Dr. Ty Chiko

Music Department Chair

tchiko@chicagoartsacademy.org

Originally from the Islands of The Bahamas, Dr. Ty Chiko has been an international performance artist, visual artist, entrepreneur, and disability advocate for over two decades. He has received national recognition from the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas, along with the Bahamas Independence Committee for his contributions to the arts, and is listed as one of the country's Top 40 Under 40.

Most recently, Ty served as Director of Vocal Music & Instructor of Voice at Interlochen Center for the Arts, where he utilized his skills to help young musicians foster their own love for the arts.

As someone who is passionate about Social Justice, Ty leverages the power of music and art as tools for community building, advocacy and social change, focusing on promoting inclusivity, accessibility, and equity for people with disabilities, youth, and older adults. His writings on Disability Inclusivity have been published in the Oregon Humanities and in an Open Access Resource for Music Educators in partnership with Bowling Green State University College of Music.

He also served as inaugural Musician-in-Residence Coordinator at Mirabella at ASU Senior Living Community, winning awards for innovation from both the Mather Institute and Leadingage Arizona. For over 7 years, Ty has volunteered as a lead camp counselor for the Amputee Coalition of America Paddy Rossbach Summer Youth Camp.

As a performer, Ty has been an active soloist and appeared on albums, recordings, news stations, magazines, and podcasts, including collaborations with State Farm and The Players Tribune, and National Public Radio (NPR), 

Ty is thrilled to be joining the community at Chicago Academy for the Arts and looks forward to bringing his skillsets to a place that is filled with culture, history and a love for the arts.