Consistent with its name, the new series ProFile will feature faculty and staff at York University. Included in this short Q-and-A style profile are details about working life at York, followed by a few fun and quirky questions.
ProFile: Roger Scannura
Position at York U and department/faculty: Adjunct faculty/course director, Guitar for Non-Majors and Flamenco Guitar.
How long have you been with York University, and what is your role? I have been at York for the past 20 years. I teach Guitar for Non-Majors and Flamenco Guitar in private lesson format. In the past, I have directed the York University Flamenco Guitar Ensemble. (Visit Spotify to hear his music.)
Describe a typical work day at York for you? My first class starts at 8:30 a.m. and I arrive at 7:30 a.m. to prepare class for about 90 beginner and intermediate level guitar students. This class is three hours long and the students learn all the basic techniques of guitar playing. I then teach approximately five more hours of one-on-one flamenco guitar lessons to music majors.
What do you enjoy most about working at York University? York gives me the opportunity to spread the word about flamenco to a diverse group of young students eager to learn about the culture, history and music of Spain.
Where is your favourite place on campus and why? My favourite place is Tributes Recital Hall where I get the opportunity to perform and listen to faculty and students also sharing their love of music to the students.
Describe York University using one word: Cutting edge
And now for a little fun…
What is something about you that may surprise other people? Many people are surprised by my quirky sense of humour.
What’s your favourite family tradition? Wine tasting tours with my wife and daughter in Spain, California and Canada.
What’s your hidden talent? I was trained in art restoration in my youth in Malta, where I was born. I was also a successful graphic artist, designing well-known logos and was art director for Roots Canada for 18 years prior to teaching at York.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve lived? I have a residence in Prince Edward County where I divide my time between the county and Toronto. It is an upcoming new wine region and it is a beautiful place to retreat and recharge.
What is one thing you couldn’t live without? (Excluding people) My Conde flamenco guitar, made in 1973 and was a gift from the renowned Paco de Lucia.
If you’d like to be featured in ProFile, download the form here and send it back to yfile@yorku.ca with the subject line “ProFile candidate.” Please include a high-res photo in your response.