Andy White
Teaches: Guitar, Bass, Drums, Ukulele, Piano
Hi there, music fans! I started Good Times Guitar in 2001 and since then, I have taught hundreds of students in Santa Barbara and Carpinteria! 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 15-20 minutes every 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: The Beatles, U2, Wilco, Phil Wickham, Hillsong, All Sons & Daughters, Coldplay, The Shins, Tom Petty, John Mayer, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Radiohead, DCFC.
Favorite Guitars: 1988 Fender Telecaster, Gibson ES-335, Martin D-35, 1980s Japanese Strat
Favorite Albums: Abbey Road (The Beatles), Achtung Baby (U2), OK Computer (Radiohead), Wildflowers (Tom Petty), X&Y (Coldplay)
Favorite Guitar Player: The Edge (U2), George Harrison, (The Beatles)
Favorite Chord: Gmaj7
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Jade Granada
Teaches: Guitar, Piano, Drums, Ukulele, Bass
Hey everyone! My name is Jade Granada. I play guitar, bass, piano, banjo, ukulele and drums. I am 26 and have been playing music since the fourth grade. I have enjoyed playing music when I first started but music truly came alive to me when I was in the 6th grade. I discovered Bon Jovi and my life and my career as a musician was changed forever. Music was something I desired to know more about.
Once I entered high school I was presented with many new musical opportunities such as choir and musical theater. I stuck up my nose to them and refused to join. Eventually I joined and found that my horizon was expanded once again, not by Bon Jovi, but by harmony and the theory of music. I fell in love with choir and joined the chamber choir the next year. After falling in love with choir, musical theater was next. I had a leading role in The Music Man and the following year I played the role of Javert in Les Miserables. All the while, I played guitar and drums in my high school’s worship band.
Once the time for college came around, my hunger for all forms of music was at its peak. I decided to be a music major at Point Loma Nazarene University. There I studied opera, music theory, piano, and was in the choir as well. I left after a year due to financial reasons and am now living in Santa Barbara and studying music at Santa Barbara City College.
When Andy presented me with the opportunity to teach guitar with Good Times, I could not refuse. It is the perfect way for me to transfer my knowledge and passion for music to other people. Since I have started, I have learned quite a few things. One thing I’ve learned is that when it comes to teaching music, what is most important is that my students have a “good time” learning. Learning something completely new is daunting and challenging. A truly fun time of learning can easily counter that!
Favorite Artists: John Mayer, David Bowie, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Frederic Chopin, The Avett Brothers, Danny Elfman and John Williams
Favorite Guitars: Fender Stratocaster with big dipper pickups, 00-42SC Martin Acoustic, OMJM Martin Acoustic
Favorite Albums: Continuum (John Mayer), Where The Light Is (John Mayer), The Search For Everything (John Mayer), Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi), Texas Flood (Stevie Ray Vaughan), Star Wars: A New Hope Soundtrack (John Williams)
Favorite Guitar Player: John Mayer
Favorite Chord: BbMaj7
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Aaron White
Teaches: Drums, Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
What’s up guys? I’m Aaron White, I’m 16 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: The Beatles, U2, Switchfoot, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, John Mayer.
Favorite Guitar: American Fender Stratocaster
Favorite Albums: Native Tongue (Switchfoot), Abbey Road (The Beatles), Parachutes and X&Y (Coldplay), Continuum (John Mayer)
Favorite Guitar Player: The Edge (U2), John Mayer, George Harrison (you should know what band), Drew Shirley (Switchfoot)
Favorite Drummers: Larry Mullen Jr. (U2), Dave Grohl
Favorite Chord: Open Barre B-add4 on 7th fret
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Carter Prahm
Teaches: Drums, Guitar, Bass
Hi guys! I’m Carter Prahm, and I’ve been playing music since I was 5. I play drums, guitar, bass, and a little keyboard and ukulele. Music is a huge part of my life, and I love teaching and playing with others. I’m also passionate about writing, producing and learning songs in my free time. I love teaching people songs they’ve always wanted to play and seeing the look of satisfaction on their faces when they finally nail their favorite tracks.
