In 1952 Ms. Dwyer became the first woman to be permanently appointed to a principal chair position of a major symphony orchestra. She held that position as Principal Flutist of the Boston Symphony Orchestra for the next 38 years. She studied with Ernest Liegl, principal flutist in the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during high school and was a graduate of the Eastman School of Music. After playing in the National Symphony Orchestra in Washington, Ms. Dwyer moved to Los Angeles, where she was chosen by Bruno Walter to play principal flute in the Hollywood Bowl and as a member of the Los Angeles Philharmonic
Ms. Dwyer has had a number of works composed for her and has received many honors, among which are the following: honorary doctorates from Regis College, Simmons College, and Harvard University in 1982; a Sanford Fellowship from Yale University in 1972; the Hutchison Medal from the University of Rochester in 1995; and the "Woman of Achievement Award" from the Woman´s Hall of Fame. She is recorded on Koch and Deutsche Grammophon.