You may have wandered past Idol Hands on Oxted’s Station Road West and wondered what lies beyond the guitar-filled windows… So let us take you on a little tour around this hive of musical talent…
Principally a music school, Idol Hands Music & Design Ltd was set up in 2009 by Matt and Elle Hayes, providing music lessons for “band instruments” – guitar, bass, vocals, piano and drums, as well as music production, professional recording, talent booking for music events and festivals, photography and design studio! The design bit comes from Matt’s first career as a graphic designer, which allows him to create any graphics and artwork required for their own or their clients’ musical productions…
Matt and Elle have a team of incredible professional musicians (list below) imparting their undeniable talent to around 200+ pupils of all ages every week, working around gigs for their own well-known bands, trios and duos, including of course, Oxted’s beloved rock and covers band, Randy & The Rockets fronted by Matt’s dad, Mick Hayes, plus Henry and Ash’s bands, The Karma Effect and Classic Rock Revival; Matt and Martin’s Mad Dog & Moonshine and Martin and Maz’s Moonshine & Molly, not to mention The Whiskey Sours… all of which regularly perform all over the south east and beyond.
Formerly above Payne & Co, they moved to their building on the other side of the road (one shop in from the corner of Hoskins Road by the anchor) around 6 years ago, and their offer expanded from lessons to retail and fully kitted out rehearsal rooms, one of which has a green screen for live casts and recording for social channels, originally set up for their weekly Covid live casts which attracted around 750,000 views!
The building is a curiosity shop of musical paraphernalia, props, artwork and collectibles plus some fantastic repurposed seats and other fittings that were salvaged from the Everyman Cinema when it had its refurbishment.
The shop is open on Saturdays, or by appointment and mainly serves to provide their pupils with instruments, but sells a range of new and pre-loved guitars, amps and accessories for anyone who needs them.
The team are committed to supporting the dreams of young musicians, and alongside lessons, they also hold holiday activities such as Band Camp.
The Idol Hands Team
Matt Hayes Director, Guitar & Bass Teacher, Graphic Designer
Elle Hayes, Manager
Bari Parrott, Guitar Teacher
Martin Mickels, Guitar Teacher
Maz Mickels, Singing Teacher
Henry Gottelier, Guitar Teacher
Ash Powell, Drum Teacher
Greg Jones, Guitar Teacher
Sam Neilson, Singing Teacher
Lizz Webb, Piano Teacher
David Amer, Drum Teacher
Michael Hayes, Guitar Teacher
Find out more about each member of the team and about Idol Hands on their website: https://www.idolhands.net
Matt and Elle’s close work with youngsters has also led them down another very important path; founding and managing Oxted’s Clockwork Charity, which provides much needed support and counselling for young people with depression and anxiety, supplying counsellors to Oxted School, running regular tea and chat sessions and generally helping to bridge the gap of ever-growing need for support and the long waiting lists for CAMS and other counselling services. https://www.clockwork.org.uk.
