Distressed, it seems to me that the situation is as such from what you have said. This is not a school (sounds like) but a studio which gives classes as well as turns out work from the majority of it's income, so there is probably no president or registrar that you can turn to. You are out of the country right now, so you are no longer their top priority.
Indeed, they are giving you the run around, and small claims might be the only way that you might be able to get your promised recording. I am really sorry that this is happening to you, and really, I don't think that any of this is your mistake. It's the mistake of the guy who didn't make the right number of tapes and then put off getting you yours in the time that he promised he would. Before you do or say anything else to these folks, you might want to get some legal advice. Good luck, and just remember, You are not at fault. Sometimes this just happens because work piles up and balls get dropped and people act unprofessional. Just don't let yourself get walked all over. HUGGGs