Online Trumpet Lessons

To Jeff - A fine student and player ---My Best for your success.

Sincerely,

Claude Gordon
Hollywood, California
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 I started playing the trumpet when I was very young, but I always had problems with my embouchure, and lips. I stopped playing the trumpet at age 24 after, while playing in a band, hit the trumpet player in front of me causing a blow to the lip.

When I went to Canada, I was in a music store looking for some books and the words "BRASS PLAYING IS NO HARDER THAN DEEP BREATHING" caught my attention and I was very excited.

My thought was: “Can I finally play again?” "Easier?" I asked if they had more books by this author (Claude Gordon) in the store and they had the “SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO DAILY PRACTICE”.

That is when I started studying trumpet again. I read carefully what C.G. said in the book “HOW TO PRACTICE AND WHAT TO PRACTICE”.

In 2005 I met Jeff and we talked about having lessons. I told him I was Portuguese but was living in Canada at the time . I came back to Portugal and started playing professionally.

After 11 months of studying with Jeff, I played for the first time my TRIPLE C.

Now I play more comfortably, with more endurance, and easier, more power too. This is awesome. Anyone can do it. Thanks Jeff for helping me.

SERGIO FRADE
Freelancer Musician and Lead Trumpet player.
PORTUGAL
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Playing trumpet has always been difficult for me.  No matter how much time I put in, no matter how clear my concept of sound, no matter what I tried, playing never became "easy" or "natural."  After joining the Army as a musician, I started studying with Jeff.  After less than a year of study, my playing has become radically different.  My high range isn't higher, but it's more controlled, and it is no longer forced.  My sound has improved leaps and bounds.  My overall technical prowess has improved to the point that old solos that used to give me fits are easy. Finally, though I don't have the practice time that I did as a performance major, my  playing continues to improve. If Jeff's teachings have made such a difference in my playing, then anyone else will easily be able to become a great player following his instruction.  I wouldn't be able to do my job without studying with Jeff!

Matthew Miller
113th Army Band
United States Army
Fort Knox, Kentucky

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I am so glad you are carrying on the traditions of Claude Gordon's teachings.

Also, listen to Frank Kaderabek's kind testimonial about my website.

Frank Kaderabek
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Curtis Institute Of Music - Trumpet Professor
Principal Trumpet - The Philadelphia Orchestra
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Jeff Purtle is a very accomplished and dedicated trumpet player.  I have known him for over ten years and highly recommend him as a teacher and performer.

Andrew Balent
Sounds Spectacular Band Method Series
Carl Fischer Publications
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I began studying with Jeff out of desperation.  I was studying jazz trumpet at the master’s level and simply could not perform like I needed to.  Jeff assured me that trumpet playing was not that hard and I must say he turned out to be right. After a few months I began to realize that tongue level and airflow were far more important than embouchure and I began having “good days” regularly.  After a few more months of lessons I began getting compliments from my professors and fellow students saying my playing had really opened up.  I now enjoy playing the trumpet easily everyday.  Thank you, Jeff.

Jonas Butler

Graduate Assistant and Masters of Music in Jazz Trumpet
University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky
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I've been extremely happy to find a great teacher in Jeff.  Also very lucky: there aren’t any advanced teachers of trumpet in my area. Jeff really knows the software to make this happen on line. He’s a true explorer and expert in this new way of teaching.  Our lessons have made a terrific difference in my daily routine, and my overall relation with the trumpet.

Which I cherish. I’m an English prof with a very busy job and a deep and abiding love for this beautiful hobby of making music with the horn. I started really late—the trumpet was my “mid life crisis.” After the initial interview and one lesson, Jeff figured out the exact combination of Claude Gordon books, Arbans, and his own stash of pdf files for my exact needs and abilities.  I would recommend him, and this way of doing it, to anyone.

Dave Stacey
Professor of English
Humboldt State University
Arcata, California

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I met Jeff online while doing research for a paper I was preparing for a class on Technology in Music at George Mason University.  My topic was online music lessons and I decided to contact Jeff after seeing his fine website.  Jeff was pleased to give me a lengthy interview.  Better still,  Jeff arranged for me to have an iChat with him and one of his more advanced students.  And best of all, I got to “listen in” on a portion of the actual lesson.   That few minutes of viewing the lesson in progress was worth the rest of my research combined.  I can state emphatically that technology has reached the state where online lessons, especially lessons with as qualified and helpful a teacher as Jeff, are clearly a choice for any serious student.  (And I got an A on the paper!)

