References from bankrupt companies.

Don't write yourself a reference, references only have as much value as the person making the reference gives and a reference that doesn't check out may be worse than no reference at all.

Agreed. Never do this.

Is there anyone you worked with? Clients, anyone? References need not be from your boss. Explain to potential employers that the company is no longer in existence and you have lost touch with your boss. Say nothing else.

Write down what you taught.

Yeah...
I forgot to say he said he'd sign anything that I wrote about myself, it's just he's disappeared of the face of the planet.
Maybe I should just write what I've done like you suggest.

Most potential employers will request a contact name and number. If you cannot provide that, then something you wrote and signed with no way for the employer to contact will basically be crap to them.

Like some one else said, I'd look for either another individual you worked with and/or client for a reference.

You should do three levels or pages. You must make the best of a bad situation.
1 Do a Resume with your degree. Companies and experience such as company names and what you did like teaching piano. Don't mention bankruptcy or anything.
2. Write down a list of students and the company crook.
3. Write the reason for reference from employer.

1. Employers usually never proceed to step 2 until interview time.
2. At the interview they MIGHT ask for students names not likely. You are not a criminal so relax so they are not going to nosey around all the foul deeds in your life.
3. They might ask why there is no refernce letter so you mention that he absconded with your money.