He is noted as an early proponent of teaching music in classes and the playing of exercises by students.
[1] Joseph Kemp was born in Exeter in 1778 and was a chorister of the cathedral, and a pupil of William Jackson.
In 1802 he was appointed organist of Bristol Cathedral; in 1807 he settled in London until 1813, taking a Bachelor of Music degree at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge in 1808 and a Doctor of Music degree in 1809.
On account of failing health he returned with his wife and family to his native city, and resided there until 1824, with the interruption of a visit to France in 1818–21.
A journey to London in April 1824 proved too fatiguing for Kemp, then in a weak state of health, and he died in his lodgings on 22 May.