Dave Williams II
Dave Williams is a saxophonist, educator, and community leader based in Little Rock, Arkansas. He began playing tenor saxophone at age 13 and quickly discovered a passion for performance, landing his first professional engagement at 14.
Dave studied saxophone at the University of Central Arkansas from 2001 to 2005 under Dr. Jackie Lamar, where he also began teaching private lessons. Since then, he has maintained an active career as both a performer and educator, working with students of all levels across central Arkansas. He currently serves as a saxophone instructor at Renown Music in North Little Rock.
Over the course of his career, Dave has built a strong presence in the regional music community, performing with a wide range of ensembles and organizing jam sessions, brunches, and jazz events throughout the area. In partnership with his brother-in-law, Brandon Dorris, he co-led a weekly jam session for 21 years dedicated to mentoring young jazz musicians. This long-running program helped develop hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to attend top collegiate jazz programs and pursue successful careers in performance, touring, and recording.
In addition to his ongoing teaching and mentorship work, Dave joined forces with the Little Rock Community Studio to help launch a summer jazz camp, further expanding access to jazz education for young musicians in the region.
Dave is also the co-founder of J.A.M. (Jazz Association & Mentorship), an initiative focused on fostering the next generation of jazz musicians through education, performance opportunities, and community engagement.
Dave studied saxophone at the University of Central Arkansas from 2001 to 2005 under Dr. Jackie Lamar, where he also began teaching private lessons. Since then, he has maintained an active career as both a performer and educator, working with students of all levels across central Arkansas. He currently serves as a saxophone instructor at Renown Music in North Little Rock.
Over the course of his career, Dave has built a strong presence in the regional music community, performing with a wide range of ensembles and organizing jam sessions, brunches, and jazz events throughout the area. In partnership with his brother-in-law, Brandon Dorris, he co-led a weekly jam session for 21 years dedicated to mentoring young jazz musicians. This long-running program helped develop hundreds of students, many of whom have gone on to attend top collegiate jazz programs and pursue successful careers in performance, touring, and recording.
In addition to his ongoing teaching and mentorship work, Dave joined forces with the Little Rock Community Studio to help launch a summer jazz camp, further expanding access to jazz education for young musicians in the region.
Dave is also the co-founder of J.A.M. (Jazz Association & Mentorship), an initiative focused on fostering the next generation of jazz musicians through education, performance opportunities, and community engagement.
“You’ve got to know how to play your horn, it’s all about building your vocabulary and having a conversation,” “Most importantly, have fun. If you’re not having fun, you shouldn’t be playing.”
Dave can be heard all over Little Rock performing a variety of music with many bands. He runs an open jazz jam most Friday nights at Moody Brews from 6:00-9pm.
