It’s a whole new world for one recent SFCM graduate.

2025 flute graduate Lyric Rivera will be joining the New World Symphony as a fellow this fall.

“It feels incredibly rewarding and humbling to join the New World Symphony,” Rivera said. “It’s a big step forward in my artistic journey, and I am excited for the challenges and learning experiences ahead.”

SFCM Professor Yubeen Kim.

While at SFCM she studied with faculty Cathy Payne and Yubeen Kim. Both are current members of the San Francisco Symphony. “Specifically, my mentor Yubeen Kim and previous teacher Cathy Payne challenged me to refine my craft, think critically about my musicianship, and perform at a high level. The mentorship I received truly shaped me into the musician I am today,” Rivera added.

“Lyric is a fantastic musician who came well-prepared to every lesson,” Kim said, who joined SFCM faculty in 2024—with Rivera as one of his first students. “It has been a true joy to teach her, and I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together. Her hard work truly paid off, and I believe this result is a meaningful achievement for both of us.”

Prior to winning her spot, Rivera was able to fill in for the famed orchestra. She joins a long line of SFCM graduates to leap from SFCM to the New World Symphony including Dominique Bégin (‘21) and Gabrielle Monachino (‘20).  

New World Symphony fellowships are very competitive with more than 1,500 recent music school and conservatory graduates competing for only about 35 available spots each year.

Made up of a renowned faculty and a bold, talented student body, SFCM’s Woodwind Department challenges and inspires the next generation of great wind players. As a student of bassoon, clarinet, flute, and oboe, students explore orchestra and chamber repertoire, contemporary music, and canon literature—all while honing craft and preparing for a rewarding professional career.

"I'm immensely proud of Lyric,” Woodwinds Chair Jerry Simas said. “Her determination has paid off in such rewarding ways as she brings her artistry and a piece of SFCM to Miami. Congratulations and a special thanks to administration, staff and faculty for their support of the woodwind department."

“SFCM played a pivotal role in preparing me for the New World Symphony,” Rivera added. “The faculty’s dedication, the rigorous performance opportunities, and the collaborative environment helped me grow both technically and artistically.”

Learn more about studying Flute or Woodwinds at SFCM.