Do You Have to Perform in Guitar Lessons? A Professional Approach in Little Rock
David Dunavant
A Professional Approach to Adult Guitar Lessons
Private guitar lessons in Little Rock do not require mandatory recitals. At my studio at Little Rock Music Academy, I offer adult-focused instruction where performance is always a choice, not a requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recitals and Guitar Lessons
- Do you require recitals for guitar students?
No. Performances are optional and based on each student’s goals and readiness. - Are recitals important for beginners?
For some students, performance can be helpful. For others—especially adults—private progress is more appropriate. - Do adult guitar students need to perform publicly?
No. Most adult students focus on skill development, theory, and personal mastery rather than staged performances. - Where are lessons located?
Lessons are held at Little Rock Music Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The Problem with the Traditional Recital Model
The traditional recital is designed for children. It serves as a "progress report" for parents, but for the student, it often creates a high-stress environment that focuses on a single, polished performance rather than long-term mastery.
For my students—80% of whom are adults—the goal of learning the "Street Guitar" curriculum is usually personal fulfillment, technical mastery, or professional-level performance. An adult who is a CEO, a doctor, or a skilled tradesperson doesn't need the external validation of a grade-school recital. They need a learning environment that respects their maturity and their specific musical goals.
Option 1: The Pressure-Free Private Path
The majority of my students learn for the intrinsic joy of the instrument. They want to master the "why" behind the music, improve their hand coordination, and build a custom 20-song repertoire of the music they actually love.
If you are looking for a serious hobby that serves as a mental escape from the stresses of professional life, I provide a "No Pressure" environment.
- * No Mandatory Performances: Your progress is tracked through our work in the two-book Street Guitar curriculum, not a stage appearance.
- * Focus on Literacy: We spend our time on music literacy and professional mechanics.
- * Adult-First Environment: My studio at 11220 N Rodney Parham Rd is designed for a sophisticated, adult-first experience.
Option 2: "Guitar Wars" – The Professional Competitive Edge
While I don't do recitals, I do believe in the power of live performance for those who are ready. This is where the 20% of my students who are "talented performers" and "valuable commodities" really shine.
I offer Guitar Wars, a live, amateur competition open to all skill levels. Unlike a recital, Guitar Wars is:
- * Real-World Experience: It mimics the energy of a professional gig.
- * Skill-Level Brackets: You compete or perform alongside others at your technical level.
- * Community Driven: It brings together the Central Arkansas guitar community in a way that is supportive yet challenging.
Option 3: Curated Jam Sessions and Networking
One of the greatest benefits of my "Street Guitar" community is the network of like-minded players. If you aren't interested in a competition but you are tired of playing alone in your basement, I can bridge the gap.
I frequently introduce students in similar age ranges and skill levels who are simply looking for a "jam partner." This allows you to:
- * Apply Theory in Real-Time: Practice the improvisational skills we work on in our lessons.
- * Build Social Connections: Meet other professionals in the Little Rock area who share your passion for rock, pop, and blues.
- * Develop "Street" Skills: Learning to play with another human is a core part of becoming a collegiate-level player without the academic fluff.
The "Street Guitar" Philosophy: Performance is a Choice
My Master of Music in Jazz and my time as a college professor taught me that forced performance often kills the love of music. Mastery comes from a desire to understand the instrument, not a fear of making a mistake in front of a crowd.
By removing the "recital" requirement, we free up hundreds of hours of practice time. Instead of practicing one "recital piece" for six months, we focus on:
- * Correct Mechanics: Developing the "armor" of a professional.
- * Breadth of Repertoire: Moving through your custom 20-song list.
- * Advanced Theory: Understanding the architecture of the fretboard.
Conclusion: Your Lessons, Your Terms
You are an adult, and your guitar journey should reflect your priorities. Whether you want to remain a private "closet classic" player or you want to win a trophy at Guitar Wars, the choice is entirely yours.
If you have been avoiding guitar lessons because you didn't want to be treated like a child or forced onto a stage, it is time for a more holistic, professional approach. Let’s build your custom path to the guitar in an environment that respects your goals.
Guitar Lessons with David Dunavant
Little Rock Music Academy
11220 North Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72212
Phone: +1-501-291-1171
Highest-Rated Private Instructor in Central Arkansas
Not too late, discover the benefits of learning guitar after 60, including memory improvement and arthritis relief, with David Dunavant in Little Rock.
Discover Street Guitar, the superior curriculum for adults and talented teens. Get academic-level guitar instruction in Little Rock from David Dunavant, M.M.
I grew up playing rock, blues, country, metal, folk, and modern fingerstyle guitar. Then I went on to earn two degrees in jazz guitar and received formal training in classical guitar. I teach both pick and fingerstyle, and I understand the strengths and demands of each genre. While my Street Guitar curriculum is focused on popular music, I also teach jazz, classical, and other advanced styles upon request. Whether you're interested in indie folk, worship music, ambient textures, funk, or anything else, I'll help you get there. Metal, folk, etc. are all in the mix if that's your thing.
If you've never played before, the good news is that you have no bad habits to break. You'll be learning clean from the start. The only question is whether guitar ends up being worth your time, something only you can decide once you see how much effort it takes to play well. If you've already been playing, we skip that part. You're already a guitarist. But you've probably picked up some inefficient habits, whether from YouTube or casual lessons. I'll point them out one at a time, clearly and without pressure. You'll know what works and what doesn't, and you'll always decide what to keep or change.
Street Guitar is how I wish I had been taught when I started. It includes all the good stuff that actually applies to popular styles, without the baggage of academic methods. You learn proper left and right hand technique, accurate chord transitions, and practical theory. But here's the twist. Half the curriculum is blank. That's where you come in. You tell me what you want to play, and I pull songs and techniques that match your goals and organize them into a level-based structure. If you want to go deeper into jazz or classical guitar, I love teaching those styles too. You just have to let me know and I'll build them into your plan.
Most guitarists out in the real world use TAB. It's everywhere: websites, YouTube videos, charts, and books. I use it too because it matches the environment students actually learn in. But by itself, TAB is missing key info: which left-hand fingers to use, which right-hand fingers to pluck with, how to pick, and how to play cleanly. That's where I come in. Over time, I teach you how to read between the lines and make smart decisions based on experience and technique. If you stick with lessons, you'll learn to think critically about music, not just copy finger positions. I also teach standard notation and reading music if you request it. Learn about my student policies today!
This isn't a meet-and-greet. We already took care of that in the consultation. In your first lesson, we get straight to the point. You'll learn string names, basic chords, and the key info needed to start playing right away. I also cover correct right and left hand technique from day one. The goal is to give you a real sense of momentum, not just an introduction. Ready to book your first 30-minute guitar lesson? Contact me at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s get started.
Guitar engages multiple parts of the brain at once. You're using memory, movement, creativity, and focus together. That's one reason it's so effective for older adults looking to stay sharp. Even short practice sessions can help slow cognitive decline and improve mood. Unlike brain games, guitar ties into something personal and fun. It doesn't feel like homework. It feels like progress Interested in boosting your memory and enjoying the benefits of music? Contact me today to schedule your first lesson at Little Rock Music Academy.
Guitar isn't just for kids or teenagers. Most of my students are adults in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Some are picking up a guitar for the first time. Others are coming back after decades away. I've built my lessons around adult learners because they bring patience, life experience, and a deep appreciation for music. I also teach teenagers, especially those who are focused and ready to learn in a one-on-one setting. Whether you want to play your favorite songs, improvise, or challenge yourself with something new, I tailor the lessons to you. Ready to start your guitar journey? Contact me today at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s unlock the joy of music together.