Kristen Waligora

lessons

 

Email today to schedule your lessons!

kristenwaligora@gmail.com

 

My Approach


First, I Listen.

I’ll start with a friendly chat to learn more about you, your experience, and interests. Once I understand your unique needs, I'll create tailored lesson plans based on your specific goals and interests.


Learn from a University-trained Instructor.

  • Learn from an experienced, University-trained instructor with a patient and effective teaching style. I hold a Bachelor of Music degree from Portland State University and studied at the University of Texas at Austin.

  • Each student will benefit from having a tailored lesson plan based on your specific goals and interests.

  • Learn proper guitar technique, how to read music, knowledge of the fingerboard, music theory, and music ranging from Bach to Eric Clapton.

  • Just beginning? Learn how to play the guitar correctly the first time. Classical technique gives you a solid foundation for all styles of music.

  • Intermediate to advanced? Learn the music you've always wanted to play and dip into advanced techniques.

  • Professional? Do you want to reach a broader audience for your music? Want to create and sell merchandise and CDs and/or tour? I've been featured twice in Classical Guitar Magazine for my solo and duo albums, as well as BBC Radio, and NPR's Classical Guitar Alive.


Lastly, we build.

Together, we build upon the foundation of a solid technique and a cohesive approach to studying all aspects of music that sets you on a path of fun and learning for life.

Sharing the gift of music and seeing that "aha" moment in someone's eyes when they get something right never gets old. Learning classical guitar is something that can bring joy and peace into your life every day. I'm excited to hopefully work with you to unlock that song in your heart.


I’d love to hear from you!

In Person and Online Lessons are $65 per hour.
Weekly and bi-monthly options available


Kristen is a wonderful player and marvellous teacher. I’ve had lessons for the past six months and it’s been a pleasure. I asked to learn a range of music—classical, blues, Latin, finger picking—and she brings fun music from many genres and her demonstrations are inspiring! I’m an adult beginner and she lets me move at my own pace and always enjoy what I’m doing. I can imagine she would be great with all ages.
— Janet B. - Google Review
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.
— Christine O. - Google Review
 

Guitar Studio

The dedicated music and art studio is finished! It’s been a big project, and I’m excited to share beautiful music with you in this wonderful space!

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!

2024 KW Studio Policies 


Lesson Fees and Payment

  • Lessons are $65 an hour

  • Private lesson fees are due monthly at your first lesson of the month by either check or cash.

  • A late fee of $20 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

  • 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.

  • 15 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.

  • One rescheduled lesson is allowed per month for weekly students.

  • One rescheduled lesson is allowed every two months for bi-monthly students.

  • In the event of illness or an 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.

  • Beginning students should expect to spend around $25 for Solo Guitar Playing I by Frederick M. Noad. (I can make photocopies for you if buying the book is an issue.)

  • 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.

 
 

Looking for a guitar teacher near me? Click on the map marker above Southgate to find my studio for in-person guitar lessons in Portland, Oregon.