The price of passion: Music teachers fighting for their wages
You work hard day in, day out, you expect to get paid. Well that doesn't seem to be the case for those in this story.
They were sold the dream, teaching music and passing on their passion to others.
But these teachers are hearing nothing but silence.
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Juan Torres was one of these therapists, and he claims he is owed just under $15,000 as well as 16 months of unpaid superannuation. A Current Affair
Colin Simone was one of these teachers.
For 20 years he taught his passion at a Sydney based studio, then it was bought by Stormer Music.
"At first they seemed quite a reasonable type of people, they were friendly, but then as I got on, the main issue was just worrying about getting paid on time," Colin says, claiming that ever since their takeover his pay was consistently late.
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Colin Simone taught his passion at a Sydney based studio, then it was bought by Stormer Music. A Current Affair
Stormer Music is the brainchild of brothers Phil and Joel Stormer.
What started as one studio expanded into multiple and even trying their hand in music therapy, helping students on the NDIS.
Juan Torres was one of these therapists, and he claims he is owed just under $15,000 as well as 16 months of unpaid superannuation.
From teachers to therapists, the story doesn't change and despite the business expanding, for franchisee owner Michael Kasif it's no different.
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Michael realised Stormer Music was actually in financial trouble, uncovering documents that revealed it owed hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Australian Tax Office.
Michaels franchise lasted only a couple of months, he was bleeding money and claimed it was due to lack of support from head office.
For someone who has worked in the music industry for most of his life, this venture was extremely disheartening but he, like the others in this story, will continue to pursue their passion and stand up for what's right.
We reached out to the Stormer Brothers, who despite initially wanting to talk to us, have since ghosted us.
Their silence is deafening.
Watch the full story in the video player above.
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