Young & Emerging Leaders Forum Spotlight: Chrysa Kovach

YELF is jointly hosted by Creative Generation (CG) and the International Teaching Artist Collaborative (ITAC) to bring together and recognize young practitioners from across the field fostering a collaborative learning environment based in critical reflection intended to interrogate, mutually share and learn, and radically reimagine future possibilities for one’s work.

Chrysa Kovach is a community music facilitator who loves helping others start or continue their musical journeys. Whether it is through teaching or through grant writing, she is always looking for ways to make music education accessible for everyone.

Chrysa currently serves as the Principal Guest Conductor of the Music City Brass Ensemble. She is also the founder and past music director of the W.O. Smith Community Orchestra, a volunteer ensemble dedicated to presenting educational concerts and collaborating with local composers in Nashville, TN.

Chrysa has performed as a flutist with the CALLA Quintet, Santa Monica Symphony, and the Vicente Chamber Orchestra and is a former member of the Orchesterverein in Vienna, Austria. She holds a master's degree in Community Music and graduate certificate in Arts Leadership from the University of Southern California and a bachelor's degree in Musical Arts (Flute) and Spanish from Vanderbilt University.

How do you personally define leadership?

Leadership is an individual's special recipe of interpersonal skills that guide a group to achieve a mutual goal. As with any recipe, ingredients might be adjusted depending on the situation, and that adaptability is crucial to lead well.

What is a driving question you have?

I often wonder if (in arts administration) we'll be in a permanent state of improvement, working towards broad goals but never completely achieving them. Because so much of my work is shaped by the "fixer" mentality of US nonprofit organizations, I also wonder, are we brave enough to take actions that would eventually make our organization unnecessary?

What titles/terms do you like to use to describe your work?

I use community music facilitator the most, but I can also use teaching artist and arts administrator to describe other aspects of my work.

What is something (in your own work) you are particularly proud of and why?

My research partner and I recently had an article accepted for publication in the International Journal of Community Music. It's a music and wellness study that we did with the members of the Cochlear Implant Music Hour. We've co-facilitated the group since 2020 and are excited that this special community will be highlighted on an international level.

What makes you excited to work at the intersection of the fields of Arts, Cultural & Education?

The work I do requires mostly in-the-moment and forward thinking, building on what's come before but not letting the past shackle the future. I appreciate the momentum of it, which keeps me energized and present.

What is one change you would like to see made in our field?

Consistent funding for the arts

If you had a superpower, what would it be and why?

The power to make food appear out of thin air. Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about cultures, be in fellowship with others, share stories, and have difficult conversations. More importantly, I bet a lot of supervillains are hangry and would back off world domination plans if the food was amazing enough.