the Candyman
Strings & Things
the Candyman
Strings & Things
Musicians Workshop Series

505-983-5906 |info@candymansf.com

The Candyman loves our music teachers! This is a page to share information with all teachers concisely and easily.
The Candyman Music Education Center office is open Monday thru Friday 10:00 to 5:00.
505-699-7513 or 983-5906
PRIVATE TEACHER PAGE
Private Page for The Candyman Teaching Faculty
Happy Holidays Everyone!
We're excited to celebrate with you at The Candyman Holiday Party on December 13th. Please complete the below RSVP, so that we can plan accordingly.
Unfortunately, our traditional holiday party location is no longer available and after an extensive search of over 120 locations (including hotels, motels, restaurants, event spaces, Vrbo, AirBnB, and others), none have proven to be suitable or available for our event. However, I have secured two casitas next to each other at Pecos Trail Inn for next year and subsequent years. They weren't available this year, so we'll be holding the party at The Candyman this year (hopefully, for the last time).
The Wanna Play? Experience
Activity Descriptions
Guitar Strum-Along
Gather novice guitar players together for an informal 30-minute beginner guitar strum-along. With an open and adventurous attitude, help participants dive into the simplest of chords to play an easy version of a classic song as a group.
The instructor must be able to adapt if higher skill-level players join the group and be willing to create a fun experience in this brief, carefree session of recreational music-making for beginners.
Rock Band Test Drive
In this 30-minute intro to playing in a rock band, facilitators will encourage participants to choose drums, bass, guitar, keys, or vocals to form an impromptu band.
Quickly teach each participant the basics of the instrument they chose (keeping a beat, simple chords, changing chords) then have them play an easy rock song together. Applaud mistakes and messy moments. Keep instruction light and playful. After all, this is about having fun, not mastering an instrument. Consider playing along with each new band to keep the melody moving along!
Drum Circle
Facilitate a drum circle for all ages and skill levels. Each session should start with basic hand drumming and establish a good groove. Have participants follow your lead beat by beat until they all find the same rhythm. Once you feel the circle has developed basic coordination, add in flourishes and variations. Stay connected to the group by making eye contact, smiling, and gently nodding along. Play listening games like copying a participant’s rhythm and pass the beat around!
Keyboard Lab
This class will take place in our keyboard and digital piano showroom with several instruments available. The teacher will instruct participants to have fun and not worry about precision or perfection. The goal is to create a recreational music-making experience in an enjoyable, low-pressure environment. Lead the students through some simple warm-up exercises to get their fingers moving and familiarize them with the keyboard. Once everyone is warmed up, teach some simple songs to play together. Keep things light and play along with the students while encouraging them.
Ukulele Circle
Teach novice students the basics of the ukulele in a fun and relaxed group setting. Start with the anatomy of the ukulele, showing the fretboard, strings, etc., and how to hold and strum the instrument. Teach 2-3 simple chords and have students practice changing between the chords while maintaining a steady strumming rhythm. Once the chords and strums are comfortable, show the group how to play an easy song together. Keep things light and playful, encouraging students to not get frustrated if they make mistakes.
Harmonica Circle
Distribute harmonicas to participants and have them practice breathing in and out through the instrument to get a feel for airflow and exhaling notes. Teach simple notes like the inhale draw for C, F, and G and the exhale blow for D, E, and A. Have the students practice switching between inhalation and exhalation to play simple songs using I-IV-V-IV chords in a key like C major.
Once they are comfortable making notes, show how they can move between notes smoothly to play simple melodies. Teach a simple song that the group can play along with you. Keep the session light and fun, focusing on learning at their own pace in a low-pressure environment. The goal isn’t to master the harmonica, but for participants to experience the joy of making music with others.
Instrument Petting Zoo Attendant
The Instrument Petting Zoo allows visitors to explore a variety of musical instruments in a hands-on, engaging environment. Multiple instruments are set out to be touched, handled, and played. Guide sheets and information for each instrument will be provided. The Instrument Petting Zoo Attendant will assist participants in playing simple notes or melodies on the different instruments. Participants can discover which instruments they enjoy and which they think sound and feel the best to them. The goal is to spark an interest in music and expose visitors to instruments they may want to learn to play in the future by signing up for lessons.
Mini Lessons
Teachers will offer a 15-minute learning session on the instrument(s) they normally teach. The mini lessons are designed to let participants learn the basics of the instrument they are interested in, see how it works, and how it's played by learning some basic techniques.
Karaoke
The karaoke experience is all about having fun! The teacher will preselect family-friendly songs and encourage visitors to participate, either as individuals, as a group, or as a duet with you! Work with Chelsie and Cindy prior to the event to pre-program songs, print out lyric sheets or add to a screen, etc.
Each staff member at The Candyman is a valued asset and makes a significant contribution. This contribution is not limited by assigned responsibilities. The below job description is designed to outline primary duties but does not limit the employee or The Candyman to the tasks identified. It is expected that each employee will offer exemplary performance to ensure the success of the services we provide to our customers.
Music Education Teacher Job Description
Music Education Teachers (Teachers) will work directly with The Candyman private and group lessons administrators. Teachers will perform under minimal supervision. Evaluation will be based on student retention, participation in student showcases and special education events, student feedback, and ensuring studios are organized after use. The Director of Education, Cindy Cook, will oversee all facets of the private lesson program, group lessons, rock band programs, special education events, and marketing and daily operations of the department.
Essential Job Functions
Teaching Responsibilities
Teachers are provided the freedom to teach students assigned to them according to their preferred methods, always ensuring the following standards are met. Teachers will:
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Plan and prepare lessons in relation to individual student needs.
