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.

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 Li ttle 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.

For the teenager looking to build a career or the adult who has always dreamed of playing on a real stage, Guitar Wars is the "Street Guitar" alternative to the auditorium stage.

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.

CALL ME NOW CHECK OUT GUITAR WARS

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

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