Thomas Pedersen is a noted educator, guiding young artists to success in multifaceted careers performing in a variety of settings. His students have graced stages and performance spaces from Broadway to internationally known concert halls as well as television and film.
Rose Hemingway
“I was lucky enough to study voice with Tom during the last two years of my college career. I first went to his studio while suffering from a previous vocal injury, and thus tackled my rehabilitation under his guidance. In our time together, Tom gently coached me from a very scared and fragile voice, to a bold and brave belt that I didn’t even know I had. Many of the lessons I learned in that studio with Tom, at such a transformative time in my life, are ones I still cherish and carry with me today. With his thoughtful care and technique, I not only regained my vocal health and strength, but also my confidence, my spirit, and my passion for singing.”
Rose Hemingway graduated from The Catholic University of America's Benjamin T. Rome School of Music with a Bachelor of Music and a focus in Musical Theatre. She is best known for making her Broadway debut as Rosemary opposite Daniel Radcliffe in the 50th Anniversary revival of How to Succeed... Other favorite roles include, Nat'l Tour: Mamma Mia! (Sophie); Regional: Moonshine, That Hee Haw Musical (Misty Mae), Time and the Conways (Hazel), Parade (Mary Phagan), Peter and the Starcatcher (Molly); Television: Blue Bloods, The Mob Doctor.
Patrick O'Neill
“Besides being one of the great vocal technicians I have had the pleasure of studying with, Tom has an innate sense of making the complex simple and the unattainable possible. His guidance and inspiration helped me make the career I dreamed about a reality.”
As a choreographer, Patrick O'Neill has staged concerts for Tony Award winner Kelli O’Hara with the Boston Pops and for Mario Cantone on ABC’s The View celebrating Barbara Walters and opening the show’s 14th Season. As an associate choreographer he as worked on Barry Manilow’s Broadway bound musical Harmony, Jerry Lewis and Marvin Hamlisch’s The Nutty Professor and the Broadway revival of On A Clear Day You Can See Forever starring Harry Connick, Jr. He is currently represented on Broadway as the associate choreographer of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s hit musical School of Rock. As a performer has been seen on Broadway, toured the United States in the national companies of Chicago and Oklahoma, and can be seen dancing on the silver screen in Mel Brooks’ The Producers and Julie Taymor’s Across the Universe. As a teacher, he has served on staff for Britney Spears’s and Usher’s performing arts intensives.
Jimmy Mavrikes
“Tom helped develop my voice in so many ways. Studying with him for four years was incredible. In just one year he helped me find my mix, and increased my vocal range immensely. He was great at teaching not only musical theatre, but also more legit material. I was lucky enough to be in a few shows that Tom music directed. In those shows, we were able to create over a consistent score played beautifully by the orchestra.”
Jimmy Mavrikes was a student of Tom Pedersen for his four years at CUA and continues to study. Washington credits include Oliver! and Fiddler (Bottle Dancer) at Arena Stage, Cabaret at Signature Theatre, Bat Boy (Edgar-Helen Hayes Nomination for Best Actor) at 1st Stage, Petite Rouge at Adventure Theatre, Spamalot and Into the Woods (Jack) at Toby’s Dinner Theatre, Pirates of Penzance with Washington Savoyards. Regionally he has performed with Infinity Theatre Company (Arpad in She Loves Me, Sisters of Swing, Stories: Live and in Person!). Proud B.M. Musical Theatre graduate from CUA. Proud AEA member.
Patrick Cragin
“My time working with Tom completely re-shaped my knowledge and confidence in music, song performance, and artistry in general. Tom gave me the foundation, the ground work that set me on a journey of discovering my true voice. He has been an incredible mentor to me to this day, 5 years after consistently studying with him. Tom is a constant presence for his students to bounce ideas, career moves, and other life stuff off of. I am honored to have had this man in my life and to call him my teacher.”
Patrick Cragin is an artist currently based in Los Angeles, but moves tri-coastally among New York, New Orleans, and Los Angeles for work. He has recently been seen on TV in Law and Order: SVU (NBC), Switched at Birth (ABC FAMILY), and You're the Worst (FX). Patrick has also worked in musical theatre for 15 years. He received Stephen Sondheim's Young Artist Award at the Italian Embassy in 2010. After that, he went on tour with Grease! as Kenickie. Presently, Patrick is working on a CW vampire musical series in which he is starring.
Jesse Palmer
“My 3 years spent in Tom Pedersen’s voice studio were life-changing for my time at CUA. I entered into his studio struggling with vocal damage, unsure of how to navigate my voice physically and emotionally. Tom gave me a strong, healthy technical base from which to grow, as well as the emotional support I needed to begin to over-come my injury. He helped me strengthen my entire voice, and helped me grow within my belt/mix as well as my more legit sound. In Tom’s studio, it is a safe space. I was able to try and try again, sometimes failing, but also celebrate successes and for that I am always grateful. He helped me on the journey to find my voice. Tom has since stayed a great friend and mentor in the business.”
