Joel Purnell

Joel Purnell is a Principal Lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire, where he has served for over 25 years, and has lectured at Durham and York Universities. As an internationally recognized saxophonist, he is a leading figure in contemporary jazz, combining virtuosic technique with emotive expression. His roles include performer, educator, and consultant for saxophone design innovation.

Education: Joel graduated from Leeds College of Music in 1996. His career began with touring in the West End show "The Official Tribute to The Blues Brothers" and collaborations with artists like Ronnie Bottomley, leading to influential groups such as "Muévase" and "The Joel Purnell Quartet" (2008–2015), which produced the acclaimed album "Red Shift".

Research Interests: Specializing in saxophone technique, jazz improvisation, harmony, and performance, Purnell explores mathematical and geometric properties of musical structures. His consultancy work with manufacturers advances instrument design. He leads Sax School Online, a global education platform, and provides masterclasses and private tuition.

• Nominated for "Jazz Educator of the Year" (2011)
• Nominated for "Teaching Excellence Awards" (2018)

Advising and Grants: Purnell has mentored numerous UK jazz musicians, emphasizing hands-on guidance and fostering creativity. His educational initiatives include content creation and masterclass leadership. No specific grants are mentioned in the texts, but his research collaborations suggest potential involvement in innovation projects.

Labs and Teams: He co-founded "The Joel Purnell Quartet", a critically acclaimed ensemble, and oversees Sax School Online. His creative work spans decades, with collaborations in Latin Jazz, post-bop, and cross-genre projects. Current ventures include developing an educational YouTube channel.