We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sterling Finkbine. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sterling below.

Sterling, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As a child, I was always outgoing and creative. I often played “house” with my younger siblings, and I was always the teacher! My parents were intentional about keeping me engaged outside of school, and, noticing my expressive personality, they enrolled me in community theater. That’s where I first discovered my love for music, theater, and the power of community. As I grew older, I stayed deeply involved in the arts, acting in theater productions, playing in the band, singing in the choir, and performing in show choir. Music surrounded nearly every part of my life.

After high school, I began pursuing a degree in political science with the goal of becoming a lawyer. But during college, I joined the men’s chorus, and that’s where everything changed. It reignited my passion for music and sparked my calling to become a music educator. Being surrounded by music again was exactly what I needed to make the switch to music education. I’m so thankful I made the change, and I’ve never looked back!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I serve as the Director of Vocal Music at Cincinnati’s School for Creative and Performing Arts, a nationally recognized K–12 public arts school dedicated to developing the whole student – artistically, academically, and emotionally. My journey into this field is rooted in a lifelong love of music and a deep belief in the transformative and essential power of the arts.

As a kid, I was outgoing, expressive, and constantly drawn to the stage. My parents encouraged that creative energy early on by enrolling me in band and community theater, where I first discovered the joy of music, the excitement of performance, and the sense of belonging that comes from working collaboratively toward something bigger than yourself. Throughout school, I was involved in nearly every musical outlet I could find – band, choir, show choir, theater. I loved it all. It was the reason I showed up to school everyday.

Interestingly, I originally studied political science in college with plans to become a lawyer. But when I joined the university’s men’s chorus, something clicked. The experience reignited my passion for music and gave me clarity about what I really wanted: to inspire young people through the arts the way my teachers once inspired me. I wanted young people to find their confidence through music in the same way my confidence was brought out of me.

At SCPA, I direct a thriving vocal music program where students develop not only vocal technique and musical literacy but also confidence, discipline, and emotional intelligence. We prepare students for careers in the performing arts and beyond by nurturing their unique voices and helping them discover who they are as artists and people. I create and curate choral and solo experiences, from traditional concerts to interdisciplinary performances, that push boundaries, celebrate diversity, and build a strong community.

What sets my work apart is the holistic, student-centered approach I bring to arts education. Yes, we strive for musical excellence, but we’re also building character, empathy, and a strong sense of community. I take pride in creating a space where every student feels seen, valued, and challenged to grow. I hold students to high standards, foster a culture of excellence, and help them understand that hard work will outperform talent any day of the week.

I’m especially proud of the culture of care and high expectations we’ve cultivated in our program. Whether my students go on to sing on Broadway, study vocal performance, or pursue entirely different careers, I want them to carry with them a strong work ethic, a collaborative spirit, and a lifelong appreciation for the arts. I want them to leave my classroom knowing how to contribute to society in a positive and healthy way.

Ultimately, my goal is to help young people use their voices, literally and metaphorically, to make meaningful contributions to the world. That’s the heart of my work, and it’s what drives me every day.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

In my view, the most powerful way society can support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem is by valuing the arts as essential – not optional. That begins with how we fund and prioritize arts education in our schools. When young people have consistent access to high-quality arts experiences from an early age, we not only cultivate the next generation of artists, but also future leaders, innovators, and empathetic citizens. The arts create more than just beautiful music, it creates well-rounded humans.

We also need to invest in artists as working professionals. That means equitable pay, sustainable funding models, and platforms that elevate diverse voices and creative visions. Artists shouldn’t have to choose between paying rent and pursuing their craft. If we want bold, boundary-pushing work, we need to ensure artists are given the stability and respect that any other profession is afforded.

And finally, we need to normalize the idea that creativity belongs to everyone. The arts aren’t just for concert halls or galleries; they’re for classrooms, neighborhoods, and community centers. Supporting a thriving creative ecosystem means making space for people of all ages and backgrounds to create, express, and connect.

When we invest in the arts, we invest in imagination, connection, and possibility. It’s one of the most impactful things we can do for the health and future of our communities.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding part of being an artist, and especially an educator, is watching young people come into their own. It’s that moment when a student realizes their voice matters, that they have something meaningful to share, and that their creativity can actually move people. There’s nothing like seeing that spark light up in someone.

I love the process, too. It’s not always glamorous; sometimes it’s messy, frustrating, and full of trial and error, but it’s real. Watching students work through that, grow, and create something honest and beautiful together… that’s incredibly fulfilling. Music, especially in a school setting, builds connection and community in a way few other things can.

At the end of the day, I just feel lucky to do work that helps young people find confidence, express themselves, and feel like they belong.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://scpavocalmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sterlingfinkbine?igsh=Z25hbTlpeDN4cDQ4&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sterling-finkbine-7b66b445