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In this episode of Discovering 615, Rob Thacker sits down with Carter Wells, a 16-year-old jazz pianist and composer from Middle Tennessee whose talent is turning heads.

Carter shares his musical journey starting in classical piano, how composers like Bach shaped his foundation, and what led him to fall in love with jazz and improvisation.

The episode features live piano moments, including a fun challenge where Carter is given emotions like sad, happy, and angry — and immediately improvises music to match each feeling.

We also talk about:

• Transitioning from classical music to jazz
• Playing by ear vs. reading music
• Musical influences and inspiration
• If he could play with any musician (past or present), who he’d choose
• What the future holds for him as a young artist

🎹 This episode is part conversation, part performance — and a glimpse into a remarkable young musician at the beginning of his journey.