Carlton Howard
Fairfax, Virginia
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When I learned that Jeff was a long-time student of Claude Gordon, I was excited to both hire him to teach my students and take lessons myself.  The opportunity to tap into the pedagogy of Gordon's in a direct manner has proven a valuable enhancement to my own teaching and brass performance.

Dr. David Stern
Anderson University - Director of Instrumental Music Activities
Anderson, South Carolina
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Jeff Purtle has raised conscoiusness about the trumpet and its pedagogy throught the upstate. He is a fine player and an excellent communicator. He offered a masterclass at Furman University on the playing principals of Claude Gordon--it was well-received and all the students were impressed with Jeff as a player and teacher. Jeff has made a significant contributon to trumpet playing and teaching in this state. Personable and engaging, Jeff has really envirogated the musical scene in Greenville--there are few brass players in the state who aren't aware of his influence on the craft.

Dr. Gary Malvern
Furman University - Trumpet Professor
South Carolina Governor's School for Arts and Humanities - Trumpet Instructor
Principal Trumpet of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra
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Jeff's 10 year relationship with Claude Gordon is something that most of us on the East Coast cannot draw on, and his visits to my brass pedagogy class have brought helpful exposure to Claude's teaching that my students otherwise would not have had.

Dr. Bruce Cox
Bob Jones University - Trumpet Professor
Spartanburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Greenville, South Carolina
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After 30 years of playing the trumpet, including several years of study at a very fine Conservatorium in my youth, and even having managed to make bit of a living out of performing during different periods in my life, I was never able to fully realize my aspirations as a trumpet player. Limitations in range, endurance, articulation and speed seemed insurmountable, even with extended periods of arduous practice.

When I began to read about the teachings of (Herbert Clarke and) Claude Gordon, it resonated so strongly with me that I knew I had found a way to finally realize my unfulfilled dreams.

When Patty Gordon put me in touch with Jeff Purtle, I was elated to have access to an expert specialist teacher, but wondered how effective video chat lessons could possibly be. Living tens of thousands of miles from the nearest Claude Gordon certified teacher, literally half a world away, I knew this would be my only chance without travelling from Australia to the U.S.

To my great delight, not only has the on line video chat lesson format proved completely effective and satisfying, but it actually seems to work better than face to face lessons often do. Jeff has a way of redirecting attention to the things that count, and saving the student countless wasted hours of thinking about the stuff that has "very little to do with it". Jeff's reinforcement of the philosophies of Clarke and Gordon has helped me maintain a clear focus and direction, and has given me a feeling of being part of an enduring tradition.

After six months of lessons my playing has been transformed in ways I could not have anticipated. It is very clear to me now, that my ultimate success is just a matter of time. Every couple of days I notice something new, something improved, something becoming easier. I am grateful to Jeff's work continuing Claude Gordon's legacy and for making it possible for me to learn from such a great distance.

Brett Loretz
Queensland, Australia
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When I started lessons with Jeff, my goal was to find a thoughtful and purposeful practice routine that would help bring my playing into balance.  Four months later, Jeff's tutelage has helped propelled my playing to heights I honestly didn't think were possible.  My sound is much fuller and more resonant, my chops are quick to respond in all registers and dynamics, my endurance can now carry me through those grueling 2 hour gigs, and I've started to slot notes well past high G.  Jeff's intelligent and personalized approach includes a new routine following each and every lesson that weaves Claude Gordon's methods together for each player's benefit.  For me, the result has been enormous strides in playing efficiency, meaning that my focus can be more and more on making music, rather than simply hitting notes.  The notes now come to me, rather than vice versa.

I've tried many different methods, and several have brought success.  But my time taking lessons with Jeff has marked the single most productive period I have ever experienced with the horn.  In fact, studying with Jeff is the closest thing I've found to realizing "the secret" to strong trumpet playing!  So now the secret's out:  Do yourself a favor, and give Jeff a call.

Gary Latham
Austin, Texas
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Thank you Jeff for showing me the way of a more consistent trumpet playing.

