A native of Rexburg, Idaho, Lisa McNiven maintains an active teaching and performing career. She has appeared as a concerto soloist with several orchestras, including the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, Coeur D'Alene Symphony, and Idaho Falls Symphony. She is also a frequent recitalist, performing solo recitals and chamber music with the BYU-Idaho Serenata Strings. Her orchestral career includes serving as principal violist of the Idaho Falls Symphony and performing with the Grand Teton Music Festival.
In Fall of 2006, Lisa began her employment at BYU-Idaho, and currently assists with the viola studio, music history, and theory areas. Lisa maintains an active Private violin and viola studio in Rexburg, and is a Suzuki certified instructor. Lisa holds music degrees from Brigham Young University-Idaho and the prestigious University of Cincinnati - College Conservatory of Music attending both with full scholarship. Her teachers include Dr. Kevin Call, Dr. Catharine Carroll, and Mr. Masao Kawasaki. While there she served as principal violist of several orchestras. Lisa also spent several years studying at the Aspen Music Festival and School, performing with the top orchestras and winning the International Gee Viola Competition in 2004. She is currently in the final stages of completing her doctorate of education.