Harpist and educator Juan Riveros has begun his new position as instructor of harp at the MSU College of Music.
The Michigan State University College of Music is pleased to announce the addition of harpist and educator Juan Riveros to its Strings Area faculty. Known for his versatility and commitment to the craft, he brings performance experience, a passion for teaching, and a vision for the future of harp studies at MSU.
Riveros began his journey with the harp unexpectedly in his youth, during a school orchestra rehearsal in Dallas, Texas.
“Growing up in Dallas, I was fortunate to have been a student in a school district that embraced music education and the fine arts,” Riveros recalled. “I started playing the violin in the fifth grade, and we had harps in my elementary school’s orchestra program as well. We performed an arrangement of Scarborough Fair by the late harpist Gail Barber, which featured the harps in the opening. I was immediately enthralled by the sound and resonance of the harp, a sensation that continues to captivate me on a daily basis,”
From that serendipitous moment, Riveros has built a career that spans solo performances at prestigious international festivals, collaborations with several orchestras, and accolades from esteemed competitions. His performances at the Rio Harp Festival, São Paulo Harp Festival, and the USA International Harp Competitions, among others, have earned him an excellent reputation in his field. Yet, it is his dedication to teaching that sets him apart.
“I’m most excited about the opportunity to work with fellow harpists in achieving their goals,” Riveros said, reflecting on his new role at MSU. “As a self-proclaimed harp nerd, I’m thrilled to be connecting with students through the instrument and its repertoire. Similarly, the caliber of playing at MSU and students’ work ethic are inspirational. The harpists are self-motivated individuals who apply themselves to the challenges at hand, and I can only imagine what they will tackle and overcome in their studies.”
Riveros’ approach to teaching is both structured and student-centered, designed to prepare harpists for the demands of a professional career while nurturing their individual artistry.
“I’m a very goal-oriented teacher. Students are expected to establish short and long-term goals in their playing, such as learning a piece within a certain timeframe or preparing a recital over the course of a year,” he explained. “My goals are to prepare students for their professional careers as harpists, developing the strengths of each player and reinforcing any gaps. In lessons, students are provided with different practice tools and techniques to help them learn how to function as independent and confident musicians.”
In addition to honing technical skills, Riveros emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and stylistic nuances of the harp repertoire. His own research interests include performance practice and the rich traditions of Latin American harp music, an area he is particularly enthusiastic about and eager to share with the MSU community.
“My favorite moments almost always rely on a sense of connection, whether it be sharing the stage with an ensemble and creating overwhelming sound in unity or watching a student beam after making a discovery in their playing,” he said. “I find joy in sharing the processes and experiences with others.”
As Riveros steps into his new role at MSU, he brings with him a deep sense of purpose and a commitment to fostering the next generation of harpists. His vision is clear: to build a thriving harp community at MSU, where students are empowered to reach their full potential.
“Students will learn not only how to practice and perform the repertoire, but also the context of their repertoires and stylistic choices. Performance and pedagogy are at the forefront of our studies, and MSU’s abundant performance opportunities allow for students to hone their presentation skills,” he said. “It is a privilege to guide and support these harpists through their educational journeys, and I’m hopeful we will see even more harp recitals programmed at MSU!”
