Instructors of
a tempo Music Studios
Cody Sheldon (Owner)
Piano and Brass
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Cody is a Wyoming native who studied at the University of Wyoming, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He taught general music and beginning band at Saratoga Elementary for five years before deciding to move to Washington D.C. to pursue his goal of starting his own music studio with a focus on fostering a love of music, and spreading music literacy to as many people as possible. Cody has always believed that music should be something to be enjoyed, whether that joy comes from performing for others, or simply finding some time to play for yourself, and get swept up in the moment. Music has always been a part of his life, even as a young child when he was old enough to reach the piano keys. he was inspired by his great grandmother, who was a fantastic pianist all through her life. He played by ear for the first part of his childhood until he was fortunate enough to start taking piano lessons at the age of 10.
In college, Cody started out as a piano performance major, but found his passions fell more into the teaching realm. Seeing the joy and excitement on people’s faces when they learn a new skill or a new piece is what drives him to keep teaching despite all the challenges that come with it. Cody has lived in the DMV area for the past four years, and has really enjoyed working at a local studio, but he is ready to branch out and start his own. a tempo is a dream that has been in the works for years, and he is looking forward to achieving that dream while helping you achieve yours.
Cody primarily teaches piano at all levels, ages 5 and up. he also has extensive knowledge of music theory, and composition and would love to help you if you are in need.
Music is a journey we all can take.
Sawyer Dixon Piano Sawyer has been playing piano for almost two decades, and has several years of pedagogical experience. In college, he studied with Kana McCara-Dehoy focusing on classical piano performance, with various other experiences in conducting, tuba performance, choir and chamber ensemble performance. Prior to his collegiate studies, he studied under Roberta Thomason, and was a recipient of the Thursday Morning Music Club of Greensboro Scholarship.
Nicole Stover
Voice and Piano
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Nicole Stover is a vibrant soprano with a passion for collaborative storytelling, holding performance degrees from both Peabody Conservatory (MM) and the University of North Texas (BM). Opera performance is where Nicole feels most at home, full of dynamic characters and stories that continue to be told with endless interpretation. Her favorite performances include Miss Jessel from Britten’s The Turn of the Screw with Peabody Opera and Nella in Varna International’s production of Gianni Schicchi. Nicole has also been featured as a soloist in oratorio works including Bernstein’s MASS!, Fauré’s Requiem, and Bach’s B minor Mass.
Nicole has been teaching voice and piano lessons for 7 years. She loves working with students of all ages and believes that it is never too late for lessons if you’re excited to learn something new! Nicole’s students can expect to begin with classically based training as a foundational base so they can transition into other genres and explore the adaptability of their musical talents. Nicole focuses largely on versatility training, body awareness, and building your breath in order to draw out the fully engaged artist.
Apart from teaching, Nicole is still an active performer. She regularly sings dynamic programs with Emmanuel Choir in Baltimore and often finds herself in concert with colleagues in the DMV area. Her recent highlights include Meg Huskin’s Etiquette for Ladies with Tell Tale Opera, a lovely evensong with the early music group, Basso Celestia, and inaugural concerts with The Cecilia Collective and Pitch Craft Collective. When she isn’t performing or teaching lessons, Nicole is usually found digging through art song texts or her home garden for inspiration.