Short Biography

Juan Riveros is one of a new generation of harpists bridging a variety of styles and artistic avenues, building audiences and fostering fresh appreciation for an instrument with ancient and diverse traditions. A seasoned soloist, Riveros’ experience includes performances at the Rio Harp Festival (2023 and 2024), São Paulo Harp Festival, various solo recitals through the American Harp Society’s Winner’s Outreach Program, and the 2019 and 2022 USA International Harp Competitions. Accolades include Award Winner in the 2022 Lyon & Healy Awards, Outstanding Instrumentalist in Harp at the 2022 and 2023 Sphinx SOPA Competitions, Award Winner in the 2020 Anne Adams Awards Competition, Third Prize in the Young Professional Division of the 2019 American Harp Society National Competition, and Grand Prize in the Lewisville Lake International Concerto Competition. Orchestral experience includes performances as Guest Principal Harp with the Cleveland, Atlanta, Ann Arbor, Flint, Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestras, and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra. Riveros holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Harp Performance and Music Theory from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with Yolanda Kondonassis.

In addition to an active performance career, Riveros is currently the Instructor of Harp at Michigan State University and maintains a private studio. In his instruction, Riveros is devoted to crafting constructive approaches to harp pedagogy and music theory fundamentals. Prior teaching experience includes teaching undergraduate sections of music theory at the Cleveland Institute of Music and University of Michigan. His research interests focus on providing accessible resources regarding the performance practice and repertoire of the harp (especially repertoire and traditions of Latin American origin), and music theory pedagogy. Riveros currently serves as the Diversity Coordinator for the American Harp Society (AHS) and as a Co-Chair for the IDEA Committee.