About
Making music fun for over 25 years
Meet the team and story behind Good Times Guitar, Santa Barbara's favorite music school for kids.
The Good Times Guitar Story
Good Times Guitar started in 2001 with a simple idea: kids learn better when they're having fun.
Good Times Guitar was started in 2001 by Andy White with a simple idea: music should be taught to kids in a way that is fun and based on the songs and styles that inspire the student. What began as guitar lessons has grown to include drums, bass, ukulele, voice, and piano, with a team of instructors who are equally passionate about teaching kids the love, fun, and skill of music.
Our Mission:
To guide students toward musical excellence in an environment rooted in fun, dedication, kindness, and celebration.
At Good Times Guitar, everything we do is designed to be engaging, encouraging students to play the music they love while also learning the skills that help them grow not just as musicians, but as people.
Each of our instructors are carefully chosen to be people who love kids, are great teachers, and excellent musicians in their own right. Our goal is for your child to graduate from Good Times Guitar with a thorough understanding of their instrument, performance basics, and, best of all, that learning music is fun!
Musical Excellence
Music teaches powerful life skills. Our goal is that through consistent practice, perseverance, and mentorship, students experience firsthand the satisfaction of hard work paying off. They learn how to push through frustration, celebrate progress, and build confidence with a trusted teacher by their side.
Dedicated Growth
Meet Our Teachers
Experts in music & fun.
Our instructors aren't just talented musicians—they're patient mentors who genuinely care about your child's experience.
Each teacher brings their own musical expertise and teaching style, but they all share one thing: a commitment to making lessons fun and effective.
Andy White
Guitar, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, Piano
Meet Andy
Hi there, music fans! I started Good Times Guitar in 2001 and since then, I have taught hundreds of students to learn and love music! It has been an honor for me to pass on something I love so much. I believe music is fun and I always keep it that way for my students. I specialize in teaching rock and worship music. If you want to improve quickly, I recommend practicing at least 15 minutes per day and investing in a guitar stand so that your instrument is always out. You’d be surprised how often you’ll grab it and just start playing!
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, The Beatles, U2, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham, Elevation Worship
Favorite Albums
Abbey Road (Beatles), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), Achtung Baby (U2)
Favorite Guitars
Gibson ES-335, 1970 Martin D35, 1988 American Fender Telecaster
Favorite Guitar Player
The Edge (U2)
Taylor Ridge
Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Vocals
Meet Taylor
I started playing guitar when I was about 9 years old after being inspired to learn by rock bands such as Relient-K and Switchfoot and by the video game “Guitar Hero”. As I began to learn and take guitar lessons from my Dad, I joined my church’s praise team at age 10 and have never stopped playing! I started giving lessons to my friends and those younger than me at the age of 13 running a small guitar lesson business out of my family’s home in Hutchinson, Kansas. I also formed my first band around that same time with my best friends from grade school.
Throughout the years, I have continued to be a part of worship teams and have written, produced, released and performed my own music. I was most recently on staff at Sandals Church in southern California for 6 years where I had the unique role of creating and building youth worship bands! I am so excited to join the team at Good Times Guitar and share my love of music with your students!
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
Relient-K, Hippo Campus, Switchfoot, Dominik Fike, The Band Camino
Favorite Albums
Where the Light Is (John Mayer), Chat Could Possibly Go Wrong (Dominic Fike), The Definition (Jon Bellion), Forget and Not Slow Down (Relient K)
Favorite Guitar
My custom made MJT Telemaster
Favorite Guitar Player
John Mayer, Eric Johnson, Mario Camarena, Mateus Asato
Chris Cassriel
Guitar, Drums, Piano, Bass, Ukulele
Meet Chris
Another former Good Times student joins the teaching team!
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, California, Chris started guitar and piano lessons at the age of ten, playing in church and local bands throughout high school, as well as singing with the San Marcos Madrigal choir. Moving to San Diego for college at Point Loma Nazarene University, he further developed his guitar playing and a newfound love for producing, recording, and mixing music for friends and local artists. Now that he’s graduated, Chris is working as an engineer at Santa Barbara Sound Design as well as teaching with Good Times. He’s excited to share his love of music with his students.
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
The 1975, Radiohead, Phoenix, Beach House, Big Thief
Favorite Albums
Turn On The Bright Lights (Interpol), Codes and Keys (Death Cab for Cutie), Skinty Fia (Fontaines DC)
Favorite Guitar
Gibson ES-335
Favorite Guitar Player
Jeff Beck
Matt Knoles
Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
Meet Matt
Hello everyone, my name is Matt Knoles. I’m a husband, father of three super fun kids, and an Elementary principal at Providence School in San Roque. When I was in elementary school, I learned to play the violin using the Suzuki method. Many hours of practice and ear-training provided me with a solid musical foundation. In sixth grade, I was in a shopping center with my mom and saw a music store with a display of electric guitars and amps. I begged her to let us peek in and see what else was inside the store. Within a few minutes, I was signed up for guitar lessons and had a rental guitar and amp. It was a black, imitation Gibson Les Paul! I was instantly in love and shocked that my mom would allow such a spontaneous change in musical endeavors. I think she was just sick of me arguing with her about practicing violin everyday!
Since that time, I have been enjoying the guitar in different capacities such as rock bands, worship bands, kids’ music, and sitting on my bed strumming alone. I’ve recently picked up the pedal steel guitar and have been trying to teach myself this complex instrument. It’s been fun putting myself back into the position of an absolute beginner!
