Purtle Brass Conference - 2010
Purtle Brass Conference 2010
The 2010 Purtle Brass Conference marked the beginning of a unique approach to brass pedagogy—bringing together world-class performers, teachers, and real-world professionals to share practical knowledge about playing, practicing, and building a sustainable music career.
Unlike traditional conferences, the focus was not just performance, but the complete development of the musician: sound production, efficiency, career strategy, and long-term success.
Key Sessions & Topics
- Claude Gordon’s teachings and how to apply them effectively
- Fluoroscopic research on tongue function in brass playing
- Lessons from orchestral performance careers
- Brass instrument design and construction
- Practice routines and system building
- The business side of music performance
Featured Artists & Presenters
Susan Slaughter – Principal Trumpet, St. Louis Symphony
The first woman to become principal trumpet of a major symphony orchestra, Susan Slaughter brought decades of orchestral experience and leadership in brass performance and education.
Harry Kim – International Touring Artist (Phil Collins, Earth Wind & Fire)
A leading commercial trumpet player, Harry Kim shared insights into real-world performance, touring, and building a sustainable career in music.
Joe Marcinkiewicz – Brass Instrument Designer
A master craftsman and designer, Marcinkiewicz provided a rare inside look into how brass instruments and mouthpieces are designed and built.
Dr. Keith Amstutz – Trumpet Pedagogy Researcher
Known for groundbreaking fluoroscopic research on brass playing mechanics, Dr. Amstutz presented one of the most detailed scientific perspectives on trumpet performance.
Monarch Brass Quintet
An elite ensemble of leading female brass performers, presenting both performance and educational sessions.
Why This Conference Matters
The Purtle Brass Conference was designed to fill a major gap in music education:
- Connecting pedagogy with real-world performance
- Teaching how to build a career, not just play well
- Providing direct access to top-level professionals
This approach continues through the video archive, where these lessons remain relevant for serious musicians today.
Reviews & Coverage
- The Brass Herald Review
- International Trumpet Guild Coverage
- OnlineVideo.net Feature
- Telestream Case Study
Explore the Conference Videos
Below are selected sessions and masterclasses from the 2010 conference.