Senior Viola fellow Olivia Doolin is venturing off to Macon, Georgia to attend the McDuffie Center for Strings at Mercer University. Before beginning her collegiate journey, Olivia sat down with us to reflect on her time with CMPI.
Olivia began learning the violin at the young age of five at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute. After 11 years of studying violin, she transitioned to viola in May of 2024, studying with Desiree Ruhstrat. Olivia describes how viola resonated with her more. She loved the heaviness of the C string and enjoyed the role viola played in a performance. Olivia states, “I love the role viola plays in performances. It is almost like the glue that keeps the ensemble together.”
During her musical career, Olivia has performed in many ensembles including the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra (CYSO), Merit Philharmonic, Equity Arc’s 2025 and 2026 Festival Orchestras, Northwestern Virtuosi, and Cuban American Youth Orchestra. Among those ensembles, Olivia was one of the principal violists in CYSO and the principal violist of the 2025 Equity Arc Festival Orchestra. Additionally, Olivia performed with Merit School of Music’s Spizella string quartet, which appeared on WFMT’s Introductions, Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and Stars of Tomorrow. She has been seen performing in Spain and France, Symphony Center, and Ravinia with Gustavo Dudamel.
During her time with CMPI, Olivia’s biggest inspirations have been her friends and family. She explains that without a strong community it would have been easy to quit and not persevere. She is grateful to the staff for great support when things got real and guidance during those awkward conversations.
Olivia has obtained countless musical accomplishments. Being in CMPI since the program’s second year (seven years total), she credits CMPI for their support for her. Some accomplishments include getting a full ride to attend a dream school, getting into big name conservatories, and building her confidence. She describes her favorite experience being the 2025 Equity Arc Orchestra Festival at Chicago’s Symphony Center. She enjoyed meeting CMPI fellows she hadn’t gotten a chance to connect with on top of the talented musicians from across the country.
CMPI allowed her to perform in various masterclasses with world-renowned musicians, including Rachel Barton Pine, Peter Slowik, and Antoine Tamestit. These classes provided her with insightful feedback that she is grateful for.
In her free time, Olivia enjoys drawing and writing, going on walks, and spending time with friends.
When asked for advice for prospective fellows, Olivia says, “To the young musicians out there who want to audition for CMPI, I always say it doesn’t hurt to try. Even the audition itself is a good experience for young musicians! I think if you have a goal in mind, you should pursue it. And I know that CMPI will be there for you.” This is advice that got Olivia where she is today. Congratulations, Olivia!
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