Our Instructors
Friendly • Accomplished • A Little Crazy
Amy Pickering – B.A., Musical Theatre
UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
THEATRE DIRECTOR | VOICE | ACTING | PIANO
Amy Pickering is a versatile and accomplished professional, excelling as a performing artist, entrepreneur, educator, and musician. With a Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre Degree from the esteemed University of Northern Colorado, she brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her work. As Vice President of Lionsong Entertainment, Inc., and a former Theatre Director at Englewood Middle and High Schools, Amy has made significant contributions to the arts and education communities.
Amy’s passion for teaching extends beyond her role as a Theatre Teacher, as she has also served as a private Instructor with local arts and entertainment organizations. Her talents as a performer have taken her to numerous local, national, and international events, where she has been recognized as a featured artist.
In addition to her accomplishments in the arts, Alongside her husband, Michael Pickering, she remains actively engaged as a headline music and clean comedy performing artist for a diverse range of clients worldwide – www.michaelandamy.com
With a dynamic and diverse skill set, Amy Pickering continues to make a positive impact in both the artistic and fitness realms. Her dedication to the arts, education, and health is evident in all aspects of her professional life, inspiring and uplifting those she encounters.
Ashell Fox – M.S., Recording Arts, A.A.S., Film Post-Production
UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER, COLORADO FILM SCHOOL
PIANO | MUSIC PRODUCTION | DRUMS | BANDS | ENSEMBLES | GENERAL MUSIC EDUCATION
Ashell is an exceptionally talented and versatile audio engineer and music producer with over 8 years of combined experience in the film and music industries. Originally from La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, Ashell moved to Denver to pursue higher education in the world of media arts.
During Ashell’s time at CU Denver, he showcased his dedication to education and innovation by co-developing and co-teaching MUSC 4820 – Digital Music Techniques. This unique class focused on modular synthesis and sound design, leaving a lasting impact on students and the curriculum alike.
Ashell’s skills span from music composition across diverse genres, sound design for video games, to mixing sound for films and documentaries.
As a highly skilled multi-instrumentalist, Ashell is adept in teaching Piano, Drums, Accordion, Music Production, General Music Education, Mixing, and Mastering.
Pablo Sanchez – DMA Flute Performance, M.M., Flute Performance, B.M., Flute Performance
University of Kansas, Western Michigan University, Escuela Superior De Musica
WIND INSTRUMENTS
Pablo Sanchez is an accomplished flutist and educator with a wealth of experience and accolades to his name. Hailing from Mexico, his musical journey has taken him across the Americas, from the US to Brazil, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
As an educator, Sanchez has served as a flute instructor in numerous music programs, both in Mexico and the US. His passion for teaching is evident in his approach, as he works tirelessly to help his students develop their skills and achieve their goals.
Sanchez’s own musical accomplishments are equally impressive. He first made his mark in the orchestral world as a member of the National Youth Orchestra of Mexico. Since then, he has performed with some of the most prestigious ensembles in the Americas, sharing the stage with luminaries such as Alondra de la Parra, Leon Spierer, Sylvain Gasançon, Enrique Batiz, and Fernando Lozano, among others.
Sanchez’s dedication to his craft is reflected in his academic achievements as well. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Flute Performance from The University of Kansas, a testament to his commitment to excellence and his desire to constantly improve his skills.
With his formidable talent and passion for teaching and performing, Pablo Sanchez is a true force to be reckoned with in the world of music. Whether on stage or in the classroom, his enthusiasm for the flute and its potential to connect people across borders and cultures is contagious, inspiring those around him to embrace the power of music in all its forms.
CHARLOTTE JOHNSON – B.A., Vocal Performance, Music Business
McNally Smith College of Music
VOICE | PIANO | GUITAR | UKULELE | SONGWRITING
With a fervent passion for music education, Charlotte Glass is an accomplished teacher who has devoted four years to full-time instruction. Specializing in voice, piano, guitar, ukulele, and songwriting, she offers her expertise to students of all ages. Charlotte’s teaching career, however, is just one facet of her multi-dimensional profile in the music industry.
Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Charlotte earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Vocal Performance, complemented by a minor in Music Business, from McNally Smith College of Music. After relocating to Denver, CO, she shifted her focus toward writing and recording, establishing herself as an emerging songwriter, vocalist, and performer. Her unique sound blends chillstep electronica with deep singer-songwriter roots.
Making her professional foray into the music scene in Fall 2018, Charlotte released her debut single, “You’ve Got a Way,” which quickly garnered attention. Since then, she has expanded her repertoire with two additional tracks and is in the early stages of writing her first full-length album.
A rising star with a deep-rooted passion for both education and performance, Charlotte Glass is an exciting talent on the cusp of making significant contributions to the world of music.
