Testimonials
"Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for all of your help! Salim has come a long way."
"Great! Brad was very focused and helped Ryan improve his playing."
"Alex loves his lessons. Ms. Ottley is very professional."
"Chris has gained more confidence in playing his instrument."
Meet the Teachers
Judith M. Ottley, Founder & CEO
Judith M. Ottley attended the University of Maryland at College Park and received her Bachelor of Music degree, with a focus in Clarinet Performance. She studied at the College Park School of Music and worked under the tutelage of Edward Walters. Inspired by the way that music has shaped her own life, Judith founded Tempo Music Lessons in 2006, so that others would have the opportunity to be touched by the experience of creating music. Judith has been teaching clarinet privately for over ten years and is a current member of the Tempo faculty. A local freelance musician and performing artist, she feels blessed to be making an impact while doing what she loves.
Randy Barnes, Brass, Piano, Clarinet
In August 2009, Mr. Barnes became a Tempo faculty staff member. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree at Oklahoma City University, and later earned his Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Maryland. In addition to working with Tempo, Mr. Barnes serves as a certified instructor in the Prince George’s County Public School District and teaches instrumental music to students from grades K-12.
Having over 15 years of performance and educational experience, Mr. Barnes concentrates his private instruction sessions in trumpet and piano studies. Additionally, he provides introductory level training for brass and woodwind instrumentalists. Mr. Barnes feels that music education should be recognized as an invaluable tool that can help facilitate any type of educational endeavor. In addition, he believes fundamental music development is an essential component for achieving continued success and growth with any instrument.
In his spare time, Mr. Barnes takes pride in directing the Reid Temple Youth Orchestra in Glenn Dale, Maryland. He is passionate about music, arts, and education and wants to continue working in educational leadership and arts administration. Ultimately, his main objective is to fulfill his commitment as a dedicated instructor and inspire each one of his students to reach his or her full potential.
Brad Tatum, Brass
Dr. Bradley Tatum has been teaching private brass lessons with Tempo Music Lessons for over two years. He holds a Bachelors degree in Music Education from Shenandoah Conservatory, a Masters in Horn Performance at Lynn Conservatory, and finally a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland.
Outside of teaching private lessons, Brad teaches General Music at University Park Elementary School. Before coming to Maryland, Brad performed with the Boca Raton Philharmonic Symphonia, Palm Beach Opera, and Southwest Florida Symphony. Brad is currently focusing on improving his skills as a modern hornist and also the natural horn (the 18th century precursor to the modern horn.
Steven Kemp, Tuba
Sergeant Steven Kemp has been a member of the Tempo Music Lessons faculty since 2008. He attended the University of Maryland at College Park and earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Tuba Performance. Sgt. Kemp has studied with Scott Cameron (Army Field Band), Toby Hanks (NY Opera, NY Ballet, NY Brass Quintet), and Andy Carlson (US Navy Band). He currently serves in the 257th Army Band "The Band of the Nation's Capitol.”
Derek A. Johnson, Flute
Mr. Derek A. Johnson is a free-lance flutist in his native Washington, DC Metropolitan area. He received his Bachelor of Music degree in Flute Performance from the University of Maryland in 2006. His primary teachers were William L. Montgomery and Kathleen Trahan. Derek has been teaching in the DC area for five years. He enjoys performing as both free-lance soloist and chamber musician with Mahogany Melodies.
Brian Butler
Mr. Butler is a new addition to the Tempo Music Lessons teaching staff. After earning his Bachelor of Music degree in Commercial Music from Shenandoah University in 2005, he stayed on to earn his Master of Music degree in Music Education in 2011. Currently teaching vocal music at Bradley Heights Elementary, Mr. Butler also enjoys performing with the Category 5 Wind Ensemble when he is not instructing woodwind students.
