san diego piano academy
2026 - Faculty Policy
**This is your operating agreement. We've kept it straightforward on purpose - because we believe the best teaching relationships run on trust, not checklists.**
Lesson Information and Agreement
The Philosophy
Your monthly compensation works as a retainer - consistent and reliable each month, regardless of the occasional variation in lesson count. Over the course of the year, your students receive approximately 40 lessons, give or take 1 or 2. Life has a natural rhythm, and we've built that into the model.
What we ask in return is your professionalism, your care, and your commitment to making every student feel like a priority.
Academy Holidays - No Lessons
Academic Calendar 2026
Your Flex Days
You have up to 3 flex days per year. Use them when you need them - illness, travel, or personal circumstances. No explanation required.
A few things we ask:
In the rare circumstance where you need to miss beyond your 3 flex days, you must be proactive in scheduling a 1-on-1 makeup lesson with your students on a time-frame that works for them.
If You Need to Miss Beyond Your Flex Days
When a student is sick, they’re encouraged to record a short video of their playing and send it to you. This is to help them make the choice to not take the lesson and expose you to their illness. We ask that you review it and send back some short written or video feedback to keep their lesson plan moving forward smoothly.
Illness - Video Feedback
Three times a year - June, August, and December - the academy runs in-person Group Makeup Classes organized by level. These are handled by Chetan, Melissa, or another teacher in the academy. You are not responsible for any makeup logistics.
These sessions are designed for students who have missed more than a few lessons and feel they deserve makeup time - not for the occasional miss. If a student asks you about makeups, point them to Melissa or Chetan and the group class schedule. You're always welcome to be involved if you'd like - just let Chetan know.
Group Makeup Classes
Makeup dates coming by April 2026
Student tuition is reviewed approximately every two years, with any adjustments taking effect in January. The increase will be at the discretion of the teacher and the academy and will be adjusted to reflect the current rate of inflation.
Student Tuition Adjustments - What You Should Know
Timing for Reference
We share this so you're equipped to answer family questions accurately if they ever come up and to set your own expectations.
FAQ
How does my compensation work?
Your compensation is a monthly retainer - consistent and reliable each month, regardless of the occasional variation in lesson count. It's not tied to how many lessons happen in any given month. Think of it as professional compensation for your expertise and commitment across the year, not billing by the hour.
Does my pay change if a student misses a lesson?
No. Your monthly retainer stays the same regardless of how many lessons occur. That's the whole point of the model - predictable income, semester after semester, year after year.
Compensation & Billing
How many lessons does each student receive?
Approximately 40 per year, give or take 1 or 2. Life has a natural rhythm - a student missing a few lessons throughout the year is completely normal and already built into the model.
How many flex days do I have?
Up to 3 per year. Use them when you need them - illness, travel, personal circumstances. No explanation required.
Are there any rules around how I use my flex days?
A few. Hold your 3rd flex day for a true emergency later in the fall rather than using it early in the year. Remain available for a minimum of 2 lessons per month under normal circumstances. Be clear, understanding, and communicative with students when you use them.
What if I need to miss beyond my 3 flex days?
You'll need to be proactive about scheduling a 1-on-1 makeup lesson with the student at a time that works for them. It's a rare situation, but it needs to be handled promptly.
Can I conduct lessons virtually?
Yes. Virtual lessons are a fully legitimate option - use your judgment when illness or travel requires it.
Lessons & Flex Days
What happens when a student is sick?
Students are encouraged to skip the lesson and record a short video of their playing instead. They'll send it to you, and we ask that you review it and send back some brief written or video feedback to keep their lesson plan moving forward. It's a small gesture that makes a meaningful difference.
Is the video feedback required?
Yes - it's part of the Professional Model. It keeps the student connected and progressing even on missed weeks, and it reflects the level of care we ask from all sdpa faculty. It also helps to encourage them to not expose you to an illness by forcing a lesson.
Illness & Feedback Video
Am I responsible for student makeups?
No. The academy handles all Group Makeup Classes for students in excess of a few absences. You are not responsible for organizing, scheduling, or running these makeup sessions - unless you'd like to be involved, in which case just let Chetan know.
What are the Group Makeup Classes?
Three times a year - June, August, and December - the academy runs in-person Group Makeup Classes organized by level. They're run by Chetan, Melissa, or another premier teacher in the academy. They're designed for students who have missed more than a few lessons and feel they deserve makeup time. Not for the occasional miss.
What do I say if a student asks me about makeups?
Mention that they are for an unusual amount of misses only and then point them to Melissa or Chetan. It's our responsibility to coordinate, not yours.
Makeups & Group Classes
When can I expect a raise?
Tuition is reviewed every two years in January and adjusted to reflect the current rate of inflation.
When does a tuition increase take effect for my current students?
Students enrolled January through April will see their adjustment in January two years later. Students enrolled May through December will see it in January approximately two and a half years later.
Student Tuition
When are the academy holidays?
No lessons are held during the following academy-wide breaks:
Holidays & Calendar
Still have questions?
Reach out to Chetan or Melissa directly.
© San Diego Piano Academy 2026