Leo Palese
Atlanta, Georgia
The Unusual Suspects Atlanta
Sentimental Journey Orchestra
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Before lessons with Jeff, my practice was pretty random at best and I found that I wouldn't improve much from week to week. With the systematic approach and fundamentals focused practice, I find myself looking forward to practice each day and seeing improvements daily. Not only that, but I feel good at the start and end of practice. It used to be that I would be worn down by the end of practice where it would even affect the next day. The routines really reinforce each other and create a solid foundation including endurance and range. This has given me much greater confidence in my playing and performing. It's a great feeling to not have to worry before a gig whether I'll "have any lip left" at the end. I'm sure anyone would benefit from lessons with Jeff.

Jeff Ward
Washington, DC
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As a comeback player, Jeff Purtle's teachings have been extraordinarily helpful. Within six months (after an eighteen year break from playing) I was playing in local community bands. Within eighteen months I was invited to play with the local community orchestra and got my first paying gig the same week!

KTM has my multiple tonguing faster and more accurate than it ever was in school. The practice assignments are so varied that I'm never bored in the practice room. In fact, I get cranky if I have to miss a day or even shorten a session.

The Claude Gordon method is at once very specific and very flexible, but is never presented in a pedantic fashion. And who better to study with than the guy who studied with the guy who studied under Herbert L. Clarke?!

When I ask Jeff about a specific problem with my playing he subtly modifies my practice routine to deal with the shortcoming and it usually shows improvement within a week and sometimes improves immediately.

I look forward to a long life of trumpet playing and Jeff has given me a strong base from which to grow and I recommend him to players of all ability levels.

Mark Alkire
Greenville, South Carolina
Foothills Philharmonic
Anderson Symphony Orchestra
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I came to Jeff in the summer 2007 with some pretty serious chop problems going on. I had bruised myself on a gig, and just couldn’t overcome the injury by myself. Through Jeff’s online lessons, and his willingness to answer questions at any given moment, I was back to playing again in a little over a month (just in time for me to go out on a cruise ship! Thanks again for that Jeff). I highly recommend Jeff’s online lesson program to anyone of any playing level. I know that through his guidance, and the commitment to the Gordon routine, I will continue to develop as a musician.

Mike Sailors
Lansing, Michigan
Jazz Trumpet Graduate Assistant at Michigan State University
Coordinator of East Lansing Community Music School Jazz Orchestra
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As a comeback player, I was interested in exploring different methods than I had previously studied. Over the last 6 months, weekly online lessons with Jeff guiding me through Claude Gordon’s method has allowed me to do this. All aspects of my playing have improved, especially endurance and articulation. The Claude Gordon studies have become an integral part of my daily routine that perfectly complements my other practice and performance material. Online studies work for me and I would encourage anyone interested in checking out the Claude Gordon approach to contact Jeff and give it a try. Thanks, Jeff!

Gregory Curry
Jacksonville, Florida
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When I started chemotheraphy eigth months ago I thought my trumpet days were over for a while. But I was wrong. Not only was I able to perform in various situation but my playing and sound progressed. Ofcourse there were many bad days because of the medicine but know how and what to pratice. When I look back over the eight months I see that I have never performed so often and in so various fields including, symphonic orchestra, wood and brasswind bands, jazz quintett , funk groups, rock groups, weddings, brass quintets and the list goes on for a while. I owe very much to my teachers but the most I owe Mr.Purtle. Under his tution and modified routines I would never have been able to do this.

Johannes Porleikson
Reykjavík, Iceland
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Jeff Purtle’s live video lessons are empowering my trumpet comeback. His easy-to-use internet technology provides a real-time, personalized session for me each week, no matter where I travel. Jeff’s proven methodology and relaxed coaching style have reignited my passion after a 35 year layoff. Thanks to Purtle.com, an ‘ole dog’ can still enjoy learning many new tricks!

Mike Hottinger
Nashville, Tennessee
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I had been searching for a teacher for four years before finding Jeff. I admit to being initially intrigued by the technology, the luxury of having my lesson in my own office, online. After only a few lessons, I began to see the improvement in my skills as the result of Jeff’s systematic approach to learning. His clear communication made everything understandable and his respect for my efforts reinforcing when I flagged.
We’ve been working together almost a year now and I have become a better and more confident player. Jeff is a rare combination: an active player who is also a skilled educator. While I know I have a lot more to learn, I know I am in good hands.

Dr. Pam Munter
Palm Desert, California
www.pammunter.com
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As a busy player, I have always struggled to fit in the time to get coaching on a regular basis (especially on the road).

