Podcast Summary: Revamping the Subway's Program for Musicians
Podcast: All Of It with Alison Stewart (WNYC)
Episode Date: March 26, 2026
Overview of Episode’s Main Theme
This episode examines the transformation of the MTA’s renowned subway music program, formerly known as "Music Under New York," now rebranded as “MTA Music.” Host Alison Stewart interviews Tina Vaz, head of the MTA’s Arts & Design Program, and featured subway trumpet player Ego Sabefia. Together, they discuss the purpose and impact of live music in the subway system, the reinvigoration of MTA Music, and the musicians’ experiences and philosophies. Interspersed throughout, Ego performs several live pieces, embodying the spirit of the program.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Value of Music in the Transit System
- Music as a Cultural Backbone:
- Tina Vaz (02:13): “The transit system is not just a way to get from point A to point B. It's really the backdrop against which life plays out in its rich tapestry, especially in a place like New York... we want to be part of elevating that journey.”
- Emotional Resonance for Commuters:
- Live music offers unexpected joy, reflection, and “drop shoulder moments” that are increasingly rare (02:38).
Revamping the Program: From “Music Under New York” to “MTA Music”
- Rebranding and Expansion:
- The program is now “MTA Music,” celebrating its 40th year and introducing new initiatives (03:02).
- Monthly Station Series:
- Organized performances timed with cultural celebrations at major stations across all five boroughs.
- Example: Women’s History Month event (03:33).
- Upcoming: Classical Music Appreciation in September, Jazz Appreciation in April (03:44).
- “We have ensembles scheduled for the five stations across the boroughs and that will be happening on April 23rd.” — Tina Vaz (03:53).
- Organized performances timed with cultural celebrations at major stations across all five boroughs.
- Engagement with Performers:
- Aims to deeply engage the current roster of more than 150 musicians who put on around 8,500 performances annually (04:07).
The Impact on Musicians
- Professional and Personal Growth:
- Performing is both a career-building exercise and a central part of their artistic identity.
- “It's about connecting with people. It's about being part of the energy that moves New York.” — Tina Vaz (04:47).
- Pathways to Participation:
- Musicians still audition for the program and attend orientation to understand subway-specific performance contexts (04:07).
Ego Sabefia: A Subway Musician’s Journey
- Getting Started:
- Ego’s friend urged him to try performing in the subway. His first days showed how lucrative and impactful it could be (05:47).
- Notable Quote: “The first day I played, I made $8, 45 minutes. … I went back and played. I made $45 in 35 minutes. And I said, well, that's the benchmark. And that was June 5, 2013...” (05:47).
- Ego’s friend urged him to try performing in the subway. His first days showed how lucrative and impactful it could be (05:47).
- Choosing What to Play:
- “A musician is a serviceman or servicewoman to society... the music has to be a shuffle, a gumbo.” (13:13).
- Observing commuters’ reactions shapes his setlist—a blend fitting New York’s diversity (13:13).
- The Subway as a Stage:
- Grand Central is a favorite: cathedral-like acoustics, safety, foot traffic, and a mix of city executives and everyday commuters (13:47).
- “There’s a saying, you hang around a barbershop long enough, you get a free haircut.” (13:47)
- Philosophy on Appearance:
- Dressing in a tuxedo signals professionalism and changes audience perception:
- “It’s a live audition every day... When people come up to me, they come with you with respect.” (14:41).
- Dressing in a tuxedo signals professionalism and changes audience perception:
- Human Connections:
- Ego cherishes the bonds he forms with regular commuters, referencing moments where their support surprised and moved him—especially at his master’s recital, when subway regulars filled out the audience (18:13).
- Notable Quote: “When I walked out on the stage at Manhattan School of Music for my master's recital, it was standing room only ... it really opened my eyes to understanding how I was connecting with people in such a short instance of time.” (18:13)
- Ego cherishes the bonds he forms with regular commuters, referencing moments where their support surprised and moved him—especially at his master’s recital, when subway regulars filled out the audience (18:13).
- Personal Growth / Lessons Learned:
- Subways teach humility and the need to “show up with a good attitude and a strong work ethic… That’s the bedrock of authenticity.” (10:12-10:27)
Live Music Performances
- Friend Like Me (from Aladdin) — [06:29]
- You’ve Got a Friend in Me (from Toy Story) — [10:30]
- Bumble Boogie — [15:21]
- Comment: “Bumble Boogie is the jam that I play during rush hour because people look like bees in a colony.” — Ego Sabefia (15:21)
- Someone to Watch Over Me — [19:43]
- Chosen for its spiritual resonance with Ego’s own beliefs: “I believe that God is watching over us … that's my connection to it.” (19:43)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On the Subway’s Role:
- Tina Vaz: “The transit system … is the backdrop against which life plays out in its rich tapestry.” (02:13)
- On Stage Fright Turned Respect:
- “I almost looked down on them, you know, unfortunately, that was my ignorant way of looking at things until I was in that same footstep.” — Ego Sabefia (09:43)
- Performance as Service:
- “A musician is a serviceman or servicewoman to society...” — Ego Sabefia (13:13)
- Community Connections:
- “During the holiday season, people have brought me cards... I'd see here at six in the morning and I'd say, well, if he's able to come to work without no expectation, I should be able to come to work as well.” — Ego Sabefia (19:03)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 00:00–01:25 — Sponsor messages (skipped)
- 01:25 — Introduction to the subway music program
- 02:01 — Interview with Tina Vaz begins
- 03:02 — Explanation of program changes, introduction of new initiatives
- 05:30 — Transition to musician Ego Sabefia’s story
- 06:29 — “Friend Like Me” trumpet performance
- 08:53 — Ego’s musical background and New York transition
- 10:30 — “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” performance
- 13:13 — Song selection insights and audience engagement
- 15:21 — “Bumble Boogie” performance
- 17:43 — Ego’s favorite subway musicians and commuters’ connections
- 19:43 — “Someone to Watch Over Me” performance
Conclusion
This episode offers an evocative portrait of the subway as a space for cultural exchange, daily ritual, and human connection. Through interviews and live music, listeners glimpse the renewed vibrancy of the MTA Music program and the transformative effect of live performance on both musicians and commuters. Ego Sabefia’s candid reflections punctuate the episode, underscoring the subway’s pulse as the city’s unofficial concert hall.