CHARLTON DEMAS – B.A., R
University of Colorado Denver
BASS | GUITAR | PIANO | DRUMS | MUSIC PRODUCTION
Passionate about fostering musical talent in others, Charlton Demas stands out as a dedicated music educator based in Denver. Alongside his teaching endeavors, he is an accomplished musician recognized for his versatility, multi-instrumental mastery, and charismatic professionalism. Charlton’s enthusiasm and love for music shine through in his expertise with a range of instruments, including bass, guitar, piano, and drums. Though he considers himself a bassist first and foremost, his skills extend far beyond just one instrument.
With years of performance experience, Charlton has graced stages across the Midwestern United States, both as a solo artist and as part of various bands. His repertoire isn’t limited to live performances; he also composes original scores for various art and media platforms, such as films, television shows, advertisements, and YouTube videos.
An alumnus of the University of Colorado Denver, Charlton holds a degree in recording arts with an emphasis on music performance. His academic background in audio production adds an innovative layer to his teaching methodology, enriching his students’ learning experience.
As a musical ‘lifer,’ Charlton finds immense value in maintaining the fun, passion, and excitement in musical pursuits, even as one ventures into more complex aspects of music theory and practice. For him, the journey through music is a balance—preserving its cherished qualities while exploring its more challenging dimensions.
In essence, Charlton Demas is not just a musician but a multifaceted artist and educator, committed to enriching the musical landscape for his students and audiences alike.
MADISON NGUYỄN
Legends High School
GUITAR | UKULELE | VOICE | ACTING | DANCE | BEGINNING PIANO
Madison Nguyen is a multi-talented performer with a deep passion for music, acting, and dance. With a specialization in acoustic guitar, ukulele, and singing, Madison brings a unique and dynamic energy to all her performances. Her recent role as Grace Farrell in Pickering Performing Arts & Entertainment’s production of “Annie KIDS” showcased her versatility and talent, and she also served as the choreographer for the production.
Madison’s impressive acting credits also include Lavender in “Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical”, Ngana in “South Pacific”, and ensemble in “The Wizard of Oz”. Currently, she is lending her expertise as a choreographer to the upcoming production of “Shrek Jr.”.
Beyond her work on stage, Madison is also a dedicated instructor who is passionate about helping her students and cast members achieve their dreams. Her infectious enthusiasm and commitment to excellence make her a favorite among students and colleagues alike.
With a natural talent for music and the performing arts, Madison is a true creative force whose star continues to rise. Whether she’s strumming a guitar, belting out a tune, or choreographing a dance number, she brings her unique energy and vision to every project she takes on.
LYDIA KING
Grandview High School
VIOLIN | VIOLA | CELLO | PIANO
Lydia King stands as a truly accomplished musician and a remarkable violinist. While she began her musical journey with the piano, her heart found its true resonance with the violin, and she embarked on her violinist’s journey at the tender age of nine. Since then, her passion has flourished, particularly in the realm of orchestral music, where she thrives on the joy of making music alongside her friends. Lydia’s dedication and talent have garnered her recognition at esteemed events such as the Western States Honor Orchestra Festival, All State Orchestra Festival, and Denver Young Artists Orchestra. Notably, she has earned the esteemed role of co-concertmaster in her school orchestra for two consecutive semesters. Her musical pursuits also extend to the string quartet club and pit orchestra at her school, where she has been an integral part of memorable productions like Curtains and Freaky Friday at Grandview High School.
Beyond her musical endeavors, Lydia’s commitment shines just as brightly in her school community. Active in the National Honor Society, she also played a crucial role in the Class of 2027 Freshman Orientation as a member of the Link Crew. She readily embraces academic challenges through AP courses and finds joy in discovering new realms of knowledge, particularly in the realm of world languages and history. Outside the classroom, Lydia’s creative spirit extends to cooking, baking, crochet, and travel. With an impressive record of visiting ten countries across four continents, as well as numerous states within the U.S., her zest for exploration is palpable.
Lydia’s love for music stems from its transformative impact on others. With an ardent desire to inspire a new generation of musicians, she aims to share the gift of music with the world and foster connections that only the language of music can forge. Deeply convinced that music resonates louder than words and profoundly benefits the mind, body, and soul, Lydia aspires to a future that embraces both her passion for violin performance and her intrigue with linguistics. As her journey continues, Lydia King remains a beacon of inspiration and positivity in the realm of music and beyond.
A Word
From Our Founder
“Music and the performing arts can change lives because they change people. Music saved my life during my tween years. It was in music that I found peace in the midst of tragedy, community in the face of loneliness, and self discovery, confidence, and compassion through creative expression. Pickering Creative Academy is a warm, welcoming creative space for all looking to find and express themselves. Next to my family, it is my greatest joy to see people come alive here.”
– Michael Pickering
Only the BEst
We Know How to Make Learning Fun For Kids
We measure success through your experience! Our four key outcomes drive everything we do for you. These four key outcomes are the most vocalized and repeated words by our students and their families. We succeed when you consistently experience FUN • HAPPINESS • GROWTH • SUCCESS in every encounter!