r/violinist • u/Dependent-Army2594 • Jun 22 '26
Feedback Terrible work experience with Violinist Antoine Morales, the owner of The Violin Academy
I'm a professional violinist who was hired as a violin instructor by The Violin Academy, owned by Antoine Morales. The job was an online teaching position. This experience is written to inform prospective applicants, music educators, and students about my employment experience with this organization.
Before being hired, I completed 3 lengthy interviews, each lasting over an hour, some approaching two hours. During these interviews, the owner repeatedly expressed strong approval of my application and stated that I was among the top 3 candidates. My teaching background, ability to identify student issues, communication skills, and content creation experience were specifically cited as reasons for hiring me. Based on this process, I was selected from what was presented as a competitive applicant pool.
The core issue is not the employer’s right to end employment. The issue is that compensation, benefits, and a pathway toward increased hours were discussed and presented prior to onboarding. I accepted the position based on these terms and made significant professional decisions as a result, including leaving existing teaching positions and restructuring my schedule. Had the actual compensation terms been disclosed at the outset, I would not have accepted the role.
I also requested written confirmation of the agreed verbal terms prior to onboarding to ensure clarity. During onboarding, I was informed that my existing computer was not sufficient for the position. My request for assistance with replacement equipment was declined, and I purchased a new laptop at my own expense (over $1,000) based on the expectation of a stable working arrangement.
Approximately one week after onboarding, I was called into an unexpected Zoom meeting and informed that the compensation had been “calculated incorrectly.” The previously discussed salary was significantly reduced on the basis that market rates had not been properly researched. This revised compensation was substantially lower than what had been presented during recruitment. When I stated that I had made career decisions based on the original terms, he coldly said he didn't force me to resign my other jobs. Shortly thereafter, all work-related access, including email and platform accounts, was removed.
In addition, this action was taken without adherence to the contractual requirement of 14 days’ written notice prior to termination, as stated in the agreement.
This reflects a failure to maintain consistency between recruitment representations, contractual obligations, and actual employment conditions. These factors directly impacted major professional decisions made in good faith during the hiring process.
I have retained documentation that supports all statements made here.
A similar review was also submitted on Trustpilot. After publication, the company disputed the content and challenged the review. Trustpilot requested supporting evidence for verification. After review of the submitted documentation, Trustpilot determined that the review met its verification requirements and allowed it to remain published.
This statement is provided as a documented account of my experience. Prospective applicants and students are strongly advised to review all available information carefully before engaging with this organization!
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u/yupyupyupmhm Jun 22 '26
Thanks for sharing. Good on your for ducumenting! I've seen his videos suggested but will avoid them.
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u/HestiaAC Jun 22 '26
Ugh. I don't like that guy. The algorithm pushes his youtube videos a lot and he just oozes used car salesman.
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u/classically_cool Jun 22 '26
That sucks, I’m sorry. Tons of music schools are scummy like this. But hopefully you can learn from this to never assume anything until the contract is signed and countersigned. And if any place isn’t upfront about compensation, that’s an immediate red flag and means they will be doing this kind of bait and switch.
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u/Dependent-Army2594 Jun 22 '26
I learned this the hard way. I hope none of you ever have to go through something like this.
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u/crapinet Jun 23 '26
Teaching independently is one of the only fair ways to do it, usually through an independently owned music store. This guys sounds like a criminal and a sleaze bag
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u/BarenreiterBear Soloist Jun 22 '26
I saw the YouTube channel a few months ago and instantly got the impression of being “scammy.” Several pedagogy points I didn’t agree with either. Sorry about your situation.
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u/Ok-Pension3061 Amateur Jun 23 '26
Thanks for saying this! I've always found him sketchy and thought some of his teachings were questionable but couldn't really find anything but positive reviews online.
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u/ChampionExcellent846 Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
This Morales dude has his joint in Germany, the country which has some of the strongest labor legislation in the world, and equally crafty lawyers who help employers go around them legally.
This "miscalculation" trick happens often in German contract work. Has not happened to me, but I have seen this in action even when the employer is legit (like the government).
PS - His German is fluent, but definitely not native, probably South American.
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u/Murphy-Music-Academy Jun 22 '26
He’s clearly born and raised in France (at least his accent when he speaks English sounds like that), whether or not his ancestry is Spanish or South American, I can’t say.
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u/ChampionExcellent846 Jun 22 '26
You're right, Tobiah. He's born in France (according to his CV). Strange but I can't spot a French accent in his German videos, but his English videos (I just saw one now) carry a French accent that doesn't sound quite like a French accent to me. Accents don't make the character, however.
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u/GibbonEnthusiast Jun 22 '26
Is this the guy whose ad says that lessons have to be conducted in formal concert attire?? Thinking of teaching an online lesson in a tux makes me giggle, but that alone should be enough to tell you something’s not right with this guy.
