Guitar teacher David Dunavant believes no obstacle should stand in the way of a kid who dreams of becoming the next guitar hero. As the founder of Little Rock’s Guitar Wars, he created a high-energy, low-pressure competition that encourages rookies to let loose while supporting a nonprofit dedicated to underserved children.
“The core mission is to bridge the massive gap in music access by getting real instruments, professional resources and performance opportunities directly into the hands of people who need them,” David says.
Now in its fourth year, Guitar Wars hosts its free all-day event at the CALS Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock. The competition is open to all ages, with kids and adult divisions split into beginner, intermediate and advanced brackets. A total of 18 winners are named each year after a blind judging, earning prizes like music gear, recording studio time, cash and gift cards.
Inside the venue, T-shirts fly through the air, drums thud and guitars shred. Star Wars characters march around and snap photos with kids as participants score fresh popcorn, cold drinks and event concessions.
“It's theater at this point,” David says.
Behind the electric environment lies a deeper goal: to help what David calls “the forgotten class,” or working parents and their kids held back by the high cost of lessons. Alongside a year-round instrument donation drive with Boys & Girls Clubs, Guitar Wars offers scholarships across multiple counties, including a free guitar and four months of lessons.
“The Guitar Wars competition is really the support beams holding up those kids and the scholarships,” he says. “It’s what makes that possible.”
One of the Little Rock scholarship winners said that learning guitar “helped her believe in herself and realize she's capable of more than she thought.”
The force behind Guitar Wars
Born and raised in Little Rock, David has been a passionate guitarist since age 13. He holds a bachelor's degree in music from UALR and a master's degree in jazz guitar from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Today, he teaches at Little Rock Music Academy through his business, Guitar Lessons with David Dunavant, bringing 27 years of experience to the role.
“I’m just happy if I’m teaching,” he says. “I love watching people progress, I love seeing someone happy when they get the result they want, and I love the relationship aspect of it.”
The concept for Guitar Wars was actually inspired by one of David’s students. Blown away by the boy’s piano skills, David asked about his background and learned that he had competed as young as 10.
Though the student initially dreaded practicing, the experience of trying and succeeding shifted his perspective. This story struck a chord with David, sharpening his vision to give musicians of all ages and skill levels the chance they deserve.
For more information or to register, visit guitarwarsinc.com.
“The core mission is to bridge the massive gap in music access by getting real instruments, professional resources and performance opportunities directly into the hands of people who need them."