Kristina Finch, harpist

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 her classical training, and a passion for popular music, to defy expectations and expand perceptions of the harp.

Kristina serves as the principal harpist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra, Nu Deco Ensemble, Palm Beach Symphony, and as a guest artist with the Mississippi 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, has been described as “Energetic, sweet, sassy, graceful, & muscular.”

As an educator, Kristina is an on demand lecturer, coach, and performer that presents a fresh and unique perspective to students of all ages. Kristina is the host and creator of the One Pedal Off Digital Harp Conference; bringing practical professional information to the harp community by celebrating and lifting up young, diverse harpists who have found success on their own unique harp path. She also teaches at the University of Southern Mississippi and runs the Mississippi Harp Academy in Hattiesburg, MS, 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 offers masterclasses, recitals, lessons, 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, FL (2010). Besides her musical activities, Kristina is an RYT-200 Yoga Teacher, visual artist, entrepreneur, a contributor to Harp Column Magazine, and the host/creator of the “Harp Column Podcast” (75+ episodes). She also enjoys crafting, reading, and playing with her three bulldogs, Roux, Pepper, and Blueberry Pancake.