Pickering Creative Artists Academy - Centennial, Colorado

Richard L.

Pickering has provided an awesome, nurturing and supportive environment for children to grow and develop new skills comfortably. Adults, too! I haven’t stuck to anything this vehemently in more than twenty years, and the progress shows. I love what I do, and can’t wait to grow it into something real and a pursuit of passion. More importantly though, is watching my children these in their time there, and how the entire Pickering family, both in school and your own family, support and encourage everyone. From the audition prep, the play practices, the lessons, the bands, all of it, I have watched my children develop into confidant and capable performers. I can’t imagine a better place to involve my family, and love getting to participate on some level.

Kimberly V.

Pickering Academy has been amazing! My daughter has loved working with Amy for Voice lessons. It has taken her to another level with her singing. Thank you for all you have done for our daughter. They are wonderful people to work with and have a great network as well.

Mike L.

My daughter joined the Pickering Academy for its production of the Little Mermaid shortly after we moved to Colorado.

Though she struggles with making friends at school, the people of Pickering Academy have been a blessing. I’ve always believed to be great you have to be surrounded by greatness. Everyone here is awesome. Michael greets you and treats you like you are a long lost friend. The students are polite and friendly.

My daughter is now on her 2nd show, loves going and has truly found her people. When I drop her off and she runs to the door, she has a huge smile on her face from the moment she walks in till the moment I pick her up. With their help, she has blossomed from a shy little girl to a confident little girl.

The Pickering artists academy has been an absolute blessing to our family and I’m excited to watch the impact they have had on my family grow.

Sean-Casey K.

Buyer Beware. Send your kid to Pickering and you are likely to have a great instructor, but don't be surprised when you are overcharged, see a revolving door of instructors they "just can't seem to keep", and be prepared for a bait and switch just when you feel like things are working out. We should have listened to the several peers who had similar bad experiences.

In regards to the "context" provided by Pickering about "serious breaches", the instructor was led to believe the violin program was ending in May and suggested reaching out to students in 6 months to potentially keep them in private lessons. All as part of an open talk-back with the office manager that Pickering did not have time to attend. Turns out he had already retained a new instructor and was waiting for a chance to make the switch. I bet he has has used the "Serious Breach" excuse with many instructors he has let go for his own reasons. Beware parents of high schoolers that Michael Pickering will recruit your kids while subbing at local high schools, build them up and tear them down. If you want your child to have a positive first job experience, look elsewhere.

Laura T.

Fabulous academy to access and grow in the arts!

Amy and Michael Pickering absolutely know music, theater, entertaining, education... and they attract high quality teachers who want to share their love of music with kids ready to grow. Both my children have been enrolled in various lessons. My 12 year female is currently in the Broadway Bound class which gives her a chance to understand the fundamentals of performing musical theater, during a more casual setting than a full blown musical. My 9 year old son is loving drumming and benefited from piano lessons prior, he is a musician in the making.

They are both always energized after their classes. We are grateful for the Pickering team and academy!

Katie B.

Absolutely adore Pickering Creative Artist Academy! My 13 year old daughter has been taking voice and piano lessons with Michael for a little over a year, and it is still the best part of her week. When she started, we had NO idea how she would do, and she is thriving! She even got a solo in her first year of choir! Michael and Amy are the kindest, most encouraging, hard working people we know. We are so, so thankful for this AMAZING academy! I would (and do with friends and family) HIGHLY recommend.

Catherine O.

Pickering Academy has been a home away from home for my daughter. A place where she feels supported and safe while learning new skills. She has participated in 3 plays and 3 classes and is always eager to try another something new. So glad to be part of the Pickering Academy community.

Kathy M.

Maddison has loved being part of the Pickering Creative Artists Academy since before it became a reality. She took singing lessons from Michael when he was doing lessons in his home. She has now been taking theater with Amy and loves performing on stage. They are such an awesome inspiration to all of their students.