Our Story: Where it all started
Building a music school with heart
Hi, I'm Phoebe (here on the right), and I founded A Touch of Musicality because I believe music should be for everyone.
I've been singing since I was young, touring professionally and performing at theatre stages around the UK. But nothing has ever given me more joy than teaching. Watching someone discover their voice, nail that tricky chord progression, or perform in public for the first time - that's what makes me come alive.
My husband Matt and I met in a band (naturally!). He's a guitarist who graduated from ACM and has been teaching for years. We both worked at local music schools and loved the teaching, but we wanted to create something different - a place where community matters as much as technique, where anyone can walk through the door and feel welcome, and where performing is a joy, not a terror.
From university halls to Buckingham Palace
We opened our Godalming studio at Solly's Mill in 2018. Since then, we've grown into three teaching rooms, four choirs, regular retreats and workshops, and a community of hundreds of students.
I've been incredibly honoured to receive recognition for our work - a Godalming Town Volunteer Award, a Star of Surrey nomination, and even an invitation to Buckingham Palace in 2024 for our creative arts impact.
But the real reward is hearing a student sing confidently for the first time, or watching families make music together.
My 7 year old daughter has been doing 1:1 singing lessons at ATOM for the last 9 months and is absolutely loving it! Her teacher, Nora is excellent. She is supportive, encouraging and extremely talented! My daughter has grown in confidence, adores her teacher and comes out buzzing after every lesson! After loving 1:1 singing, she jumped at the chance to join the ATOM Youth Choir and cannot wait to perform with them at Christmas. My daughter loves Phoebe who runs the choir and came out of her first choir practice telling me that Phoebe must REALLY love singing because she is so inspiring!
Jenny
My son and his friend have been having guitar lessons with Matt since 2017. As Matt is both a skilled musician and experienced teacher, each child has made excellent progress, which is undoubtedly down to Matt's ability to tailor the lessons to their differing individual needs. Since the start, Matt has used contemporary music to teach fundamental guitar skills, giving them solid foundations to build on as they progress. Matt's seemingly endless patience, kind nature, and cheerful disposition mean the children look forward to their lessons and are always happy to go.
Parent
Music matters to us
Through the charity ChoirBLAST (Founded by Phoebe Gaydon) we bring choirs to schools without music programmes and to vulnerable communities.
Because we truly believe music has the power to change lives - we've seen it happen.
At ATOM, you're not just another student. You're part of our musical family. Whether you're learning an instrument, joining a choir, or coming on a retreat, you'll find the same thing: passionate teachers, warm welcomes, and endless support to help you discover your musicality.
Our Music Team
Every teacher at ATOM brings professional performance experience, genuine teaching passion, and the ability to make learning genuinely enjoyable. Here's who you'll be working with.
Phoebe Gaydon
Founder & Director
Singing, Piano, Songwriting, Music Theory.
Award-winning choir leader and singing teacher with a First Class Honours Degree from Goldsmiths. When not teaching, you'll find me running through Godalming or organising the next ChoirBLAST festival. I'm passionate about harmony, community singing, and ensuring everyone has access to music education.
Matt Gaydon
Guitar & Theory Teacher
Guitar, Ukulele, Bass Guitar, Music Theory.
ACM graduate who's been playing guitar since age seven. I've transcribed for major labels (including Bob Marley's family) and love nothing more than helping students unlock the guitar. When I'm not teaching, I'm out on my motorbike or volunteering as a blood courier for SERVE.
Mica Bernard
Vocals & Piano
First Class Honours graduate with a passion for songwriting and performance. I perform at festivals across the UK. I love helping students find their voice and seeing the transformational power of singing in action.
Nora Geidmane
Multi-Instrumentalist
Singing, Piano, Songwriting, Music Theory
ACM First Class Honours graduate who literally sang before she could talk! Semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Contest 2020. If you need help writing your own songs, I'm your person. I bring kindness, patience, and a love of coffee to every lesson.
Harriet Hutton
Vocals & Piano
Harriet studied Contemporary Music Performance and brings exceptional performance experience to her teaching, including the 2012 Olympics Closing Ceremony, BAFTA Awards, and Abbey Road Studios. She combines technical precision with creative expression, helping students develop strong technique whilst finding their unique voice. Her warm teaching style and real-world performance insight make lessons both supportive and professionally grounded.
Nick Cowan
Piano & Theory
Piano, Music Theory, Composition
BA in Music Industry Practice and a working jazz/fusion musician in London. Originally self-taught pianist who loves the flexibility of teaching while still gigging regularly. I teach everything from classical to contemporary and love working with students taking GCSE or A-Level Music.
Our Accompanists
Atalia Welch
Guildford Jazz Choir accompanist, A-Level music examiner, currently completing her Doctorate
Alex Howe
Godalming Jazz Choir accompanist, optometrist by day, brilliant pianist by night
Our Office Team
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Jane
Our administrator, Jane. I enjoy helping people take their next step on their musical journey. Outside of work, I love all things musical, including singing with ATOM and walking in the beautiful Surrey hills.
I've never actually had lessons with Phoebe but every time I've gone into the studio I'm always met with a cheery smile and a nice hello, she even pops her head round the corner sometimes for a chat which is so lovely! Finally I'm currently having singing lessons with Mica. Put simply, ATOM have unearthed an absolute diamond of a singing teacher in Mica! Every week I'm so excited for my lesson with her. Well structured, fun and effective, I can see so much improvement already in such a short space of time. I always thought I'd never be able to sing but all of that has changed in no small part due to Mica's amazing lessons!
Dan
I love this music school. I take Guitar classes which are fun and informative. You couldn't meet a nicer person than Matt the guitar teacher. I learn in a joint class and the other students are lovely. I just wanted to learn the guitar and have fun playing songs, which we do. Although I am not normally at the Godalming studio, I have come over for a student showcase and although not previously known to the others, the people were all very friendly and it was a lovely atmosphere. Phoebe was also lovely, welcoming, friendly and introduced me to the others. If you want to enjoy your music lessons and be encouraged, then this is the school to come to.
Sylvia
Opportunities
Scholarships
We offer part or full scholarships to students who show passion and commitment but face financial barriers to regular lessons. Scholarships are available across all instruments and age groups. Awarded through audition.
Internships
Gain hands-on experience in music school operations, event management, teaching assistance, and arts administration. Perfect for students considering careers in music education or the creative industries. One position per year for aspiring teachers - shadow our team, learn administration, teach under supervision, and even learn a new instrument. Awarded through audition and interview.
Work Experience
We welcome students seeking work experience in music education, event coordination, sound engineering, or music business operations. Work experience placements offer insight into running a professional music school and building a career in the music industry.
