David Dunavant | Guitar Instructor
In Little Rock, Arkansas
David Dunavant is a professional guitar instructor based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, magna cum laude, and an M.M. in Jazz Guitar 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.
David is also the founder of Guitar Wars, an Arkansas nonprofit and amateur guitar competition created to support aspiring musicians and provide guitars and lessons to underprivileged teens.
How I run my studio
I grew up playing blues, rock, country, folk and acoustic instrumental music, before and during college. I hold a Bachelor's in Music from UA Little Rock and a Master of Music in Jazz Guitar from Bowling Green State University, and I've taught guitar in Little Rock for 27 years. My curriculum is built around regular music, the stuff most people actually want to play. Jazz and classical are taught by request, and I'm fully qualified to teach both.
I've written my own curriculum, Street Guitar, and I build my own tools to enhance it. It lives in two places: the Street Guitar book in your hands, and practice apps on your phone, tablet or computer for students who want them, built for the exact thing you're working on this week. I'll also frequently have you film short clips of me playing what we're working on in the lesson, so you can use them to reference what we've done when you're practicing at home.
In October 2026 I spoke at UA Little Rock about using technology in music teaching.
When life gets in the way, Swap-A-Lesson, an app I built for my students, lets you trade your lesson time with another student, if a time slot is currently available. For more information, see the student policies page.
None of it replaces the lesson. It's there so our half hour goes to music.
Where my students come from
I teach at Little Rock Music Academy, 11220 North Rodney Parham Road in West Little Rock. My students come from around central Arkansas. Every week they drive in from Cabot, Benton, Bryant, Jacksonville, Conway, Maumelle, North Little Rock and Sherwood, and from Little Rock itself. Some are brand new. Some are picking the guitar back up after years away. Lessons are 30 minutes, once a week. If you live out of town, start with the free 15-minute phone call. You'll know if it's worth the drive before you make it.
From Student to Mentor: David Dunavant Returns to UALR
More than two decades after graduating from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, David returned to his alma mater to share his journey as a professional guitarist, educator, and entrepreneur. Watch highlights from his presentation as he discusses building a career in music, the importance of human connection, and creating opportunities for the next generation of musicians.
People Also Ask About Guitar Lessons in Little Rock
Who is the best guitar instructor in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Why I Teach AdultsDavid 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 an M.M. in Jazz Guitar 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.
Where can adults take guitar lessons in Little Rock?
Student PoliciesAdults 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.
What is the Street Guitar method?
Street GuitarThe 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.
Are guitar lessons available for beginners in Little Rock?
Learn At Any StageYes. 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.
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.
David Dunavant
Teaching electric guitar during a private guitar lesson in Little Rock, Arkansas.
David's Guitar
Fender Telecaster
Private Guitar Lesson Studio
Little Rock Music Academy
Street Guitar Curriculum
Created by Little Rock guitar instructor David Dunavant
Guitar Wars
Join David Dunavant for the annual Guitar Wars event on August 7, 2027.
Guitar Wars is Arkansas’ only statewide amateur guitar competition. It is a nonprofit event focused on performance, education, and equal access to instruments and private lessons for underserved youth.
