MUSIC THEORY, GCSE & A-LEVEL SPECIALISTS
LONDON & ONLINE
Hannah and Alistair met studying for their BMus degrees at the University of Edinburgh in 2004, whilst writing countless fugues in the style of J. S. Bach and fighting for last minute recording studio space at 2am. Years later, they are married, and are still happily arguing about counterpoint (but now share the recording space nicely!).
They share a love for all types of music (except two artists they still disagree on) and a passion for teaching, aiming to instil a lifelong love of music in their students.
Both Hannah and Alistair have taught privately for over 20 years, and have run numerous workshops together. In 2012 they founded Two Bees to fill a huge, sad gap for inspiring music theory lessons with teachers who actually like teaching theory! Today, we specialise in teaching ABRSM Grade 5 Theory courses, Music GCSE & A-level, as well as advanced music theory, and all the musical subjects nobody seems to like (sight-singing, anyone?) to help our students find the fun!
Hannah grew up in London and began learning the piano at the age of 11. She then studied music at the University of Edinburgh, graduating in 2005, specialising in Music History, Analysis, Counterpoint and Electroacoustic Composition.
She later gained an MSc in Psychology and Neuroscience of Music at Goldsmiths, University of London - an incredible two years looking at brain scans, waveforms, and statistics, learning how music both affects and regulates our emotions. Don't ask her to talk about psychoacoustics unless you have a lot of time to spare!
When she is not teaching, Hannah works as a freelance music and sound consultant for brands and events, or can be found weaving or annoying her family practicing polyphonic singing!
Hannah is a member of the Independent Society of Musicians (ISM) and co-founder of Kensal Workshops, which uses the creative arts to boost confidence and exam performance for young people.
Alistair grew up in Glasgow, where he began learning the piano at the age of seven and sang with the National Youth Choir of Scotland. He studied music at the University of Edinburgh, specialising in Piano Performance and Harmony & Counterpoint, and gained his Bachelor of Music (BMus (hons) ) in 2006.
Alistair has performed both as a soloist and with orchestras and has also toured with many choirs as a baritone. Alistair helps out with the day to day running of the school. He also happens to be a fantastic cook and he caters for all our group courses.
Luke was born in London and started playing piano when he was five. He recently graduated with a degree in Music from the University of Manchester, where he played piano for the University Big Band. He also performs as a soloist and plays in other bands and ensembles.
Luke loves composing, improvising, learning and talking (lots) about music, and has taken part in multiple music and neuroscience studies. He takes any opportunity he can to see live concerts of all types of music and is always open to hearing any recommendations!
Luke is also a former Two Bees student, and we are so excited that he now teaches many of our individual theory and GCSE lessons because we know how brilliant he is!
Ollie grew up in London and has been playing guitar since the age of seven. He is currently studying music at Liverpool, where he performs rock, jazz, funk and folk, in bands and as a soloist. He is often busy writing originals and playing sold out shows with his band, and is always keen for new recommendations to cover!
Ollie also particularly enjoys working on composing Baroque counterpoints, which he learnt while completing his Grade 8 ABRSM theory with Two Bees.
Another outstanding former Two Bees student, we are thrilled that Ollie has joinied the hive, teaching 121 music theory up to Grade 8 level, to those brave enough to attempt it...!