Since I’m an educator and spent a fair amount of time in the classroom, I realize each child learns in their own way and pace and I enjoy trying to teach to children’s strengths. I like to find a good balance between practicing particular skills, theory and then the simple enjoyment of learning favorite songs. I’m proud to be a part of Good Times Guitar!
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Albums
Wildflowers (Tom Petty), The Joshua Tree (U2)
Favorite Guitars
1975 Fender Custom Telecaster, Taylor 410ce
Favorite Guitar Player
Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
Sydney Wood
Acoustic Guitar, Bass
Meet Sydney
Hi, I’m Sydney Wood! I’m so excited to be a teacher at Good Times Guitar! I have been taking Good Times lessons since I was 10. I play acoustic guitar and bass. I also really enjoy being a part of the worship team at my church and singing in the San Marcos Madrigals choir. Music is such an important part of my life and I’m so grateful to be able to share it with others!
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
Third Eye Blind, Fleetwood Mac, Bob Marley, Jack Johnson, Taylor Swift, U2
Favorite Albums
A Forgiving God, Live From Faber 115, Moments: Wait, Revivals in the Air, LION
Favorite Guitar
Taylor 614ce
Favorite Guitar Player
Lindsey Buckingham
Aaron White
Drums, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Piano
Meet Aaron
What’s up guys? I’m Aaron White and I’ve been playing music ever since I could hold drum sticks and reach the snare (maybe not the kick pedal just yet). I started taking drum lessons with Dave Granada in Kindergarten, then I got a guitar in 2nd grade for Christmas. I also play bass, piano and ukulele. Music is AWESOME, no matter where you come from, what genre you like, or what instrument you play, music brings people together and is one of the most important pieces of my life. It can take time to learn but that’s the fun of it.
The satisfaction of playing your favorite lick, a new drum beat, or whatever it is, it’s one of the best feelings in the world and I would like to help you feel it too!
Favorite Artists
Tom Petty, Arcade Fire, Wilco, The Beatles
Favorite Artists
The Beatles, U2, Switchfoot, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, John Mayer
Favorite Albums
Native Tongue (Switchfoot), Abbey Road (The Beatles), Parachutes and X&Y (Coldplay), Continuum (John Mayer)
Favorite Guitars
Gibson Les Paul Standard, American Fender Stratocaster
Favorite Guitar Player
The Edge (U2), John Mayer, George Harrison (The Beatles), Drew Shirley (Switchfoot)
What Families Are Saying
Your families are just as important to us as our students! We are so thankful to be part of your lives and celebrate your child's wins together.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
What we have really appreciated about Good Times Guitar, you, and your teaching partners, is the personal interest you take with all of the kids. We think you are simply the best. Having taken guitar lessons myself from a musician making money on the side, I know that you provide so much more than many other guitar schools. You are truly teachers in every sense of the word.
Lisa U.
Thank you so much for the concerts you provide for students. It is really fun to see the kids use their skills on stage. Thank you for putting it all together. Your program is outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Robyn W.
Thank you so much for (the Good Times gig) today. It was really fun to see the kids use their skills. Thank you for putting it all together. It was outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Johan F.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Lisa N.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
What we have really appreciated about Good Times Guitar, you, and your teaching partners, is the personal interest you take with all of the kids. We think you are simply the best. Having taken guitar lessons myself from a musician making money on the side, I know that you provide so much more than many other guitar schools. You are truly teachers in every sense of the word.
Lisa U.
Thank you so much for the concerts you provide for students. It is really fun to see the kids use their skills on stage. Thank you for putting it all together. Your program is outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Robyn W.
Thank you so much for (the Good Times gig) today. It was really fun to see the kids use their skills. Thank you for putting it all together. It was outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Johan F.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
Good Times has been so impactful for my kids for the last 8 years! The teachers have encouraged each of them and built their self esteem! They love how they get the opportunity to perform and play fun music. So thankful for this special community!
Robyn W.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
What we have really appreciated about Good Times Guitar, you, and your teaching partners, is the personal interest you take with all of the kids. We think you are simply the best. Having taken guitar lessons myself from a musician making money on the side, I know that you provide so much more than many other guitar schools. You are truly teachers in every sense of the word.
Lisa U.
Thank you so much for the concerts you provide for students. It is really fun to see the kids use their skills on stage. Thank you for putting it all together. Your program is outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Robyn W.
Thank you so much for (the Good Times gig) today. It was really fun to see the kids use their skills. Thank you for putting it all together. It was outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!
Johan F.
Good Times Guitar has been amazing. My son started with drums and added guitar a couple of years later. The teachers are fantastic. They are kind, knowledgeable and fun. My son LOVES going, it is the one thing I never have to "talk him into" doing. We started with zero experience and he is now playing in the band classes and still going strong. I highly recommend Good Times Guitar.
Kat N.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
Something that’s different about Good Times is they make learning an instrument fun by choosing instructors who truly connect with our kids, and picking music that the kids feel motivated to learn. Thank you Good Times for nurturing our kids and helping them fall in love with music!
Lesley M.
"Thank you so much for (the Good Times gig) today. It was really fun to see the kids use their skills. Thank you for putting it all together. It was outstanding! And thank you for teaching the kids so well. They love it!"
Johan F.
"My wife and I really appreciate what you do for the kids. Our family is blessed because of you. Thanks!"
Greg M.
"Our son Tanner had so much fun with you and still sometimes wears his “Good Times” t-shirt!"
Kenon N.
"Andy is the bomb! Great teacher and musician."