URGENT UPDATE: Dozens of former music teachers are demanding thousands in back wages after the sudden closure of Vivaldi Music Academy on Thursday, July 13, 2023. The abrupt shutdown has left many educators fearing they may never receive the money they are owed.
Just hours before closing, Vivaldi, which operated three locations in Houston and one in San Antonio, notified parents about the immediate termination of services. This shocking announcement has prompted a wave of concerns from teachers who claim they are owed significant amounts. Reports indicate some are missing over $30,000 in wages, with estimates of 50 to 75 teachers across Texas affected.
“I’m owed probably over $3,000, and there are plenty of other teachers who are owed a lot more than I am,” said Sam Rachleff, a senior at Rice University. He highlights the plight of his colleagues, some of whom are owed as much as $8,000. Fellow former teacher Mohammed Numan echoes these concerns, stating, “I know people who have gotten evicted, I know people who have had their cars repossessed over Vivaldi not paying them.”
The turmoil surrounding Vivaldi’s closure has been building for months, as rumors circulated about delayed or missing paychecks. Earlier this year, the academy had already closed its Bellaire and Memorial branches, igniting further anxiety among its educators.
The emotional impact of this situation is profound. Teachers who dedicated their lives to music are now grappling with financial instability. “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 explained.
Despite the situation, many teachers remained hopeful, driven by their passion for music and teaching. However, their loyalty has seemingly led them into a financial trap. Numan pointed out a fear among some teachers of speaking out, especially those on work visas from Europe.
Vivaldi’s founder, Zeljko Pavlovic, who built the school into a recognized part of Houston’s cultural landscape, faces scrutiny. While he has publicly expressed gratitude to all teachers and families involved with Vivaldi, court records reveal a troubling history. Pavlovic has been sued multiple times for fraud and has not repaid a $2.6 million promissory note, raising questions about the academy’s financial practices.
In a statement released Friday evening, Pavlovic said, “As Vivaldi completes its transition, our team is finalizing all remaining administrative matters, including the review and resolution of outstanding contractor payments.” He emphasized that every educator would be treated with “fairness, accuracy, and respect.”
However, many teachers are unconvinced and feel betrayed. “In the beginning, when I started, it was the dream job,” said Todd Blackmon, another former teacher. “I really tried to make it work, but something changed. We don’t know what actually happened or what the moment was.”
As this developing story unfolds, former teachers are forming chat groups to explore their options and seek justice. The urgency for resolution is palpable, as individuals face financial turmoil stemming from their dedication to the school.
The future remains uncertain for Vivaldi’s educators. Many are now left to navigate the aftermath of this abrupt closure, hoping to recover what they are owed while grappling with the emotional fallout.
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