Jesse Palmer graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Music and a concentration in Musical Theater. Career highlights include the national tour of Spamalot as well as regional productions of My Fair Lady, The Visit, The Music Man, Grease, Thoroughly Modern Millie.
Erin Granfield
“Tom Pedersen was my first legitimate voice teacher, and for that I’m so thankful. Beginning lessons with him at age 15, I was astounded by the breadth and depth of his knowledge, musicianship, and talent — many years later and I’m amazed even more so. Tom helped to build what is now the foundation of my vocal technique, a technique that allows for healthy, expressive, and versatile singing. Within a short time of studying with Tom, I was cast as a lead in the mainstage musical at Interlochen Arts Camp, was accepted to the #1 rated university musical theatre program in the country, and won top prize in my category in the nation-wide YoungArts competition, none of which I could have done without Tom’s skillful guidance and support. Gratefully, I’ve made my way as a professional performer since those foundational teenage years, and Tom expertly set the stage for that.”
Originally from Washington, DC, Erin Granfield has appeared on stages across the country. Favorite credits include the first national tour of the Stroman-directed Broadway revival of The Music Man (Marian Paroo u/s, performed, original cast), The Secret Garden (Martha), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), and Into the Woods (Witch & Baker's Wife). A New Yorker for more than eight years, Erin produced and performed her own one-woman cabaret shows and has sung in clubs and cabaret rooms throughout New York City (Laurie Beechman, Metropolitan Room, Duplex, Danny's Skylight, Iridium). She is currently a cantor, section leader, and soloist at the Shrine of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Washington, DC. Erin graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in Vocal Performance and Opera and a certificate from Northwestern's prestigious Music Theater Program. She was a National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA) YoungArts Level 1 Award winner and a Presidential Scholar of the Arts semi-finalist.
Mark Chandler
“I have been studying with Tom off and on since my sophomore year of college, his knowledge of the voice really sets him apart from other teachers. Tom helped me to understand my voice and guided me a healthier way of singing. When I joined Tom’s studio I couldn’t sing more than few songs without getting sore. He worked with me to sing in a healthier manner, but also understand my voice and help it mature into the place it is today. Tom is always someone I can turn to with questions or concerns, his patience, knowledge and guidance has helped me to be the performer I am today.”
Mark Chandler graduated from the Catholic University of America with a Bachelor of Music. Favorite roles have included The Fix, Cabaret, Xanadu, Kiss of the Spider Woman, Merrily We Roll Along at Signature Theater, the national tour of The Wizard of Oz; Adventure Theater MTC's Five Little Monkeys, other regional productions of Les Misérables, Forever Plaid, Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Fiddler on the Roof, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Normal Heart (Theatre Tampa Bay Awards, Outstanding Ensemble), and Reefer Madness (Helen Hayes Award, Outstanding Musical), and ABC's The View.
Jamie Boyle
“Tom was one of the greatest things to happen to me during my time at CUA. I was placed in his studio my freshman year and loved every moment we were able to spend together until graduation. Not only did my voice grow in leaps and bounds, he also taught me invaluable lessons on acting, song interpretation, and the business itself. I left school a stronger singer and all around better performer and it was in huge part to Tom’s hard work and dedication.”
Jamie Boyle is a professional singer and actor in the Washington, DC area. He has worked with numerous companies including Signature Theatre, Keegan Theatre, NextStop Theatre Company, Imagination Stage, and Toby's Dinner Theatre. He has also performed outside of the city including venues in New York and Prague.
Melynda Burdette
“I have studied with Tom for years and highly recommend him to other performers and students. I studied more intensely and consistently in college and now have periodic “tune up” lessons. Tom keeps lessons fun with his tour de force personality yet always challenges me to improve. He communicates clearly and precisely to yield strength in technique. My favorite thing about studying voice with Tom is his love for all genres of vocal music. As a classical singer turned musical theatre performer, I am incredibly grateful for Tom’s knowledge of repertoire as well as his ability to modify technique to ensure quality of sound while promoting vocal health and sustainability as a performer. His passion for the craft and his investment in each of his students are incredible and make Tom a highly sought after voice teacher and music director. I truly feel that his love for music, theater, and the voice as an instrument inspire me to work harder each day and I am confident that his coaching and expertise have afforded me many professional opportunities in the musical theatre industry.”
Melynda Burdette has been a performer, teaching artist, and arts administrator for over 15 years. Originally from Frederick, Maryland, Melynda is a graduate of The Catholic University of America’s Benjamin T. Rome School of Music holding a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre. While at CUA, Melynda was selected to represent the school in Italy and perform a private papal audience for Pope John Paul II. Melynda has performed off Broadway, on tour and in regional theatres across the country. A Helen Hayes nominated performer, Melynda has performed with the Tony award winning Signature Theatre, Studio Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, American Family Theatre, Washington Savoyards, Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Shawnee Playhouse, Prather Entertainment Group, Venus Theatre, Riverside Dinner Theatre and Toby’s Dinner Theatre. Melynda is currently the Assistant Education Director at Adventure Theater MTC.