Wildwood Academy of Music and the Arts
Academy Creative Director
Dustin Yoder
Dustin Yoder is a violinist, composer, and film director from the Central Arkansas area. Growing up, he was part of the Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra and developed both his love of violin and the arts under the nurturing guidance of his first violin teacher, the late Eric Hayward. In high school, he was the concertmaster of the South All-Region orchestra, participated in All-State clinics, performed solo violin for a former U.S. President, and was a finalist for the High School Honors Performance Series and performed in Carnegie Hall. He then went on to the University of Central Arkansas as a violin performance major under the instruction of Professor Linda Hsu. There, he developed relationships that lead him from
violin performance to Film.
Since then, he has scored numerous film projects for directors like Paula Blanco (“Dust”, “Be Here Now”, & “Canchas”), Jason Pitts (“Alone” & “Masquerade”), and many more. Currently, he teaches private violin students in West Little Rock, North Little Rock, and Bryant.
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In 2014, Dustin came to Wildwood Park for the Arts for the academy's first year, as a student. Over the years, he would work as a student intern, coordinator, and now, the Director for the Academy. In the time between, he performed as a violinist in many of the park's musicals and events. From the Sound of Music, Oliver, Sweeny Todd, Sister's Act, Newsies, and more. He's also worked in the sound booth for various recitals, plays, and Lanterns Festivals. Dustin was raised by the park and academy, considering them a safe haven for his creative growth and mental health.
