Max Martinkosky

Instruments: Piano, Bass, Guitar

Best Fit For: Students aged 7 to adult; especially those looking to bridge the gap between deep music theory and practical, real-world application on their instrument.

Why we recommend him for music lessons in Bellingham:

Max is a standout educator in the Bellingham music community, offering a unique blend of high-level academic training and grit. A graduate of the Western Washington University Music Department (Class of 2026), he combines 13 years of classical piano training with nearly a decade of experience gigging in local rock bands. This dual perspective allows him to teach the “why” behind the music through theory while ensuring students have the “how-to” skills needed for the stage.

He is a fantastic match for families in neighborhoods like Sunnyland, Columbia, and Lettered Streets. Whether you are a young beginner or an adult looking to master bass lines, Max’s approach mirrors the artistic excellence seen at the Mount Baker Theatre. He excels at helping students in the Whatcom County area understand the mechanics of their instrument, whether they’re aiming for a classical recital or a performance at a local downtown venue.

Specialized Teaching Focus:

• Classical Piano Technique: Leveraging over a decade of formal training to build strong finger independence and sight-reading skills.
• Theory-to-Instrument Application: Helping students understand complex theory and immediately applying it to guitar solos and bass grooves.
• Rock & Modern Performance: Drawing from extensive gigging experience to teach stage presence, timing, and group dynamics.
• Customized Curriculums: Tailoring lessons for students in Fairhaven and Happy Valley to ensure they stay motivated by music they love.

Education & Professional Background:

• BA in Music: Western Washington University (WWU), Class of 2026.
• Classically Trained: 13 years of rigorous piano study.
• Active Performer: 8 years of experience playing guitar and bass in the Bellingham rock scene.

Teaching Style: Max’s lessons are academic yet highly accessible. He is patient and structured, focusing on building a “musical toolkit” for students in the South Hill and Silver Beach areas so they can confidently approach any genre with a professional understanding of the fretboard and keyboard.