About Us

We are music teachers seeking to rebuild the casual music-making experience in communities everywhere. The Curated Jam model creates clear structure so more people can participate confidently.

Who is Dr. Tom?

Dr. Tom Zlabinger is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY in New York City, where he teaches popular music performance. With a PhD in ethnomusicology and over 20 years of teaching experience, Dr. Tom brings a unique perspective to music-making: he understands music not just as performance technique, but as cultural practice, focusing on how people actually make music together in real-world contexts.

He is the founding president of APME-NY (Association for Popular Music Education, New York chapter) and a nationally recognized advocate for modern band and popular music education. Dr. Tom regularly presents at conferences including TMEA, NJMEA, NYSSMA, and the Modern Band Summit, where he shares innovative approaches to teaching popular music.

Who is Stephen T. Cox?

Stephen T. Cox is the Director of Music Education for the Willis Wonderland Foundation, where he develops programs that empower teachers and students through songwriting, improvisation, arranging, and student-led ensembles. With fifteen years of experience teaching music across Texas, his work emphasizes student voice, creativity, and personal connection.

In 2022, he was recognized as the Grammy Music Educator of the Year. Cox is committed to helping students discover their own musical pathways and to building opportunities for lifelong musicianship.