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.

Why I Specialize in Teaching Adult Guitar Students

David Dunavant

Unlocking The Joy Of Music At Any Age

Guitar is not just for children or teenagers. In my studio at the Little Rock Music Academy, the reality is that the vast majority of my roster consists of adult professionals. Most of my students are in their 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s. I have intentionally built my business model around this adult-first approach because I believe that adults make some of the most dedicated and successful musicians.

Whether you are picking up a guitar for the first time or returning to the instrument after decades away, I have designed the Street Guitar curriculum to respect your time, your intellect, and your musical goals.

The Myth of the "Young Learner" Advantage

There is a common misconception that if you didn't start playing guitar by age ten, you have missed the boat. While it is true that younger players have high neuroplasticity, they often lack the focus and life experience required for long-term mastery. Adults bring a different set of strengths to the table: patience, analytical thinking, and a deep-seated appreciation for the music they love.

When an adult student comes to me at 11220 N Rodney Parham Rd, they aren't there because their parents made them go. They are there because they have a genuine desire to master the craft. This internal motivation is the most powerful tool in music education. It allows us to dive deeper into the "why" behind the music, moving past simple rote memorization and into true music literacy.

The Street Guitar Philosophy for the Adult Professional

Adult learners require a different pedagogical strategy than children. You don't want to play "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star." You want to play the rock, pop, blues, and country that has defined your life. My Street Guitar curriculum is built to accommodate this through a structured, yet flexible, approach.

Respecting Your Schedule
I understand that you have a career, a family, and other professional responsibilities. My lessons are focused and efficient. We use two comprehensive books to provide a roadmap, but we don't waste time on "academic fluff" that doesn't serve your goals. Every 30-minute session is designed to give you a specific, actionable practice plan that fits into a busy lifestyle.
The 20-Song Graded System
The hallmark of my method is the custom repertoire list. You provide twenty songs you love, and I organize them by technical difficulty. This allows us to use the music you already enjoy as the vehicle for teaching professional mechanics. Whether it’s a complex fingerstyle folk song or a classic rock anthem, we use that music to develop the "armor" of a collegiate-level player.
Correct Mechanics and Ergonomics
For the adult student, hand health is a priority. I teach correct left and right hand technique from day one. By focusing on ergonomics—proper thumb placement, economy of motion, and reducing tension—we ensure that you can play for years without the risk of injury or chronic fatigue.

STREET GUITAR

Supporting the 20%: Talented Performers and Teens

While 80% of my clientele are adults, the remaining 20% are teenagers. These students are highly valuable commodities and performers in the Central Arkansas music scene. I specialize in teaching teens who are focused, mature, and ready to learn in a one-on-one setting.

For these younger players, my adult-first model is actually an advantage. They aren't treated like children; they are treated like apprentice musicians. They learn the same professional mechanics and music literacy that I taught at the college level. This prepares them for the "Guitar Wars" competition, local performances, and even potential collegiate music careers.

Moving Beyond the "Hobbyist" Plateau

Many adults who are self-taught or have taken casual lessons eventually hit a plateau. They can play a few chords but don't understand how the fretboard works. My background as a Master of Music in Jazz allows me to act as a technical consultant for your playing.

We look at:

Fretboard Logic: Understanding the geometry of the neck so you never feel "lost."
Applied Theory: Learning how to improvise and create your own parts rather than just copying a screen.
Music Literacy: Being able to read the language of music, which opens up every genre from jazz to classical.

A Community of Like-Minded Musicians in Little Rock

One of the most rewarding aspects of specializing in adult students is the community it creates. Being the highest-rated private instructor in Little Rock means my studio is a hub for professionals who share a passion for the guitar. Whether you want to remain a private player or eventually find someone to jam with, you are joining a network of people who value the craft as much as you do.

My approach is simple: I provide the academic structure of a university professor with the real-world application of a professional "Street" musician. This combination ensures that you practice more, learn faster, and enjoy the process.

Conclusion: Your Guitar Journey Starts Now

It is never too late to develop superior technique. Whether you are 35 or 75, the guitar offers a path to creativity, cognitive health, and personal fulfillment. If you have been waiting for the "right time" to start, this is it.

Ready to start your guitar journey? Contact me today at Little Rock Music Academy and let’s unlock the joy of music together.

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.

< Older Post