Jeff Purtle’s online lessons have solved that problem for me. But that’s not all. Jeff is knowledgeable and reliable in sharing the practice and playing method he learned from Claude Gordon.

In the 8 months I have studied with Jeff online, his methods have been key to my getting through some very demanding shows with confidence and endurance to spare.

I heartily recommend Jeff Purtle’s online lessons, and Jeff Purtle as a trumpet teacher.
Sincerely,

Shawn Hines
Boston, Massachusetts
www.shawnhines.com
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I just want to thank you again for imparting some of your knowledge and expertise my way. Since taking lessons from you via the Web, I was able to play my very first "DOUBLE C" and conversely my first "Double Pedal C". When I get those notes perfected, that will give me an effective range of 5 OCTAVES!! WOW.. Never in my life have I ever had anyone explain to me how to play those notes and build good technique along the way.

I first started playing trumpet when I was 8 or 9 years old. My first teacher told me that Maynard Ferguson , Cat Anderson, Roy Eldridge, and other high note players were all freaks of nature and that they used trick mouthpieces and other phony techniques to get those ranges and it was not an acceptable range or method. I wish I had a mentor like you then. I would probably be playing a lot better with great range and stamina.

There may be other techniques that help achieve the progress I have had in the past 6 months but the Claude Gordon Method and your instruction has helped me tremendously. Even other members of the 4 or 5 Big Bands and Jazz Combos I play in around Atlanta have made comments that my taking lessons from you has improved my reading, range, technique, and tone.. Would not be enjoying playing trumpet as much as I do if I had not regained most of skills I had 25 years ago without your help. Definitely my range is getting to be a very consistent F / G range and occasionally an A above high C.

I look forward to playing better , higher, more consistently, better quality of sound, and just enjoying myself immensely. Thanks again.

Bob Wright
Atlanta, Georgia
Former radio host for KKGO (Los Angeles-all jazz)
The Unusual Suspects Atlanta
Sentimental Jazz Orchestra
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I started playing trumpet at 11 years old, taking private lessons for about 3 years but always used too much pressure and high notes never came easily. High C was my limit and not very strong. In the 70's-damaged my lip by too much pressure trying for high notes and didn't play for 20 years. Started back in 1998. Tried different embouchures - even drove to Staten Island for a three hour lesson with Jerome Callet. Tried that embourchure for 1.5 years - no good. Finally saw an article in the newspaper and started taking from Jeff Purtle last August 2006. I'm not where I want to be yet, but have made alot of progress. Am playing more relaxed and things seem 100% better. Jeff is an excellent teacher and has alot of insight about brass playing. Even if you're just playing for enjoyment, I'm sure you'd find it worthwhile to give Jeff a call.

Bob Stratton
Greenville, South Carolina
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I would like to recommend Jeff for anyone in the Carolina region interested in learning the Claude Gordon approach to playing the trumpet. I came to him last year with some emboucher problems, and his clear teaching and assignments helped out tremendously. I play much more relaxed now than I did a year ago. My only regret is that I had to stop lessons for financial and family reasons. But I still continue through the books. My goal was not just to increase range, but while doing the exercises as instructed, my range has increased from a good F above high C to a solid Double High C. I am able to play an E above Double High C on some days. He also helped me in my search for a CG Selmer.

Jim Lynch
Greer, South Carolina
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I have been invited to join three bands over the last couple weeks! I'm now good enough to get invites! And your instruction was key! Thank you for the help and the valuable insights into setting up a routine.

Best wishes! Thanks again!

John Wilkinson (aka Johnny Austin)
Austin Trumpet Company
www.austintrumpetcompany.com

 

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Just a quick note to say I visited your web-site this week and really enjoyed 
the various articles, particularly your insight into the teachings of Claude 
Gordon. I'm coming back to trumpet after a 15 year break and have taken up 
Claude's "Systematic Approach To Daily Practice" as the central area of focus. 
As a result, I'm always on the look-out for information from people that 
studied under Claude to provide further insight beyond the information printed 
in his books. The info you presented was very thorough and well written.
Best of Luck.

Dan Emberley
Shoreview, Minnosotta
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Your articles are great and to the point, which of course will cause great
controversy in the internet trumpet community!

