Classical Guitar Lessons
Beginning through professional levels welcome! Learn from an experienced teacher with a patient and effective teaching style.
I hold a Bachelor of Music from Portland State University and studied at the University of Texas at Austin. My solo and duo albums have been featured twice in Classical Guitar Magazine, and my recordings have been broadcast on BBC Radio 3 and NPR’s Classical Guitar Alive!
I bring that experience into every lesson. We identify what is limiting your playing, make a specific adjustment, and test the result immediately. You’ll leave knowing what changed, why it worked, and how to continue the work on your own.
Whether you are returning to the guitar after time away, working through a plateau, or preparing advanced repertoire, your lessons will be built around your playing and the musician you want to become.
Study with me in my Milwaukie studio, just outside Portland, or online from wherever you live.
How lessons work
Focused Feedback
I listen closely to your playing, identify the details that are holding you back, and help you make meaningful improvements
Tailored Lesson Plans
Your lessons are built around your experience, musical interests, and goals rather than a generic curriculum.
Clear Next Steps
Receive organized lesson notes so you always understand what to practice, how to approach it, and what we are building toward.
What You’ll Develop
Good lessons should give you more than corrections from week to week. We’ll build the technical, musical, and practical skills that allow you to become a more confident and independent guitarist.
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
More effective practice methods that help you solve problems independently
A more controlled and expressive tone
Repertoire spanning centuries — from the Renaissance to the modern era
“Kristen 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. Her studio is bright and modern, with wonderful acoustics. Calm, observant, funny…she is the best guitar teacher with whom I have studied in my 35 years of playing.”
— Michael F., student
Google Review
ready to begin?
Classical guitar lessons are $80 for 60 minutes. Weekly lessons are recommended for consistent progress, with twice-monthly options available.
Tell me a little about your playing, what you would like to work on, and any questions you have. I’ll follow up to discuss availability and next steps.
Prefer to Learn at Your Own Pace?
Explore Lágrima: How to Shape a Melody, a focused course combining a detailed video tutorial, annotated score, and practice guide to help you connect technique, musical understanding, and artistry.