Kristina Finch, harpist

Based in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, harpist Dr. Kristina Finch exemplifies the spirit of the modern independent musician. Equally at home on concert stages and in creative collaborations, Kristina combines her classical training with a passion for popular and contemporary music—challenging expectations and expanding perceptions of what the harp can be.

Kristina serves as Professor of Harp at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she inspires students through individualized instruction and ensemble coaching. She also directs the Mississippi Harp Academy, providing access to harp education for students of all ages and backgrounds. Her teaching philosophy centers on accessibility and inclusion, rooted in the belief that music—and the harp in particular—should be available to everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

A sought-after performer, Kristina is the Principal Harpist with the Miami City Ballet, Principal Harpist with the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra, and Second Harpist with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, in addition to appearing regularly as a guest artist with ensembles across the United States. A devoted chamber musician, she performs with a variety of ensembles, including her primary collaboration, the Kontra Duo with saxophonist Dannel Espinoza—praised for performances that are “energetic, sweet, sassy, graceful, and muscular.”

As a certified coach with Harp Mastery, Kristina helps harpists of all levels find their own “Harp Happiness,” guiding them to cultivate confidence, clarity, and joy in their playing through mindful, goal-oriented practice and artistic self-discovery.

Beyond the stage and classroom, Kristina is the creator and host of the One Pedal Off Digital Harp Conference, a groundbreaking event that amplifies the voices of young and diverse harpists while offering practical, real-world guidance for professional growth. She is also the former host of the Harp Column Podcast, which featured over 75 episodes of conversations with leading figures in the harp world.

Kristina began her musical journey at age eight in her hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia. She earned her Bachelor of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Harp Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music, and her Master of Music degree from Florida State University. In addition to her musical pursuits, Kristina is a certified RYT-200 yoga teacher, visual artist, and entrepreneur, whose creative energy extends well beyond music. She shares her home with her husband, saxophonist Dannel Espinoza, and their two bulldogs, Roux and Blueberry Pancake.