Mark Weathers

Hi! My name is Mark Weathers, though my students call me Mr. Mark. I started formal piano lessons at age 10, but I was already playing around on the piano by the time I was 7. One of my earliest musical memories is teaching other kids how to play “Heart and Soul”—sharing music has always been at the heart of what I love. I’ve been teaching music full-time for nearly a decade, and I currently offer private lessons in piano and music theory, tailored to each student’s goals and learning style. Teaching has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I plan to continue doing it for as long as I can. I’m also actively involved in the music education community: I serve as the chair of my local piano festival competition and organize regular meetings for local piano teachers to connect and collaborate. I am a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music (NCTM) in Piano through MTNA, a distinction held by fewer than 20 teachers in my state. I hold a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Oregon, where I studied with Dr. Alexander Dossin. I work with students from beginner to early advanced levels and also prepare students for college auditions and RCM exams. My teaching philosophy is simple: music is for everyone, and anyone can learn it. While my training is classical, I welcome student input and love helping students explore a variety of styles—from pop and blues to jazz and classical. I’m a lifelong Alaskan and proud to call this beautiful state home. A fun fact: I lived in the Philippines for two years, where half of my family is from. When I’m not teaching, you’ll usually find me spending time with family, swimming in the lake, painting, or enjoying the outdoors. One of my goals is to visit all 50 states—and to road trip through Canada along the way!

I take a well-rounded approach to teaching, incorporating ear training, sight-reading, theory, and aural skills into lessons. My focus is on building a strong foundation through classical literature.