Tom Beer, took up the viola at the age of thirteen because of a love of the music for string quartets. Whilst studying with Elizabeth Turnbull at Trinity College of Music he was lucky enough to win several prizes, perform a concerto with the college orchestra and graduate top of his year. After continuing his studies with the acclaimed British violist Roger Chase at Oberlin Conservatory in the United States, Tom returned to the UK where he worked extensively with many different ensembles and orchestras before taking a job as sub principal (no.3) in the Hallé Orchestra.

More recently Tom has worked as guest Principal Viola with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Ballet Rambert and BBC National Orchestra of Wales. Tom joined the Bournemouth Symphony as Principal Viola in March 2015.