Merietta Oviatt

At the young age of two, Merietta Oviatt began studying violin, but at the age of 11 switched to viola. Merietta attended Idyllwild Arts Academy in California and made her debut at the age of 16. After graduating from Idyllwild, Merietta attended Louisiana State University where she majored in viola performance. She has a Bachelor is English and history from Utah State University, a Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a Doctorate in Viola performance and violin/Viola pedagogy from the University of Oregon. When living in Louisiana she was the Principal violist of the Rapides Symphony, and violist with the Acadiana and Southeast Texas Symphonies. She taught Suzuki strings at the Acadiana Symphony Conservatory and she was also the Suzuki strings teacher at the J. Wallace James Arts and Technology Academy. Merietta performed at the Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, has performed for the Latin Grammy Awards, and has performed as guest soloist with many symphony orchestras. Oviatt has spoken at many conventions, including the American String Teachers National Convention, on topics of music education. Merietta has released two CD’s, available on iTunes. Dr. Oviatt is currently the Viola and one of the violin teachers for the Aber Suzuki Center at the University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point.