Sam Rich is an orchestral percussionist and timpanist from Auckland, New Zealand. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music from the University of Auckland and has recently completed the Honours Programme in orchestral percussion and timpani performance at the New Zealand School of Music, Te Kōkī. He is currently in his first year of the Masters Program at San Francisco Conservatory of Music studying under San Francisco Symphony’s Principal Percussionist, Jacob Nissly. Sam has been described as one of New Zealand's most gifted young percussionists to pursue an education and career in music in a decade.

Before moving to the United States, Sam held the Section Principal Timpani position with Orchestra Wellington from 2016-2017 and performed frequently with New Zealand ensembles such as New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia, Stroma New Music Ensemble, and Auckland Chamber Orchestra.

Sam was selected as a Percussion/Timpani Fellow for the Music Academy of the West summer festival 2016 and was awarded fellowship positions with both the New Zealand Symphony and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras in 2015.