Dr. Lisa McNiven holds music degrees from Brigham Young University-Idaho and The University of Cincinnati-College Conservatory of Music, and served as principal violist in multiple ensembles at both institutions. In addition, Lisa holds a Doctor of Education degree from Idaho State University.

Dr. McNiven spent several summers as a fellow at the prestigious Aspen Music Festival and School, and was a full scholarship student of Dr. R. Kevin Call, Dr. Catharine Carroll, and Mr. Masao Kawasaki.

Her competition successes include the BYU-Idaho concerto competition, the Coeur D’Alene Symphony Young Artists Competition, and the International Gee Viola Competition.

A native of Rexburg, Idaho, Dr. McNiven is an active performer and teacher. She is the principal violist of the Idaho Falls Symphony, maintains a private violin and viola studio, is a frequent recitalist, and has performed with the Serenata String Quartet, the Idaho Falls Symphony, and the Grand Teton Music Festival.