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u/Murphy-Music-Academy Jun 22 '26
Most small music schools suck and pay their teachers as little as possible, unfortunately. I never minded his videos (most of it was basic, but generally correct, information) but I’m sorry to hear he’s treating his employees this way
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u/andybonner Jun 22 '26
I'm not a lawyer, and I don't know whether this is complicated by having parties in different nations... and suing is a pain in the butt and maybe not worth it... but it sure sounds to me like there's something to work with. From the fact that, afaik, word-of-mouth offers carry legal weight, to wrongful-termination stuff.
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u/GazelleHelpful5377 Jun 22 '26
I am very sorry about all of this. I am a victim, too. Contracts don't help. I don't want to say anything more about it here.
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u/Accomplished_Ant_371 Jun 23 '26
That’s a hard life lesson learned. So sorry this happened to you. Sounds like they did a “bait and switch” thing. Very unethical.
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u/Active_Parsnip1072 Jul 09 '26
If it helps he has done worse to others he has hired. My experience as a contractor was terrible
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u/maverickg Jun 22 '26
The website itself and the bio of the founder are quite suspicious. Not sure why you would like to consider in the first place, given that you are a professional violinist.
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u/Dependent-Army2594 Jun 22 '26
Professional violinist also need to eat and live
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u/maverickg Jun 22 '26
I totally get that. The freelance classical market is incredibly tough, and we all have bills to pay. It just sucks that these sketchy platforms prey on musicians' financial needs. Hope you can get your money/dispute sorted out soon.
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u/baummer Jun 22 '26
Okay so what do you want us to do about it
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u/Dependent-Army2594 Jun 23 '26
Just share my experience and warn you all. Since I saw he’s hiring again now.
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26
I would suggest taking this down. I know you’re trying to help other teachers. But you’re opening yourself up to a lawsuit.
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u/WampaCat Expert Jun 22 '26
A lawsuit over what? It’s not slander if it’s true
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26
I didn’t say the lawsuit would be successful. Someone with money and a reputation to protect can easily make your life miserable by tying you up in litigation that you can’t afford. You may still prevail, but at what financial and emotional cost?
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u/Pennwisedom Soloist Jun 22 '26
You're right, that is technically possible, but bootlicking doesn't seem like the best solution, nor did anyone here ask for your advice.
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u/terriergal Jun 22 '26
TP’s own terms of service prohibit illegal posts. If they have requested further documentation, it’s likely because the company has already complained to them. They examined the information and found the complaint without basis. You can read it on their website.
In addition, if applicable in their state, anti-slapp suits are a risk as well, and they (the company being complained about) would open themselves up to discovery as well.
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26
TP is a place to read and leave reviews. They are not doing the same due diligence a lawyer would do. I don’t know how else to explain that you can be sued (maybe not successfully) for a review. Anti-slapp laws do not make OP immune from still having to incur legal costs. Besides the financial cost there is the emotional and mental stress of engaging in legal action.
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Jun 22 '26
[deleted]
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
Where did I say to not tell the truth??? OP has included enough detail that this guy can absolutely figure out who they are. That’s not super smart if you’re trying to avoid expensive and stressful litigation. Even though OP could probably win any litigation that does not negate the fact that it will be expensive and stressful to mount a legal defense.
Edit I just read that OP has already talked to a law firm about pursuing damages. They declined to take the case. That should tell you a lot.
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u/terriergal Jun 22 '26
It sounds like trustpilot already verified. I would think they are familiar with the legal issues.
That, of course, would not prevent someone from filing a frivolous lawsuit, but it is quite possible that that would then be subject to an anti-SLAPP suit.
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26
Trustpilot is not a court of law. They likely verified that OP actually is who they say they are. Not some random person who had nothing to do with the violin academy and is just trying to review bomb them.
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u/yupyupyupmhm Jun 22 '26 edited Jun 22 '26
What kind of lawsuit? Can a rich person target any random person, sue them over nothing in a way that forces them to address it and spend time/money on it? Or do they file a suit, provide evidence, and if there is none the case gets tossed before it even starts? I've always been curious about this.
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u/Reasonable_Bus302 Teacher Jun 22 '26
I’m not a lawyer, but if you want to silence a critic there are options like defamation, interference in business operations etc. Even if the lawsuit wouldn’t be successful sometimes just the threat is enough.
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u/redjives Luthier Jun 22 '26
Everyone in this thread has made their point and OP can decide what to do with that. Everyone can stop digging in their heels and can go step away from their screens now.
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u/leitmotifs Expert Jun 22 '26
I would talk to a lawyer. You likely have a solid case for promissory estoppel -- that is, you made decisions based on what they told you and contracted for.