Interview with Dr. Chiko

Written by Kaila Gatti

Dr. Ty Chiko, a baritone born and raised in Nassau, The Bahamas, recently assumed the position of Director of Vocal Music at IAA. Dr. Chiko studied at St. John University for his BA, University of New Mexico for his master’s degree, and Arizona State University for his doctoral degree. He describes his journey to this point as “beautiful,” stating that “Sometimes you've gotta zoom out and appreciate all that you have accomplished. My journey had its challenges; however, I always had the support of family members and mentors to steer me in the right direction.”

Dr. Chiko describes himself as an educator and vocalist whose mission is to create a safe space for young artists to explore what they want to pursue, and he pushes students to “exit any boxes that they might be in.” His mission is to create a safe space for young artists to explore what they want to pursue, and he is an advocate for young people who are Queer, Disabled, and BIPOC.

Dr. Chiko has had a very broad set of musical experiences throughout his life. In addition to his classical training, he has performed in multiple musical genres. He was part of a jazz and folk band and has performed internationally throughout Europe, South America, and the United States.

He stated that classical music is not as broadly known in his home country as it is in the United States. As an international vocalist, he helps his community in the Bahamas recognize the high value of the level of art that can be experienced abroad. Very well known in his country, Dr. Chiko was named as one of the Bahamas’ 40 Under 40 and was recognized by the US Embassy for disability advocacy in the arts.

When discussing his move into teaching, Dr. Chiko stated, “teaching found me.” In his Masters program, teaching was a requirement of his scholarship, so he had no choice. Luckily, it was something that came natural to him. 

Professionally, he started teaching at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Sante Fe, NM. Dr. Chiko had colleagues who attended IAA, and he said that he was drawn by the level of art IAA was making. He eventually chose Interlochen because of its rich tradition and its openness to exploring new ideas.

Before Dr. Chiko became the individual we know today, his sister became a single mother with daughters who are his everything. Stating “I became a parent before I wanted to be one,” Dr. Chiko stepped up to the plate, teaching them life skills that would help them become good people in the world and that they could later pass on to someone else.

At Interlochen, Dr. Chiko wants his students to know that everything will be ok, that at IAA we are safe to explore our art, our emotions, and our unique ways of life. Outside these walls is the reality of our lives–crime, poverty, people experiencing homelessness, bills, familial responsibilities, etc–and he wants his students' art to do more than just entertain. He poses the question: what else can performing do? 

As a Black, queer, and disabled artist, Dr. Chiko feels as though he can “really see people.” If there's anything he wants people to know, it's that “art and music heals and helps.”