At the Mississippi Harp Academy we believe that the best educators are those that are actively pursuing a career in their field. By remaining engaged in the most cutting edge trends in performance, recording, education, new music, technology in music, and fitness in music, our faculty is able to provide a unique educational experience for each student, catered to their specific musical preferences and needs.
Our Faculty
Dr. Kristina Finch
Director, Mississippi Harp Academy
Based in Hattiesburg, MS, harpist Dr. Kristina Finch is a diverse performer of multi-faceted interests who is one of the preeminent emerging artists in her field. Kristina aims to create interesting and exciting programs that find connections to stimulate the imagination through musical storytelling of standard harp repertoire and expansive interpretations of new music.
An experienced and confident chamber musician, Kristina has performed with ensembles of all shapes and sizes. Her primary ensemble, the Kontra Duo with saxophonist Dannel Espinoza, released their first album (self-titled) in 2014, and has been described as energetic, sweet, sassy, graceful, and muscular. The Kontra Duo has performed recitals throughout the continental United States, and is known for creating exciting programs of harp and saxophone music that integrates accessible new music commissioned by the ensemble and new takes on standard repertoire for many other instruments, showcasing the versatility of the pair.
As an orchestral musician Kristina serves as the Principal Harpist for the Miami Symphony Orchestra (MISO) and Nu Deco Ensemble in Miami, FL. In addition to MISO, Kristina has performed with numerous other orchestras and choral ensembles throughout the East Coast, including the Florida Grande OperaSouth Florida Symphony Orchestra, Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes; the Virginia Symphony Orchestra; the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra; the Ocala Symphony Orchestra; the Festival Singers of Florida; the Virginia Choral; the Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida; Madrigalia Choral Ensemble; Concentus Women’s Choir; and served as the principal harpist for the Ohio Light Opera Festival during the summer of 2011. In addition to extensive work with choral ensembles, Kristina has had the great honor of working with some of the worlds finest vocalists including Tony, Grammy, and Oscar winner Idina Menzel, Grammy winner Renée Fleming, and Grammy nominee and American Idol winner, Ruben Studdard.
Kristina maintains a full time freelance career , that has included performances for Tiffany & Co., Burgees Yachts, Project: Newborn, and the Biltmore Hotel, as well as private event performances at some of South Florida’s finest hotels, restaurants, houses of worship, and event spaces. As a professional wedding harpist, Kristina works one on one with clients in order to create the perfect musical atmosphere for their individual celebration.
Kristina 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, working under harpist Kathleen Bride, also receiving the prestigious Performer's Certificate, and received her Master of Musical Arts degree from Florida State University in Tallahassee (2010) where she studied with Mary Brigid-Roman.
Kristina is a contributing blogger, podcaster and writer for the Harp Column.
Education
Doctor of Musical Arts in Harp Performance and Literature, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY (2015)
Master of Music in Harp Performance, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL (2010)
Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY (2008)
Principal Teachers
Kathleen Bride, Professor of Harp, Eastman School of Music
Mary Brigid Roman, Professor of Harp, Florida State University
Barbara Chapman, Principal Harp, Virginia Symphony Orchestra
Awards
Finalist in the American Harp Society National Harp Competition, Young Professionals Division, 2013
1st place winner Eastman School of Music Concerto Competition, 2011
Performers Certificate, Eastman School of Music, 2011
Eileen Malone Scholar, Eastman School of Music, 2010