Music Professor Rocks His Academic Discipline

Dr. Thomas Zlabinger, associate professor of music, is among York’s busiest and most accomplished faculty members. In addition to his teaching responsibilities over the past three semesters, Dr. Zlabinger has maintained a jam-packed schedule of professional leadership, scholarly activity, and creative engagement.

“In July 2024, I began my two-year presidency of the Music Educators Association of New York City (MEANYC),” said Zlabinger. “Then, in February 2025, I was invited to participate in a panel on modern band pedagogy for the “Education Through Music” podcast. By March 2025, I was also invited to serve as guest director of the citywide Honors Modern Band as part of the High School Honors Festival in Brooklyn, which really set the wheels in motion for the rest of the year.”

In July 2025, the prolific music professor was nominated to serve on the board of the International Association for Popular Music Education (APME). That same month, his article, “Tripping the Telematic Fantastic: Adventures in Presenting Telematic Musicking at In-Person Conferences,” was published in the “Journal of Network Music and Arts.”

Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Zlabinger also completed a forthcoming article, “The Happiness Is Better When It’s Shared’: Reflecting on and Contextualizing the York College Community Jam Session,” which will appear in “Improvisation as Liberatory Praxis” in Popular Music Education “(Oxford University Press, expected June 2026).”

Guided by his favorite Pete Seeger quote --“Participation: That’s what’s gonna save the human race” -- Zlabinger reflected on his professional journey over the past two and a half academic years. He also highlighted the collaborative work he and his colleagues undertook to launch York College’s new Music Education degree program, developed in partnership with the Department of Teacher Education.

“Making music with others means everything to me,” Zlabinger explained. “I believe music-making is a social practice of the highest importance. It brings us together, helps us celebrate the best of who we are, and carries us through darker times. Sharing the power of music with York College students over the last 23 years has been an honor and a privilege. It has been both a rewarding challenge and a life-affirming experience. I learn as much, if not more, from our students in the classroom and on the bandstand.”

The York College Band, he noted, is intentionally student-centered, with its repertoire selected entirely by students. Their choices span a wide range of musical styles. One recent concert featured works by Stevie Wonder, D’Angelo, Alicia Keys, and Black Sabbath.

“That kind of diversity constantly pushes me to think outside the box when teaching,” Zlabinger said. “And I love it.”