Lao first began playing the piano at age eight and has since studied with an impressive array of instructors, classical to jazz, in addition to exploring the world of music composition. At 14, he released the first of three elf-produced solo albums As the Eagle Soars. The following year, Arabian Dusk was released. At 17, he released his third solo album, Praeludium, the most diverse of the three. While performing in Denver during September 1996, Lao was discovered by James Ross of Los Angeles-based Pinnacle Artist Management. Several months later, in early 1997, he relocated to Los Angeles to further pursue his musical career. In the latter part of 1997, he was selected by the entertainment talent committee to perform regularly at Universal studios Hollywood-City Walk. Lao has also performed at other prestigious venues throughout Hollywood including the House of Blues, Billboard Live, and Key Club. He was also honored with the opportunity to perform on the very popular Los Angeles-based KTLA Morning News program.

In February 1998, Lao formed The Lao Tizer Band with Jeff Kollman (guitar), Shane Gaalaas (drums), and Christopher Maloney (bass). After several years of composition, arrangement, and performance, Lao finally emerged with his long-awaited first full production studio album, Golden Soul in 2001 (Frat House Records). Golden Soul includes refreshing arrangements with his band and is accented with an impressive list of guest appearances and selected solo piano compositions. Renowned guitarist/producer Chieli Minucci (Special EFX and solo successes including number one smooth jazz hit Dreams in 1998) produced the album. Now at 23, this album marks an important landmark in Lao's progression as an artist.

2001 was the most exciting and eventful year for Lao. In March, Lao opened for Dave Koz to a packed house at the House of Blues, Hollywood. In May, Lao was invited to perform in the 26th annual KIFM San Diego Jazz Festival along side some the biggest names in contemporary jazz. He was also invited to open for Russ Freeman and the Rippingtons in Columbus, Ohio as part of WJZA/WJZK radios' Summer Concert Series and headlined in WZMR's "Night of Rising Stars" show in Albany, New York. In May, Her Poetry, the first single off Golden Soul, was released to radio. In June, Golden Soul was released to stores nationwide. In a matter of months, Lao's name spread through the national jazz radio scene. Over 30 jazz stations played Her Poetry across the country as well as the nationally syndicated radio show Jazz Trax and the single made both The Gavin Top 50 Smooth Jazz Chart and Radio and Records Magazine's "new-and-active" and "most added" list twice each. This radio play gave the Lao his first opportunity at full, nationwide exposure.

The beginning of 2002 has been a promising one for Lao. He was nominated "The Best New Artist of the Year" for the 2002 National Smooth Jazz Awards unfortunately losing to five-time Grammy winner Alicia Keyes. In addition this summer will mark the most exciting one yet as Lao will be visiting many cities across the country. We hope you will be able to catch him and the band on there future travels. As the year winds down look for a new album to be in the works from Lao. These are just a few of the highlights of Lao's young career. We hope that the days to come will offer only more promise for this exciting young artist.