Move over, Mozart! San Francisco’s latest musical sensation is about to set the jazz world on fire, and he’s not even old enough to drive.

Ethan Liao, a 15-year-old freshman at University High School, is proving that age is just a number when it comes to musical genius. This wunderkind isn’t just playing music – he’s composing groundbreaking jazz that’s caught the attention of the prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center.

From Family Inspiration to Musical Mastery

Liao’s musical journey began with an unexpected soundtrack: his grandmother’s passionate opera performances in the car. “One of my first memories is listening to my grandma absolutely belting it out,” Liao recalls. While he didn’t always appreciate classical music as a kid, those early exposures planted the seeds of his musical brilliance.

Breaking Barriers During a Pandemic

While most kids were binging Netflix during lockdown, Liao was composing. At just ten years old, he started experimenting with musical composition, turning pandemic boredom into an incredible artistic breakthrough. His award-winning piece “By Candlelight” emerged from hours of musical improvisation, transforming a casual creative moment into a national competition winner.

A Rising Star in the Making

Now, Liao is set to have his composition performed by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra - a feat most musicians spend decades dreaming about. His advice to aspiring composers? “It’s not as scary as it sounds. You have a lot of freedom, you can put in whatever notes you want”.

This San Francisco native is living proof that talent knows no age limit, and the future of jazz is looking brighter (and younger) than ever. Keep an eye on Ethan Liao - he’s just getting started.