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.

What to Expect in Your First 30-Minute Guitar Lesson

David Dunavant

You will not feel lost or overwhelmed.

This isn't a meet-and-greet. We already took care of that in the consultation. In your first lesson at the Little Rock Music Academy, we get straight to the point. The first 30 minutes are designed to be high-intensity and high-value, establishing the foundation for the Street Guitar curriculum. You'll learn string names, basic chords, and the key info needed to start playing right away.

STREET GUITAR

Momentum Over Introduction

The goal of your first session is to give you a real sense of momentum, not just an introduction. For my primary clientele of adult professionals, time is the most valuable resource. We don't waste it. Within the first ten minutes, you will have the guitar in your hands, applying the "armor" of professional mechanics.

Correct Mechanics from Day One

I cover correct right and left hand technique from the very first minute. This is where many self-taught players or those learning from "recreational" instructors fail. By starting with professional ergonomics, we prevent the bad habits that lead to physical plateaus later on.

Left-Hand Placement: We focus on the "sweet spot" of the fret and the proper thumb position to ensure clean notes without unnecessary tension.
Right-Hand Technique: Whether you are using a pick or your fingers, we establish the economy of motion needed for the popular styles of music you actually listen to.

The 80/20 Approach to Your First Lesson

Because 80% of my students are adults and 20% are talented teenagers, the first lesson is tailored to a sophisticated learning style. We don't play "nursery rhymes." Instead, we begin the process of music literacy.

Fundamental Theory: We discuss the physics of the string and how the fretboard is organized.
The 20-Song List: We begin identifying the songs you love so I can start arranging them into your custom, level-based structure.
The First Book: We open the first of the two comprehensive books in the Street Guitar curriculum, giving you a clear roadmap for the next three to four years.

Why 30 Minutes is the Professional Standard

A focused 30-minute lesson is often more effective than an hour of "noodling." It forces us to prioritize the most important technical milestones. For an adult with a busy career or a performer with a tight rehearsal schedule, this format ensures that every minute is spent on high-level instruction. You leave the lesson with a specific, actionable practice plan that fits into your life.

Superior Results in Central Arkansas

As the highest-rated private instructor in Central Arkansas, I pride myself on providing academic-level instruction in a way that remains focused on rock, pop, and blues. You get the benefit of my Master of Music in Jazz and my experience as a college professor from the very first note.

Ready to book your first 30-minute guitar lesson?

Contact me at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s get started.

CALL NOW

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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