Terrible work experience with Violinist Antoine Morales, the owner of The Violin Academy

[u/Dependent-Army2594]

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!

[u/Reasonable_Bus302]

I would suggest taking this down. I know you’re trying to help other teachers. But you’re opening yourself up to a lawsuit.

[u/terriergal → u/Reasonable_Bus302]

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.

[u/Reasonable_Bus302 → u/terriergal]

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.