Eric Bolvin
San Francisco, California
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This is Charles Koelsch, music director at WMUU radio and host/producer of "Carolina Concerts" on the South Carolina Educational Radio Network. It gives me great pleasure to recommend Jeff and MaryAllyeB Purtle for special musical events. Jeff played in my daughter's wedding several years ago and did a splendid job. He is an accomplished musician with excellent taste. I've known Mary AllyeB for many years, since she grew up in our church. I've seen her develop into a first-rate oboist, one who plays with assurance and lovely tone. She has always taken a leadership role in musical activities and is very gifted in teaching others to be fine musicians. Together, Jeff and Mary AllyeB make a wonderful musical team.

Charles Koelsch
Greenville, South Carolina
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Just a note to let you know how much of a blessing your web site is to me at 
the moment. Its a really wonderful resource.
Yours sincerely,

Greg Wright
Malvern, UK
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Just wanted to tell you what a great site you have.
Very good articles, etc.
Best wishes,

Ole J. Utnes
Vestfold, Norway

Trumpet Professor - Vestfold University College
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Wow! Your site looks great! I was fascinated to see that you included
information on the changes in Clarke's Technical Studies. I have been quite annoyed
with the changes, and I had started working on a similar page. I'm just going to
link to yours instead!

Dr. Jim Buckner
Henderson State University - Music Department Chair and Trumpet Professor
Arkadelphia, Arkansas
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"Jeff Purtle has done an unbelievable favour to all the trumpeters in the 
world by preserving the teaching of great masters as Claude Gordon and 
Herbert L. Clarke and deciding to share it with us through his 
interesting website. Thanks to Jeff for his high contribution to the 
trumpeters' community".

Andrea Tofanelli
Italy
Italian Trumpet Virtuoso
www.andreatofanelli.com
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I think you've provided quite a resource to the trumpet playing community. Good work.
Nice site. Lots of good info!

Dr. Stephen K. Bottom
Columbia, Missouri
Assistant Professor of Trumpet - University of Missouri
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I must say that utilizing the tongue arch has really been of infinite value. I have been way too lip concious all my playing life. Once one learns to use the air and tongue the lip takes less abuse and becomes more elastic. Your advice, Clarke, and Gordon were right on!!!
All the best,

Michael Cape
Georgia
Augusta Symphony
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I came across your site and enjoyed what I saw.
The Claude Gordon method really changed the way I play for the better!
Thank you,

Rodney Lancaster
New York, New York
www.rodneylancaster.com
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"It's great that Jeff is passing on the wealth of knowledge from Claude
Gordon. I attended some of Claude's camps in the early 80's and am currently
studying with Jeff. All I can say is about this method is that if you apply
yourself and do the work, every aspect of your playing will improve and
become easy. It WORKS!!!"

Joe Herlong
Rock Hill, South Carolina
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You have a great website -- full of interesting and informative content about Claude Gordon. The layout and navigation is superior, and it fills a void in information about Claude Gordon.

David Bilger
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Curtis Institute of Music - Trumpet Professor
Principal Trumpet - The Philadelphia Orchestra
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Being a band director in the midwest, online lessons with Jeff are a blessing.

David Pepin
Center Point, Iowa
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... a fantastic website dedicated to the teaching of Claude Gordon.

Michael Anderson
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
International Trumpet Guild
Oklahoma City University
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I find that the online system developed by Jeff Purtle allows me to keep up my chops and do lessons just about from anywhere.

Blake D.
San Francisco, California
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What Jeff Purtle offers is what to practice and how to practice in order to become a well-rounded strong trumpet player.

Bobby Gentry
Atlanta, Georgia
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Jeff's experience with the Gordon approach and guidance in it's has proved it's worth to me.

Marshall Milton
Wilmington, North Carolina
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Jeff, Your tip about tonguing with the tip on the bottom teeth made and incredible difference for me..I wanted to thank you again!!

Master Sergeant Steve Watkins - Music Director and Trumpet
United States Air Force Band Of The West
Lackland Air Force Base
San Antonio, Texas
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Though I live hundreds of miles away, your online lessons give me chance to become a great trumpet player!!

Winston Shaw
Kingston, Jamaica
West Indies
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It's been a year since I started taking lessons from you.  I just wanted to say thanks.  Playing the cornet has changed my life in many positive ways.  Simply having a daily routine where I know I accomplish a little bit every day means a lot to me.  Not to mention the friends I've made in the local community band.

I'm happy with where I am after a year.  I play better now than I ever did in school.  I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish over the next year.

Adam Sickmiller
Silverton, Colorado

© 2003, Jeff Purtle