Favorite artists: Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains, Foo Fighters, Switchfoot, Nirvana, Radiohead, Audioslave
Favorite Guitars: Fender Stratocaster, Gibson Les Paul, Martin D35
Favorite Albums: Ten, Vs. (Pearl Jam,) Badmotorfinger, Superunknown (Soundgarden,) Facelift, Dirt (Alice in Chains,) Ok Computer (Radiohead,) Vice Verses (Switchfoot)
Favorite Guitar Player: Mike McCready (Pearl Jam)
Favorite Drummer: Danny Carey (Tool)
Favorite Bassist: Tim Commerford (Rage Against the Machine)
Favorite Chord: Gmaj13
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Abby White
Teaches: Guitar, Piano, Ukulele
Hey there! My name is Abby White. I play guitar, piano and ukulele. I am 20 and have been singing and playing music just about my whole life. Music is definitely one thing I could not live without for a day. It is my life and I love to share my love for it with others. Teaching music is a great way for me to share my passion and get others hyped about learning to play.
Favorite Artists: John Mayer, The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Taylor Swift, U2, Coldplay, Maddison Cunningham, Lizzy McAlpine, Bruno Major, Fleetwood Mac, Eloise and The Eagles.
Favorite Guitars: 2001 Taylor 814ce, Gibson B-25 “Cherry Burst” Acoustic Guitar, Fender Telecasters and Stratocasters
Favorite Albums: Born and Raised (John Mayer), Rumors (Fleetwood Mac), A Song For Every Moon (Bruno Major), Parachutes (Coldplay)
Favorite Guitar Player: John Mayer
Favorite Chord: Amaj7
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Matt Knoles
Teaches: Guitar, Bass, Ukulele
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 Guitars: 1975 Fender Custom Telecaster, Taylor 410ce
Favorite Albums: Wildflowers (Tom Petty), The Joshua Tree (U2)
Favorite Guitar Player: Mike Campbell (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers)
Favorite Chord: C#maj7
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FORMER TEACHERS BELOW…
Dan Bos
Teaches: Guitar, Bass
Hello, I’m Dan Bos. I live in Carpinteria, I’m 34 years old and have been married to my wife Serena for nine years. I have been teaching guitar lessons for 15 years; the last five of which I’ve also been leading worship at Santa Barbara Community Church and now at Redeemer Community in Carp. I also do a lot of writing and recording music for my production company Truetone Productions. I began playing guitar in high school after formal music training on the piano and violin. Although I was able to initially teach myself how to play some basic chords, I quickly realized the value of guitar lessons and enrolled at a local guitar shop. I continued lessons throughout college and graduated with a BA in Music and Religious Studies. Over the years I have worked with kids in many capacities from leading backpack trips and driving ski boats at Yosemite Sierra Summer Camp, to leading music at Montecito Covenant Church’s “Noah’s Half-day Camp.” I love working with kids and especially enjoy the one-on-one interaction and mentoring that guitar instruction offers.
Favorite Artists: Jason Falkner, Bleu, John Mayer, Brad Paisley
Favorite Guitars: Martin acoustic, Les Pauls, Telecasters
Favorite Album: Can You Still Feel (Jason Falkner)
Favorite Guitar Player: Brad Paisley
Favorite Chord: C#m7+6
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Dave Granada
My name is David Granada and I am the most recent addition to Good Times Guitar as the drum teacher. I’ve played for over 20 years and have studied under drum greats such as George Pendergrast (Dishwalla). It’s taken a lot of time and personal dedication to get where I’m at today but it’s been a fun ride!
It all started at age thirteen. I tried the saxophone in the school band but there were too many notes! Thankfully, my teacher realized that even though I was pretty rambunctious, I would keep good time. (The makings of some of the best drummers!) I began with only a snare drum and didn’t get to play a full drumset until age fifteen. I picked the drumset up fairly quicker than most drummers. I found that regular practice really helped to develop “good feel” and a “good ear” for the music.
Years later, I joined bands that were opening acts for some really good bands such as No Doubt, Fishbone, The Untouchables among others. Now I play worship music at the church my family and I attend and have NEVER had so much fun, enjoyment and satisfaction as I’m playing for all the right reasons.
I am a father of four wonderful children and have been married for almost 18 years to my lovely wife, Heather. My family and I all enjoy music together. We all play drums, guitar, bass and sing. We don’t play each instrument well, but we have a BLAST when we do! My most important goal in teaching is to make it fun! I always allow students to progress at their own pace. Most importantly…practice your rudiments everyday for at least ten minutes! My motto is K.I.S.S. (keep it simple students!)
Favorite Drummer: Steve Jordan. To me, he is “lint” because he’s always “in the pocket!”
Favorite Bands: Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Double Trouble, John Mayer with Steve Jordan on drums, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, Audioslave and lots of others.
Favorite Drum Solo: anything by JoJo Maher, Gene Krupa, Vigil Donatti, Thomas Lang, Buddy Rich and any of my children!
Favorite Rudiment: 5 stroke roll or a paradiddle
Favorite Drums: PDP by DW, maple or birch
