Tom has been performing trumpet professionally in the Philadelphia and Atlantic City areas for more than 50 years. He studied trumpet with Samuel Krauss, George Hosfelt, Mike Natalie, and Rocko Bene. During the 1980s and 1990s, he performed in showroom house bands, where he played for Kenny Rogers, Vic Damone, Pearl Bailey, Louie Bellson, Mel Torme, Robert Goulet, and others. In 1992, he formed his own ensemble, the Tom Rudolph Orchestra, which performed weddings, parties, and corporate events throughout the greater Philadelphia area.

Currently, he performs on trumpet primarily for church services and weddings. He frequently performs at St. John the Baptist in Manayunk, PA; the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion at 21st and Chestnut Streets in Philadelphia; Immaculata University and Camilla Hall; as well as for other churches and wedding ceremonies.