Lessons
Email today to schedule your lessons!
My Approach
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Maybe you played for a while, then life got in the way. Or maybe you've always wanted to go deeper to be able to finally play the pieces that move you, with the technique and artistry to do them justice.
How It Works
We start with a conversation. Before we touch a single scale or arpeggio, I want to know your story — what you've played, what you love, and where you want to go. From there, I build a tailored lesson plan around your goals, not a generic curriculum.
We work on what actually matters to you. Your lessons are shaped around the music and skills you care about most. Classical technique is the foundation that makes everything else possible.
We build something lasting. Real progress isn't just about learning notes, it's about developing an ear, a feel, and a relationship with the instrument that deepens over time.
Who This Is For
Beginners — Learn to play correctly from day one. Classical technique gives you a solid foundation that will serve you for life, no matter where your musical journey takes you.
Intermediate players — Break through the plateau. Deepen your technique, expand your repertoire, and start playing the pieces you've always admired.
Advanced students — This is where things get exciting. Tackle the great works of the classical guitar repertoire, refine your artistry, and push the boundaries of what you can do.
What You'll Develop
Refined technique that removes tension and unlocks ease of playing
The ability to read music and understand what's on the page
A working knowledge of the fingerboard and how music is structured
Music theory and phrasing that makes you a more intelligent, expressive player
The ability to learn and interpret new pieces on your own
Repertoire spanning centuries — from Bach to the modern era
Structured lesson notes after every session, so your progress is always clear
Why Study Here
I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from Portland State University and I studied at the University of Texas at Austin. My solo and duo albums have both been featured in Classical Guitar Magazine and on BBC Radio 3 and NPR's Classical Guitar Alive — but what I'm most proud of is the moment a student plays something they didn't think they could.
I've spent years developing a teaching approach that's patient, precise, and genuinely enjoyable. Students at every level find that with the right guidance, they progress further and faster than they ever expected.
Ready to Begin?
The music you've always wanted to play is closer than you think. Let's find it together.
“Kristen Waligora has been my classical guitar teacher for the past six months. She has an outstanding ability to identify aspects of my playing in need of improvement. She pays particular attention to proper technique and always aims for overall improvement in musicality. Calm, observant, funny ….she is the best guitar teacher with whom I have studied in my 35 years of playing. Her studio is bright, modern with wonderful acoustics. If your desire is to take your playing to the next level then spending time with Kristen Waligora is your answer.”
I’d love to hear from you!
In Person and Online Lessons are $70 per hour.
Weekly and bi-monthly options available
“I have been taking classical guitar lessons with Kristen for over one year and I highly recommend her to students of all levels. She is a great player and a kind, patient, knowledgeable teacher. She is a great communicator and will tailor lessons to your skill level. She has vast knowledge of the classical guitar repertoire and is a seasoned performer. Don’t hesitate scheduling a lesson if you have any interest in guitar !”
“Kristen became my instructor as I was preparing for a Master Class on Performance Anxiety. In preparing for the Master Class, Kristen guided me through the process of choosing pieces that suited my strengths. She helped me to deconstruct my bad habits and taught me new practice techniques that gave me the confidence to reach beyond where I was previously comfortable. I treasure the time spent with Kristen and highly recommend her as an instructor for beginning to advance students of classical guitar.”
welcome to the Studio
Designed for focused learning and creative exploration, this studio is where I teach, record, compose, and paint. Every lesson is shaped by the same thoughtful approach that guides my own artistic practice.
Take a look inside below.
Windows going in.
The center support beam being raised for the vaulted ceiling.
Studio wall frames going up.
The beginning of the studio floor going in!
2026 KW Studio Policies
Lesson Fees and Payment
Lessons are $70 an hour
Private lesson fees are due monthly at your first lesson of the month by either check or cash. Check is preferred. (No coins, please.)
If you prefer to pay electronically, just let me know and I can send you a link in your monthly invoice. There is a 3% payment processing fee added to the total.
If you start in the middle of the month as a new student, your lessons are prorated from your start date.
A late fee of $25 will be applied if payment is not ready at the first lesson of each month.
If payment is not received at the beginning of the second lesson of the month, no lessons will be taught until payment is made in full plus the late fee. Your lesson time will not be kept open.
Late Arrivals
I really want you to get your money’s worth from our lessons. Please make every effert to arrive on time and ready to learn. Late arrivals forfeit the missed portion of their lessons. So if you're 10 minutes late, you have 50 minutes, and we will continue your lesson until the normal end time.
10 minutes past the lesson's scheduled start time, the lesson is considered missed if no prior notice of late arrival is given. If you're stuck in traffic or running late, give me a call or a text that you're on your way, and I'll wait for you.
Cancellation Policy
24-hour notification is required for all missed lessons. If you fail to give notification of absence, you will still be charged for the lesson.
In the event of illness or a genuine emergency, please notify me as soon as possible and we can reschedule your lesson.
If notification is given, I will attempt to make up the lesson. If I am unable to make up the lesson, I will issue a credit to your account.
If the teacher must cancel the lesson, you will not be charged.
Required Materials
All students should have an instrument that is in good working order, and assigned lesson materials with them at the lesson.
Left hand nails should be clipped and kept short for comfort and proper placement on the fingerboard.
A music stand and footstool is highly recommended for practice at home!
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, lessons will be rescheduled or online lesson options discussed.
Looking for a female guitar teacher near me? Click on the map marker above Southgate to find my studio for in-person guitar lessons in Portland, Oregon.