Max’s musical journey began at age 12 when he started taking guitar lessons in Colorado Springs, quickly developing a deep passion for every genre from pop to jazz to metal. His talent earned him admission to the prestigious Berklee College of Music, but he chose to pursue a different path due to the high cost.

Instead, Max moved to Austin, Texas (because it wasn’t LA or Nashville) with a vague plan to “make it”. There, he played in various bands and began teaching 30 students per week at Strum Music School, sharing his knowledge with students while gaining valuable experience as a performer.

During his time in Austin, Max launched the HappyBanjoDude YouTube channel after buying a banjo on a whim. The channel soon became a popular resource for banjo players worldwide and is now the most popular banjo tabs website on the internet.

After some time (and because Texas), Max returned to Colorado, where he shifted his focus to learning music production. This new pursuit allowed him to blend his traditional music skills with modern techniques, expanding his creative horizons.

Today, Max continues to teach a range of instruments, including guitar, bass, ukulele, and banjo, while also offering lessons in music production. His journey reflects his passion for music and his dedication to sharing that passion with others, both through his teaching and his online presence.