that same hotel. Retiring his napkin folding dish collecting abilities, he then worked as the house bassist for the Flamingo Hilton Showroom and later the Hilton showroom. Playing for the stars that performed in the showroom, he then became in demand by them to tour. He moved himself and family and pets to Los Angeles, California in 1977. There he got into recording sessions, film work, song writing and a little acting. He currently resides Napa, Ca. and concentrates mainly on writing and recording.

Starting his professional career on Electric Bass, he is also one of the foremost Chapman Stick® and NS/Stick™ bass guitar players.

Don has worked with, wrote songs for or recorded with Elvis Presley, Tina Turner, Elvin Bishop, Nia Peeples, Pam Tillis, Tully Winfield, Perry Como, Sheryl Crow, Dwight Yoakam, Raquel Welch, Frankie Avalon, Eddie Money, Lana Lane, Bobby Vinton, Herbie Hancock, Rocket Scientists, Al Green, The Diamonds, The Lettermen, The 5th Dimensions, Peggy Lee, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Cliff Morrison, Vaughn Monroe, Buddy Morrow, Warren Covington, Ann-Margret, Shirley MacLaine and Ben Vereen, Petula Clark, Lou Christie, John Payne,
Long John Baldry, Pat Benatar, and more….

He can be seen acting in such films as:
‘84 Charlie Mopic’ (Soldier painting rocks white in the background) 1989
“Live From Death Row” (Crazy Fan running up to the van) 1992

Received a Gold Album for co-writing the song:
Cerebral Man – Wide Awake In Dreamland album – Pat Benatar.
writers: T. Winfield, D. Schiff

Nominated for:
Best Original Music in a Web Series
Streamy Award – The Guild (2007)