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Motivate students and encourage progress.
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Communicate goals and progress with parents of young students to assist in identifying ways they may aid in the success of the student.
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Participate in student showcases by encouraging student performances.
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Teachers may encourage their students to perform with other students and provide students the opportunity to collaborate with one another.
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Teachers may also collaborate with other teachers and students.
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Arrive 5 minutes prior to the agreed lesson start time and end the lesson on time.
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Maintain the highest professional standards and ethics.
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Be sensitive to hygiene (e.g., body odor and breath) and appearance (e.g., no printed vulgarity on clothing, no revealing clothing, etc.).
Resources
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The Candyman will provide teachers with equipment, resources, and materials for use in lessons taught through The Candyman.
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Teachers are welcome to use their own resources, but additional teaching materials:
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Must be acquired by working with The Candyman music education department staff and/or floor staff rather than a competitor or online resource.
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In the event The Candyman does not carry a specific product, other providers may be considered and will be procured by a music education staff member.
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In the event teachers require their students to purchase a music book or other item for their lesson, teachers will refer students to a floor-staff member for purchase from The Candyman.
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Teachers should work directly with Tom, the book department manager, to ensure books assigned to students are always in stock.
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If a student is looking to purchase books, instruments, supplies, etc., or is looking for additional services as offered by The Candyman (e.g., repairs), Teachers will encourage the student to patronize The Candyman for their purchase or service.
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Studio Maintenance
Teachers will ensure studios are left neat and organized after use (even if they will return after another teacher/student occupies the studio) as follows:
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Dispose of trash and recyclables in the appropriate bins.
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Pour out any liquids in cups before placing them in the trash (you may pour them out in the public restroom, either the office restrooms or the kitchen in Chelsie and Cindy’s office.)
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Arrange chairs and music stands neatly. (Ideally, position two chairs facing a music stand in front of the dry-erase board.)
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Push the chair under the desk if applicable.
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Push piano benches under the pianos if applicable.
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Erase any content on dry-erase boards.Return cords to the cord hanger in the studio or the cord corral in Ensemble 1.
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Return any borrowed new instrument stock to the sales floor (if after hours, place in Chelsie and Cindy’s office).
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Return any borrowed used stock to Ensemble 1.
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Return any items taken from the Resource Center.
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Ensure students take personal belongings with them.
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Ensure you take your personal belongings with you.
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Return pens, pencils, paper, notebooks, sticky notes, tablets, etc., to the desk or table.
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If the studio is equipped with a desk, ensure the desk is left neat and organized.
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Return printed music, books, etc., or place them in a neat pile on the desk or table if they are routinely used.
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Place amps against the wall and roll the cords to the back of the amp. (Do not leave amps in the middle of the floor with cords draped across the floor.)
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Place music stands against the wall or in front of the dry-erase board (if applicable) with two chairs facing them.
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Please refrain from leaving dirty dishes in the studios. (We have a small kitchen in Chelsie and Cindy's office where you can keep your dishes and wash them. Alternatively, you may utilize the first-floor employee breakroom.)
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Turn off lights, heaters, fans, etc., before leaving the studio.
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Double-check that the studio is free of any personal items or clutter.
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Teachers will report incidents of the studios not being left in proper condition to an education staff member.
Thank you for your attention to detail and your commitment to maintaining our studios' excellence. Together, we can create an exceptional learning environment for every student who walks through our doors.
Administrative Responsibilities
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Teachers are responsible for checking their schedules daily so as to not miss a lesson a student has shown up for.
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If students discuss schedule changes or absences directly with the Teacher, the Teacher will inform students upon initiation of such conversations that any billing or scheduling information will be discussed between The Candyman music education staff and the student/parent.
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Teachers will provide The Candyman with days and times available to teach. If these times change, the Teachers will notify The Candyman music education staff as soon as possible.
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Teachers will be familiar with Copyright Law and will not infringe. (Information is available in the business office.)
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Teachers shall become familiar with The Candyman Student Handbook, to understand communication between The Candyman and students.
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Teachers shall alert a music education administrator immediately in the event of student tardiness or missed lesson. Teachers are not required to wait for tardy students for more than 15 minutes after the scheduled lesson start time.
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Teachers shall not teach lessons arranged by The Candyman in the student’s homes or in the Teacher’s residence.
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If Teachers are unable to teach a lesson(s), they must notify a music education staff member as soon as possible. It is understood that some circumstances may not be foreseen as in the matter of illness or injury.
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Teachers should keep in mind that inconsistent availability prevents a consistent relationship between The Candyman, the Teacher, and students. Inconsistent availability prevents continuity of lessons which inhibits student success. Teachers who demonstrate a commitment and loyalty to The Candyman music education program and its students will be considered first when assigning new students.
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Non-Disclosure / Non-Solicitation
All Teachers have agreed, as a condition of employment, that students recruited by The Candyman are students of The Candyman, while being taught directly by the Teacher as an employee of The Candyman. An employee, whether currently employed or a former employee of The Candyman, shall not directly or indirectly through other individuals or entities:
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Advise, refer, or in any way solicit or encourage any client of The Candyman to discontinue, divert, or curtail their business with The Candyman.
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Canvass or solicit any business from clients of The Candyman with respect to services that are substantially the same as, or substitutes for, the services sold or being contemplated by The Candyman.
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Assist or encourage any individual or entity to solicit clients of The Candyman, where such individual or entity is engaged in whole or in part in the business of The Candyman