Instructors of
a tempo Music Studios
Cody Sheldon (Owner)
Piano and Brass
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.
Nicole Stover
Voice and Piano
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.
Brian Shoop
Violin and Viola
Praised for his fiery technique and rich, authentic musicality, violist Brian Shoop hails from Greenville, South Carolina and now resides in Hyattsville, Maryland near Washington, D.C. He is the assistant principal violist of the Georgetown Chamber Orchestra and also plays in the viola section of the Annapolis Symphony. Brian can be heard on the Oberlin Music Label, as well as under the Naxos Label as part of the National Orchestral Institute Philharmonic, whose recording of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue was featured in Apple Music’s “New in Classical” playlist. He also holds the First Prize from the Senior Division of the 2023 Ohio Viola Society Competition and was a finalist in Oberlin Conservatory’s concerto competition.
As avid a chamber musician as he is an orchestral player, Brian is also part of the DC- and Philadelphia-based Illuminos Quartet, whose primary goal is bringing inspiring, meaningful, and accessible musical experiences to the local community. As part of the quartet, he has participated in multiple residencies at the Interlochen College of Creative Arts’ Chamber Music Camp and is looking forward to an exciting new fellowship in the summer of 2026 at the Apple Hill Center for Chamber Music. Brian has also been a featured artist in many chamber music series across the DC area, such as Georgetown Chamber Players and Annapolis Chambervision Players. Additionally, he is a regular performer with the Good Beats Ensemble, an artist-in-residence at Children’s National Hospital.
Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory, where he studied with Peter Slowik, and a master’s degree from the University of Maryland, under the tutelage of Katherine Murdock and David Rose, where he was also a graduate assistant. Passionate about paying forward his musical education, he is also on faculty at Levine Music and Northwestern High School’s Visual and Performing Arts program in Hyattsville, MD. As an educator, he believes first and foremost in encouraging and supporting his students to find and work towards their own individual goals and learn more about themselves and life through the power of music. When not expressing himself through music or teaching others to do so, he can be found cooking, baking, practicing yoga, and enjoying nature.