Ethan Liao, a 15-year-old San Francisco native, has already made a name for himself in the music industry, performing at Carnegie Hall and winning the Jazz at Lincoln Center’s national student composition and arranging contest. But what inspired him to take up music, and how has he been able to achieve such success at such a young age?
Early Exposure to Music
Ethan’s love for music began at a very young age. He recalls listening to his grandmother sing opera in the car, and being exposed to classical music by his parents. He started playing the piano at three years old, and had a classical piano teacher by the time he was five.
- He developed a more intensive interest in composing music for a full band during his spare time in the pandemic, at the age of ten.
- His first composition was created by improvising and eventually leading to his teacher telling him to write it down.
“One of my first memories, and my first memory about music, is listening to my grandma sing opera in the car,” Ethan says. “She’s an amateur opera singer. And so she was practicing one of her songs in the car and absolutely belting it. That’s one of my first memories.”
Award-Winning Composition
Ethan’s award-winning composition, “By Candlelight,” was originally written for a full piano and has since been adapted for a full band. The song was a challenge for Ethan, as he was new to composing for large ensembles.
- He found the process of composing to be a fun and creative experience, with many opportunities for freedom and experimentation.
- The key to success lay in trying new things and being open to feedback and guidance from his mentors.
“It really was a process of elimination, during the writing and also during my time listening and participating as a player in the band, what really worked and what didn’t,” Ethan explains. “For anyone else who’s trying to compose for a big band, it’s not as scary as it sounds. It’s actually really fun. You have a lot of freedom, you can put in whatever notes you want.”
University High School Music Program
Ethan credits his success to the University High School music program, which has provided him with a supportive and talented community of musicians.
- The program has helped Ethan to develop his skills as a composer and performer, and has given him the opportunity to work with experienced mentors and perform with other talented musicians.
- He has expressed his gratitude for the program’s guidance and support, stating that he couldn’t have achieved his success without it.
“San Francisco University High School (UHS) has an amazing music program, especially for jazz musicians,” Ethan says. “When I was considering schools, I knew I wanted to be in a place where I could be surrounded by people who loved both jazz and orchestral music.”
Performances and Appearances
Ethan will be performing his composition “By Candlelight” at Lincoln Center in May, as part of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s national student composition and arranging contest.
- He will also be performing at Bayview’s Old Skool Cafe on April 25, with other University High School music program students.
- These performances will give fans the opportunity to hear Ethan’s music and experience the talents of other young musicians in the program.
“I’m very fortunate to be able to play there with some of my fellow musicians from UHS,” Ethan says. “If you want to listen to me and my fellow musicians play some pretty fun jazz music that we all enjoy playing, you should come to the Old Skool Cafe.”
Conclusion
Ethan Liao’s journey to Carnegie Hall is a testament to the power of early exposure to music and the importance of supportive mentors and communities.
As a 15-year-old composer and performer, Ethan is an inspiration to young musicians everywhere, and his success is a reminder that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear Ethan perform his composition “By Candlelight” at the Old Skool Cafe on April 25, or watch him perform at Lincoln Center in May.
With his unique blend of classical and jazz influences, Ethan Liao is sure to captivate audiences with his music.
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