Hello, I’m Hannah!
I’m a lifelong musician, creative soul, single mum of two and the person behind Once Upon a Tune.
Music has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing the piano at 7 and, almost 30 years later, I’m still going! Away from music, I love painting, crafting and learning new things — basically, if I can create something, I’m happy.
I’m also a real people person. I love a good chat, hearing people’s stories and getting to know the characters I meet along the way.
The professional bit
Now for the credentials!
I’m a classically trained pianist, vocalist and qualified primary school teacher with a First-Class Honours degree in Music Performance and Professional Practice.
I’ve taught across EYFS, KS1 and KS2, worked with older adults and people with additional needs, and carried out master’s research into puppetry and children’s emotional development.
I’ve also performed everywhere from a château in the South of France to an Elizabethan mansion in Yorkshire — although these days you’re much more likely to find me behind a piano surrounded by tambourines, puppets and a bucket drum!
Why Once Upon a Tune exists
The idea behind Once Upon a Tune is incredibly personal to me.
My late Nana, Marion, spent the end of her life in a care home. While studying for my music degree, I wrote my dissertation exploring how music could support people living with dementia, with my Nana at the heart of my research. I used music with her and observed the impact it had on her memories, communication, mood and engagement.
The findings were remarkable and have always stayed with me. Even when she could no longer remember names or faces, she could still sing every word to her favourite songs. I saw first-hand how music could reach her when so many other things couldn't, creating moments of recognition, connection and joy.
Years later, my experiences as a musician, teacher and mum all came together — and Once Upon a Tune was born.
Bringing it all together
Once Upon a Tune combines everything I love and everything I’ve learned — music, education, creativity and people.
I get to play piano, sing, teach, create, make people laugh, hear incredible stories and build relationships with people from tiny babies right through to residents over 100 years old.
After almost 30 years of playing the piano, I think I’ve finally found exactly what I was supposed to do with it.
