Ara jazz tutor set to perform following AMA nod

Ara Institute of Canterbury music tutor Darren Pickering will take the stage at The Arts Centre on Monday 11 May with his ensemble Small Worlds with plenty to celebrate.

The performance comes hot on the heels of Pickering being named a top three finalist for Te Manu Taki Tautito o te Tau (Best Jazz Artist) in the 2026 Aotearoa Music Awards.

Pickering is a pianist, composer and teacher based in Ōtautahi whose keyboard and compositional work spans a wide range of genres. He has performed and toured alongside internationally recognised jazz artists and his playing appears on numerous New Zealand studio albums.

At the heart of his creative work is Small Worlds, a project he’s led for several years that pushes at the edges of what jazz can sound like.

The group's third album, Three, has drawn national attention for its distinctive blend of acoustic jazz performance and modular synthesisers.

RNZ’s Nick Tipping has described the ensemble’s sound as moving “from sparse and spare to intense”, with each musician contributing their own voice while performing as a cohesive unit.

The achievement carries special meaning for Ara's music community. Peter Nock, Ara Creative and Media Manager, said Pickering's nomination was a proud moment for everyone connected to the programme.

"Darren is exactly the kind of artist-educator who makes Ara's music community so special. His dedication to his craft, his students, and to pushing the boundaries of New Zealand jazz is an inspiration. This nomination is thoroughly deserved and we couldn't be prouder.”

That community spirit shines through in the Small Worlds quartet.

_{Small Worlds quartet (left to right) Darren Pickering, Jono Blackie, Pete Fleming and Heather Webb.}

Guitarist Heather Webb, bassist Pete Fleming and drummer Jono Blackie are all Ara Music graduates from different eras of the Ara Music Arts programme - a testament to the depth of talent fostered at Ara and the lasting impact of its alumni.

Pickering said the AMA nomination feels like a celebration that extends well beyond himself. He sees it as an acknowledgement of the group’s work and of the creative ecosystem that supports it.

“I’m thrilled to be nominated among such immense talent for the AMA. This also feels like a great moment to celebrate what our students and graduates are achieving,” he said.

The Aotearoa Music Awards are one of New Zealand's most significant recognitions for contemporary musicians, celebrating artistic excellence across the industry.

Winners will be announced later this month, but whatever the outcome, this nomination is already a wonderful moment for Ara and for Ōtautahi jazz.

Find concert details for the Darren Pickering Small Worlds concert here.