Kristina Finch, Harpist Harpist from Hattiesburg, MS

Based in Hattiesburg, MS, harpist Dr. Kristina Finch is a model of an independent modern musician. Versatile and flexible in all settings Kristina is constantly striving to connect with new and diverse audiences using classical training and a passion for popular music to defy expectations and expand perceptions of the harp. Kristina has served as the principal harpist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO), Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, and as a guest artist with the Florida Grand Opera, Nu Deco Ensemble, Brevard Symphony Orchestra, Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, and Southwest Florida Symphony Orchestra. Along with orchestral playing, Kristina is a passionate chamber and solo musician performing with ensembles of all shapes and sizes. Her primary ensemble, the Kontra Duo with saxophonist Dannel Espinoza, performs recitals throughout the continental United States. Other regularly performing ensembles include the Jewel Tones with French Hornist Amanda Moskowitz and Artemis94 with harpist Rosanna Moore. As an educator and soloist Kristina is an in-demand guest lecturer, coach, and performer that presents a fresh and unique perspective to students of all ages. Kristina taught piano at the Pine Crest School in Boca Raton from 2018-2020 and runs the Mississippi Harp Academy, serving students from all walks of life, and believes that the harp should be accessible to people of all kinds regardless of their age, race, religion, gender, or socioeconomic background. Kristina served as harp faculty at the Luzerne Music Center in Lake Luzerne, NY for the summers of 2017 & 2018, where she worked with students from across the globe. Kristina offers masterclasses, recitals, lessons (live and internet), and academic lectures throughout the US. Kristina began playing the harp in her hometown of Williamsburg, VA at the age of 8, and received her Bachelor of Music degree and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Harp Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY (2008, and 2015 respectively), and Master of Musical Arts degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee (2010). Besides her musical activities, Kristina is also a contributor to Harp Column Magazine and the host/creator of “Harp Column Podcast.”