Kathryn Finch
Kathryn Finch has twenty-plus years of experience in the elementary general music classroom and currently teaches in Northbrook, IL. She speaks passionately about the shift in music education from teacher-led to student-led activities. She focuses on practical ways music educators can transform their classrooms to empower their students to own their learning. Kathryn co-authored the book, Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students as well as two other teaching resources, Full STEAM Ahead: Lessons to shift instruction, empower students, and transform your music classroom and Everyone Loves a Story: Bringing books to life through music.
She received her bachelor’s degree in music education from Augustana College and her master’s in music education from VanderCook College of Music. She is a co-creator of the #BlairFinchProject, certified in all 3 levels of Orff Schulwerk, an Apple Teacher, Google Certified in levels 1 and 2, and serves as a technology leader in her school district.
Kathryn lives near Chicago, IL with her husband, two children, and two dogs. If she isn’t writing, Kathryn is taking walks with the dogs, watching her children at sporting events or band and orchestra programs with tears of pride, or creating projects with her Cricut. Follow her on Instagram: @SingingFinch1
Theresa Hoover
Dr. Theresa Hoover is a music educator, speaker, and writer who advocates for student voice in the music room. Her work centers on helping teachers empower students throughout their musical experiences by transforming classrooms into student-centered learning environments.
Currently, Theresa serves as a Teaching Professor of Music Education at East Carolina University where she teaches undergraduate and graduate music education courses. Her teaching experience spans instrumental, general, and vocal music across a variety of settings in Northern Virginia and Pennsylvania.
A recognized presenter and clinician, Theresa has presented at local, regional, and national conferences, including the Midwest Clinic, the NAfME Conference, and numerous state music education conferences. She also serves as an adjunct professor at VanderCook College of Music, where she teaches graduate courses for music educators focused on technology integration and student ownership.
Theresa is the author of Empowering Ensembles With Technology and the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students. She also blogs at Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey. When not teaching, you can find Theresa curled up with a good book, on the running trail, traveling to visit family and friends, or spending time with her dog, Dizzy. Follow her on Instagram: @MusicalTheresa
Theresa has earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Penn State University, a Masters in Wind Conducting from West Chester University, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Music, Learning and Teaching from Arizona State University.