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, an energetic Brittany Spaniel, and an emotionally challenged Chihuahua. 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 all sorts of projects with her Cricut. Follow her on Instagram: @SingingFinch1
Theresa Hoover
Theresa Hoover is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and helps teachers empower students throughout their musical experiences by transforming their classrooms into student-centered learning environments. Theresa has taught instrumental, general, and vocal music in a variety of settings, most recently teaching middle school band in Northern Virginia. Prior to that she taught for fourteen years in Pennsylvania. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in wind conducting from West Chester University, both in Pennsylvania. Theresa is currently working towards a PhD in Music Learning and Teaching at Arizona State University.
Theresa is a recognized presenter and clinician at local, regional, and national level conferences, including the International Music Education Summit, the Virginia Society for Technology in Education, and numerous state music education conferences.
She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer, Google Certified Innovator, and Noteflight Learn Ambassador, frequently working with teachers to help integrate technology into their music classes. Theresa’s passion for supporting music teachers in using Google Workspace for Education has extended into two popular graduate electives at the University of the Arts and other colleges. She is also the Technology Editor and committee chair for Women Band Directors International.
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