I have a B.M. in jazz studies and performance (guitar) from William Paterson University, which has a world-renowned jazz program. Though I studied jazz and classical music academically, I also have a background in rock and play and teach a wide variety of styles including: rock, pop, jazz, R&B, classical, blues, and more. I have over 15 years of professional performance and teaching experience.
I help students unlock their full musical potential by developing personalized lesson plans that I build according to the students interests, goals, and favorite artists/songs. Lesson plans are based on a structured order of songs to learn which take the student through beginner to advanced levels of playing, ear training, proper technique, and musical concepts/music theory. This keeps the focus on the songs and having fun while ensuring that the proper musical knowledge is being transmitted to maximize musical growth. Of course, if any student wants to focus more on the technical side and delve deeply into a particular area, then we will certainly do so.
Beginner to advanced instruction offered in the following areas:
Guitar
Drums
Harmony
Reading Music
Technique
Composition/Songwriting
Improvisation (Blues, Rock, Jazz)
Ear Training
Fretboard Study
Music Theory
Rhythm (Odd-meter, polyrhythms)
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 62 times
Background checked
1 employee
16 years in business
Business hours
Sun8:00 am - 11:00 pmMon8:00 am - 11:00 pm
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Google Pay, PayPal, Samsung Pay, Square cash app, Venmo, and Zelle.
Top Pro status
Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.
2025
2024
2023
2022
2021
Services offered
Interested musical styles
Rock
Blues
Country
Folk
Guitar type
Acoustic
Electric
Work location
I work remotely (phone or internet)
Projects and media
Projects and media
Reviews
Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, work quality, and professionalism.
Exceptional 5.0
42 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
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Read reviews that mention:
Carolyn L.
Jun 23, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
My daughter has had lessons with Rich since last year and he has been great to work with. For the past 9 months, Rich has been punctual, cordial and very responsive. He is also very organized in his instruction and created a google folder with notes, sheet music and other resources for my daughter. I see 50+ pages of compiled notes that were created for each lesson which shows that he takes time to prepare beforehand. My daughter enjoys and practices her guitar more than other instruments she's taken up before. Thank you, Rich.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • Yes, can read music staff • Acoustic • Classical • Jazz • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Heather A.
Jun 22, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Outstanding guitar teacher. My son started with Rich when he was 12, 2 years ago. My kid still loves guitar and looks forward to lessons. Rich has helped him develop skills and solid comfort with hand positioning. He's been patient when my son gets frustrated, he's been supportive when my son struggles, and he's been a kind male role model.
10 out of 10. Would recommend.
Details: 10 - 13 years old • No formal training • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Folk • What the teacher recommends • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet) • At the pro’s location
Guitar Lessons
Meg B.
Feb 1, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Rich is a GREAT teacher. He is creative, consistent, personable, flexible. He would go above and beyond - e.g., you never feel like he is watching the clock on lessons; he would often make a quick video demo afterward if needed. The lessons are collaborative but very much guided by his knowledge and skills. I like folk/singer/songwriter stuff and he is beyond adept at writing out the music, guiding me through the difficult parts, and knowing when it was getting too hard and time to switch it up. Only "positive" pressure to practice! Perfect for me.
Details: 26 - 44 years old • 0 - 2 yrs of formal training • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Acoustic • Country • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 30 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Spencer R.
Jun 24, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
I've been taking lessons from Rich for years now and he is awesome! He is very patient and explains things very well and if you have questions he is very good at explaining things in different ways. Also is relaxed and creates a comfortable environment that makes it easy to talk about topics such as music theory in a fun way that clicks.
Details: 18 - 25 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • Yes, can read guitar tabs • Electric • Country • Jazz • Rock • Blues • Folk • Yes, the student has an instrument • 45 minutes • At the pro’s location • My home, venue, etc. • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Daryn K.
May 19, 2026
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Hired on Thumbtack
Rich is an excellent guitar teacher. He has helped me improve my guitar rhythm skills greatly. I liked the way he keeps a log on my computer of our lessons and skills to work on my own time.
Rich was always flexible but very on time.
I recommend him highly.
Daryn K
Wichita Ks
Details: 45 - 64 years old • No formal training; some self-taught experience • No, cannot read music • Acoustic • Rock • Country • Blues • Yes, the student has an instrument • 60 minutes • Remotely (phone or internet)
Guitar Lessons
Credentials
Background Check
Richard Campanella
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
First, I get to know the student and their goals/musical interests. Then I design a personalized lesson plan for them that takes their goals into consideration and combines what they need to know to become successful musicians - ear training, proper technique, classic guitar songs/repertoire - with their favorite songs to keep them motivated and having fun while learning.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have a Bachelor of Music degree in jazz studies and performance from William Paterson University, which has one of the most prestigious music programs for jazz in the world.
