Urgent: Music Teachers Owed Thousands After Vivaldi Closure

UPDATE: Dozens of former music teachers are demanding answers and payment after the abrupt closure of Vivaldi Music Academy on October 12, 2023. The academy, once a prominent fixture in Houston’s music scene, left staff members owed thousands in back wages, raising urgent concerns about their financial futures.

The academy announced its immediate closure via phone calls to parents, leaving many teachers scrambling for answers. Reports suggest that between 50 and 75 teachers across Texas are owed significant sums for unpaid work. Former teacher Sam Rachleff estimates he is owed over $3,000, while others claim debts as high as $30,000.

Many teachers are expressing their frustration and fear, with some having faced severe consequences due to the lack of payment. “I know people who have gotten evicted. I know people who have had their cars repossessed over Vivaldi not paying them,” said Mohammed Numan, a fellow former teacher.

The sudden closure follows months of rumors regarding late payments, with previous branch closures raising more red flags. The academy had locations in Houston and San Antonio, and its founder, Zeljko Pavlovic, is now under intense scrutiny.

It has come to light that Pavlovic has faced multiple civil lawsuits, including a recent case for failing to repay a $2.6 million promissory note. The attorney for the lender indicated they are pursuing a potential default judgment against him. Attempts to contact Pavlovic for comments were unsuccessful; however, he issued a statement expressing gratitude for the community’s support and promised to resolve all outstanding payments.

Teachers are left grappling with the emotional fallout. “In the beginning, when I started, it was the dream job,” said former teacher Todd Blackmon. “I really tried to make it work, but something changed. We don’t know what actually happened or what the moment was.”

Former teachers are now forming chat groups to discuss their options moving forward. With many depending on their wages to meet daily expenses, the urgency of their situation cannot be understated. “People are sold this promise of ‘I can teach, do what I love, and I have these students and I can get paid well for that,’ and it all falls through because people aren’t getting paid,” Rachleff lamented.

As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Vivaldi’s closure, former teachers are left to wonder what their next steps will be. The impact of this closure extends beyond the classroom, affecting lives and livelihoods in a community that thrived on the academy’s offerings.

For continuous updates on this developing story, follow local news outlets and stay tuned for further information on the resolutions of these teachers’ claims.