Dr. Kristina Finch, harp, exemplifies the spirit of the modern independent musician. Equally at home on concert stages, in the classroom, and in the business of music, Kristina combines her classical training with a passion for popular and contemporary music, challenging expectations and expanding perceptions of what the harp can be.
A sought-after performer, Kristina is 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 throughout the United States. A devoted chamber musician, her primary collaboration is 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.
Kristina serves as Professor of Harp at the University of Southern Mississippi, where she inspires students through individualized instruction and ensemble coaching. 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.
Beyond the stage and classroom, Kristina is an entrepreneur and co-owner of the Virginia Harp Center and Atlanta Harp Center, encompassing three retail locations in Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia. Through her leadership of the Harp Centers, she combines her experience as a performer and educator with a commitment to supporting the broader harp community, connecting musicians with instruments, resources, and expertise throughout every stage of their musical lives.
Kristina is also the former host of the Harp Column Podcast, where she hosted more than 100 episodes featuring conversations, insights, and perspectives from throughout 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. She shares her home with her husband, saxophonist Dannel Espinoza, and their two bulldogs, Roux and Blueberry Pancake.
