The 17-year-old started playing classical piano at age four.

At age 11, Max picked up his father's double bass and toured Asia and Australia playing in classical orchestras.

Then in 2007 he developed an interest in singing and has performed in numerous local productions, singing solos with choirs and with his band.

A Music Theatre student at the University of Ballarat, he is looking forward to his next adventure — performing at the Talent Development Project's Start Me Up concert.

The concert showcases young Australian talent in a spectacular evening of song and acting as a launch pad for some of the best singers and songrwriters in the industry.

It will be hosted by Alan Jones and John Foreman, with performances by Australia's Got Talent 2009

winner Mark Vincent and much loved cabaret and theatre performer Trevor Ashley.

Donovan will perform a piano piece from the broadway musical The Wild Party.

He was accepted to attend the TDP program after he passed last year's May auditions, beating 300 other hopefuls.

''This course has really helped to up my professionalism and find my love for music theatre,'' he said.

The concert will be held at the Sydney Entertainment Centre.