13-year-old Interlochen Online student chases composing dreams, performs in national concert
Fabian Alejandro Coronado-Rivera highlights the power of connections with Interlochen Online instructors and fellow students in helping him achieve his goals.
Fabian Alejandro Coronado-Rivera is just 13 years old, but that’s not stopping him from pursuing his dreams of composing a flute concerto—and, eventually, becoming a world-class musician.
His journey started with Interlochen Arts Camp, continued even further with composition coursework through Interlochen Online, and was recently rewarded with an exciting accomplishment at the national level. Through it all, Fabian has relied on connections with his online teachers and classmates who have inspired him to challenge himself.
Coronado-Rivera, a devoted musician since age 8, has spent four summers at Interlochen Arts Camp, where he studied flute. For him, experiencing the excitement and high-level instruction of Camp was a great indicator that he’d enjoy Interlochen Online programs.
“ When I go to Camp, I'm getting an excellent education from excellent teachers. So when I noticed that Interlochen had an online program, I felt very confident that I would learn a lot and get much better at composing. Going online allowed me to learn from people that I couldn't normally learn from.”
Coronado-Rivera decided to take the Music Composition certificate program through Interlochen Online, taught by Jamie Sampson.
“I’ve always been excited by the idea of creating music that lots of people can enjoy and interpret,” he says. “When I hear those really big orchestral works, I just think, ‘I want to do that.’”
Throughout the courses, Coronado-Rivera received plenty of feedback from Sampson, helping him sharpen his skills.
“ I really enjoyed how closely we worked with our teacher because we were able to get very specific advice,” he comments. “Sometimes I would get videos of my instructor really getting into detail, giving her opinions and advice on my music.”
He also enjoyed connecting with his classmates—young musicians from all over the world.
“A lot of our assignments had us comment on each other's compositions and give each other constructive feedback. I definitely felt that the process helped us create connections with each other, learn from each other, and understand other people's ideas on composition.”
His instructor speaks warmly of Coronado-Rivera’s abilities and growth.
"Fabian had great musical ideas and instincts from his first week in Composition 1, but I could see how persistent and thoughtful he was as new concepts worked through his mind,” says Sampson. “By the end of Composition 3, his attention to detail and development heightened. I know that the friends and musicians he writes for are going to get to play works that excite and challenge them."
Coronado-Rivera finished out the course by composing a piano waltz in ¾ time, applying lessons on melody-writing and emotional intensity. This dedication and skill development soon led to recognition beyond the classroom. In March, he performed in a packed concert hall with retired members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, West Point, and the Naval Academy. Because 60 Minutes picked up the story, the concert reached a vast online audience. The performance was organized by the Chicago-based nonprofit Equity Arc, which helps connect student musicians of color with high-level mentors and opportunities.
“It excites me a lot, and gives me hope for the future,” says Coronado-Rivera, whose parents are Puerto Rican and Venezuelan immigrants. “Against many odds, we came together and showed people what we’re capable of. It gives me hope for future musicians who are like me.”
His musical ability and poise are striking, especially for someone so young. But Coronado-Rivera is quick to credit the community around him.
“When I go to Camp and study with Interlochen Online, I’m surrounded by people who are like me, and by instructors who really believe in me. That’s helped me build confidence. It’s helped me believe that I can do great things and continue succeeding.”
He’s now working on a string ensemble piece and a flute concerto. As for the future? The young composer isn’t sure of his exact path—but he’s absolutely certain it will involve music.
“I feel like I have a lot of possibilities. I know I’m not going to let go of flute or composition. They’ve taken me really far. And they make me happy.”
Interlochen Online is a year-round source of expert online arts education, offering opportunities for children, teens, and adults to develop and nurture their artistic abilities. Whether through four-week courses, certificate programs, or private lessons, you can experience Interlochen’s world-renowned training in an online environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and collaboration.
