Originally from the L.A. area, Rich has been playing professionally and teaching guitar for over forty years. His education includes years of college and private instruction with a variety teachers including Mitch Holder, Ted Greene, Joe Pass, Charlie Shoemake to name a few. He feels education is a continuing process, there’s always more to learn. His playing has been influenced by Wes Montgomery, Joe Pass, Howard Roberts, Ted Greene and Larry Carleton.

Rich has won honorable mentions and awards in songwriting and served as president of the Ventura County Producers and Songwriters Guild. Touring for three years with “Dick Clark’s Good Old Rock and Roll Show” he had the opportunity to perform with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Little Anthony and many other great, old time rock and rollers. After moving his family to the Yosemite/Fresno area he taught guitar and directed the jazz band at Fresno Pacific University for two years.

Being a well-rounded player, Rich is comfortable playing a variety of styles including jazz (his favorite), blues, rock, fusion, country and solo fingerstyle. He performs at local venues in a number of different scenarios; as a solo guitarist, with his jazz trio or quartet, western swing band, local big band and recently an appearance with the Fresno Philharmonic.