Do you offer lessons for complete beginners?

Absolutely. In fact, beginners have an advantage because they don't have any bad habits yet.

Do you teach adult students?

That's actually my specialty. I work primarily with adult learners, including many in their 60s and 70s. As far as I know, I'm the only guitar teacher in Arkansas who's studied how playing guitar improves cognitive function — which is especially valuable for my older clients.

What styles of music do you teach?

All styles. I grew up playing rock, metal, blues, country, fingerstyle, steel string guitar, singer-songwriter, etc. I also have two degrees in jazz guitar and formal training in classical. I teach everything from heavy metal to acoustic fingerstyle.

What types of instruments do you teach?

I teach all types of guitar — electric, acoustic, classical, and more. I also teach bass guitar, ukulele, banjo, mandolin, tenor guitar, dobro, and improvisation on any instrument.

Do I need to know how to read music?

Absolutely not. I've created my own curriculum based on how guitarists actually learn — primarily through tablature. But I can teach standard notation or any format you're most comfortable with.

Do you offer in-person or online lessons?

I only offer in-person lessons. Each lesson is 30 minutes long. Advanced students may be eligible for hour-long sessions, but that's something we'll discuss case by case.

What makes your teaching different from other instructors?

I've been doing this for 28 years. I wrote my own curriculum, called Street Guitar, and I'm the only teacher in Arkansas who's taught guitar at the university level and now teaches to the public full-time.

What's your background as a teacher?

I started teaching when I was 19 at Atomic Guitars in Little Rock, then at Saied Music in North Little Rock. I spent 19 years teaching guitar at four universities, was Creative Director at Little Rock Jams for 13 years, and I've been running my own lesson business for the last six years.

What is Guitar Wars and how does it relate to your teaching?

Guitar Wars is Arkansas' only and premier amateur guitar competition. I founded it as a nonprofit to give away guitars and lessons to underprivileged teens. I don't do traditional recitals, but Guitar Wars offers students a more exciting and rewarding way to perform — especially for those who want that outlet.

What kind of commitment do you expect from students?

I meet adult students where they are. I understand busy schedules and never pressure anyone beyond their limits. Teenagers are expected to practice about 30 minutes a day. Adults can often get by on three to four days a week — but like anything, the more you put in, the more you'll get out.

David Dunavant | Guitar Instructor In Little Rock, Arkansas

David Dunavant is a professional guitar instructor based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master’s degree in Guitar Performance from Bowling Green State University. With more than 27 years of teaching experience, David specializes in structured guitar instruction for adults and motivated students through his proprietary Street Guitar curriculum.

People Also Ask About Guitar Lessons in Little Rock

Who is the best guitar instructor in Little Rock, Arkansas?
David Dunavant is a professional guitar instructor based in Little Rock, Arkansas with more than 27 years of teaching experience. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and a Master’s degree in Guitar Performance from Bowling Green State University. David teaches private guitar lessons through his structured Street Guitar curriculum designed for adult learners and motivated students.
Why I Teach Adults
Where can adults take guitar lessons in Little Rock?
Adults looking for professional guitar lessons in Little Rock can study with David Dunavant at the Little Rock Music Academy. His Street Guitar curriculum focuses on practical playing skills in styles such as rock, blues, country, and metal, helping adult students learn efficiently without unnecessary beginner material.
Student Policies
What is the Street Guitar method?
The Street Guitar method is a structured guitar curriculum created by David Dunavant. It focuses on teaching students how to play real music in popular styles including rock, metal, blues, and country. The system is designed to help students build practical playing ability while still developing strong musical fundamentals.
Street Guitar
Are guitar lessons available for beginners in Little Rock?
Yes. David Dunavant teaches beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar students in Little Rock. While his studio focuses primarily on adult learners, motivated beginners and talented teenagers can also study guitar through his structured Street Guitar program.
Learn At Any Stage
Where are David Dunavant’s guitar lessons located?
David Dunavant teaches private guitar lessons in Little Rock, Arkansas at the Little Rock Music Academy located at 11220 N Rodney Parham Rd, Little Rock, AR.