Jeff Purtle is an internationally recognized trumpet pedagogue, author, and clinician known for his work preserving and teaching the Herbert L. Clarke–Claude Gordon tradition of brass pedagogy through primary source materials and systematic instruction.
A longtime private student and protégé of Claude Gordon, Jeff studied directly with Gordon for more than a decade beginning in 1984 and later completed Gordon’s pedagogy certification. His teaching emphasizes diagnostic instruction, efficient brass playing, tongue-level concepts, breath compression, and long-term technical development.
Jeff is the author of Hit it Hard & Wish it Well: Claude Gordon’s Approach to Trumpet & Brass Playing and has written for The Brass Herald and the International Trumpet Guild Journal. His work has also been cited in doctoral research on Claude Gordon and Herbert L. Clarke.
Jeff has presented masterclasses and clinics internationally and teaches students around the world, including developing players, professional performers, and educators. His students have performed in U.S. military ensembles, regional symphonies, commercial settings, touring productions, and international orchestras.
Learn more about Jeff at https://www.purtle.com
See some YouTube Videos from Jeff…
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How Herbert L. Clarke fixed Claude Gordon’s Trumpet Playing – Part 1 of 4
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Brass Playing Is No Harder Than Deep Breathing Summary
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Getting The Most from Private Lessons
