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Fine arts professor Rich Scannella brings not only an understanding of abstract theories of composition to the classroom but the experience of keeping time for some of rock and pop’s greatest acts. Scannella toured this year with legendary Jersey rockers Bon Jovi and has previously played with Bruce Springsteen and Lady Gaga. 

Before stepping in front of the classroom at ������ý���� this semester, the drummer was playing to packed stadiums across the world, from Pittsburgh to Rio de Janeiro. In addition to becoming a professor, Scannella has also enrolled as a College of Continuing Studies student. 

He was invited to ������ý����'s campus last spring to lecture on professionalism in the music business and the realities of being a musician today. His presentation sparked the interest of Dr. Jerry E. Rife, Fine Arts Department chairperson and music professor, who recognized Scannella's charisma and rapport with the students in the audience. 

“He is a terrific percussionist and a great teacher," Rife says. “He has a great talent, and is able to translate that into sharing what he knows with novice musicians.”

Scannella admits that he was a less than stellar student in his youth. “I was not a role-model student,” he says. However, music and playing drums gave him the outlet he needed to channel his energy into something positive. “Playing music taught me to focus and be diligent,” he says. “It has given me the tools to be professional, prepared and punctual. Music has pretty much informed all aspects of my life for the better.”

Scannella decided to take on two roles in the classroom, first as an adjunct professor and second as a student in the College of Continuing Studies. He believes earning a degree in cultural music or pop history will give him even more to offer his students. 

The degree will supplement remarkable first-hand experiences, including recording drum tracks for Lady Gaga before she was a pop superstar, when she was still known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta.

As much as drumming for these artists has thrilled Scannella, he wants his students understand that music isn’t about becoming a celebrity. "It took me a while to understand this myself, but playing music is about more than just the glamorous part,” he says. “It's also about heart and a hands-on approach.”