Carnegie Mellon University

School of Music

Where artistry and innovation share center stage

School of Music  ›  People  ›  Bios  ›  Jessica Kademenos

Jessica Kademenos

Jessica Dey Kademenos

Assistant Director of Special Music Programs

Address
5000 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213

Bio

Jessica assumed the role of Assistant Director of Special Music Programs at Carnegie Mellon University in July of 2022. Within this capacity, she oversees operations for both the Music Extension program and Music Preparatory School here at Carnegie Mellon. Additionally, within CMU, Jessica serves as a voice professor for the Music Extension program and as a voice instructor for the Music Preparatory Program. She also led the establishment of a vocal program for the Music Preparatory School.

Before joining CMU, Jessica held a professorship in the Musical Theatre Department of Lancaster Bible College where she was a part of the BFA musical theatre voice and theatre faculty. Her position at LBC commenced in 2017 following her co-founding of Creative Pursuits Studio, a thriving performing arts and collaborative space in Lancaster, PA, in 2016. Furthermore, Jessica co-founded the non-profit educational arts institution, Creative Pursuits Academy, where she served as artistic director until 2022 and continues to serve on its board of directors today.

With over 13 years of dedicated teaching experience, particularly within the BFA musical theatre program, Jessica has facilitated remarkable achievements among her students. These successes span securing coveted roles on Broadway, tours, and cruise ships, as well as earning prestigious accolades such as top rankings in competitions like NATS musical theatre vocal finals and Classical Singer Magazine's University Division. Noteworthy is her guidance in propelling numerous high school students into competitive theatre programs nationwide, highlighting the profound impact of her mentoring and instruction.

Jessica is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a BFA in Musical Theatre and has accumulated over 20 years of performance experience across various platforms including stage, screen, and recording studios. She holds esteemed memberships in Actor's Equity Association (AEA), The National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS), and Musical Theatre Educational Alliance (MTEA).