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Hi! I am Steve Neff

I have been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for the last 30+ years. I love teaching and anything to do with the saxophone. I hope you find this website helpful in your musical journey. Thanks, Steve

Steve

About Steve

Steve Neff has been playing and teaching saxophone and jazz improvisation around the New England area for over 30 years. He is the author of many best selling jazz improvisation methods as well as founding the popular jazz video lesson site Neffmusic.com.

Otto Link Super Tone Master Florida V Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

June 15, 2025 by Steve 17 Comments

Today, I am excited to be reviewing the new 5th generation Otto Link Super Tone Master Florida V tenor saxophone mouthpiece by JJ Babbitt. Those who know, know there is nothing better than playing a killer Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece!   Let’s see if this new Otto Link Florida V Super Tone Master tenor saxophone […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Florida V, JJ Babbitt, otto link, review, sax mouthpiece, Super Tone Master, tenor saxophone

Theo Wanne Essentials Jazz 7* Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

May 5, 2025 by Steve 2 Comments

Today, I will be reviewing the Theo Wanne Essentials Jazz 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece from the new Theo Wanne Essentials collection of saxophone mouthpieces that was released in the fall of 2024.  I recently posted a review of some of the other Theo Wanne Essentials saxophone mouthpieces so if you want to check out any […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Essentials, Jazz model, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone, Theo Wanne

Otto Link Super Tone Master V 7* Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

May 3, 2025 by Steve 32 Comments

Today, I am excited to be reviewing the new 5th generation Otto Link Super Tone Master V 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece by JJ Babbitt.  Those who know, know there is nothing better than a killer Otto Link tenor saxophone mouthpiece!   Let’s see if this Otto Link V tenor sax mouthpiece fits in that category…… Otto […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 5th generation, otto link, review, sax mouthpiece, Super Tone Master, tenor saxophone, V Model

SYOS Gabi Rose Signature Series Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

April 12, 2025 by Steve 3 Comments

Today, I am reviewing another tenor saxophone mouthpiece from SYOS mouthpieces in France.  This is the SYOS Gabi Rose signature model 8* deep purple tenor saxophone mouthpiece I will be reviewing. SYOS Gabi Rose Signature Series 8* Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece The SYOS company hit the saxophone mouthpiece scene a few years ago and immediately caught […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Gabi Rose, mouthpiece, review, Signature Model, SYOS, tenor saxophone

Selmer Jazz Tribute 7* Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

April 5, 2025 by Steve 9 Comments

Today, I am excited to be reviewing the new Selmer Jazz Tribute 7* tenor saxophone mouthpiece released by Selmer Paris a few weeks ago.   Ryan Lillywhite, the woodwind category manager at Conn Selmer, reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing the new Selmer Jazz Tribute tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  After […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: jazz mouthpiece, Jazz Tribute, review, sax mouthpiece, Selmer Paris, tenor saxophone

Otto Link LA Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

March 19, 2025 by Steve 15 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the new Otto Link LA model tenor saxophone mouthpiece made by JJ Babbitt.  The Otto Link LA tenor saxophone mouthpieces are advertised as being a fusion between the classic Otto Link DNA and a modern, West Coast design as described in this quote from the JJ Babbitt website: “The Otto Link […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: JJ Babbitt, LA, mouthpiece, otto link, review, tenor saxophone, west coast

Theo Wanne Essentials Jazz Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

March 15, 2025 by Steve 5 Comments

Today, I will be reviewing the Theo Wanne Essentials Jazz 7 alto saxophone mouthpiece from the new Theo Wanne Essentials collection of saxophone mouthpieces that was released in the fall of 2024.  I recently posted a review of the Theo Wanne Essentials Contemporary 7 alto saxophone mouthpiece so will probably make references to that mouthpiece […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Essentials, jazz, review, sax mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Theo Wanne Essentials Contemporary Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

March 15, 2025 by Steve 5 Comments

Today, I will be reviewing the Theo Wanne Essentials Contemporary 7 alto saxophone mouthpiece from the new Theo Wanne Essentials collection of saxophone mouthpieces that was released in the fall of 2024. Theo Wanne Essentials Contemporary 7 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece The Essentials Collection of saxophone mouthpieces by Theo Wanne are described as offering “exceptional quality […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, contemporary, Essentials, high baffle, review, sax mouthpiece, Theo Wanne

Phil-Tone Topaz Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

March 4, 2025 by Steve 10 Comments

Today I am reviewing another great alto saxophone mouthpiece made by Phil Engleman at Phil-Tone Mouthpieces.  I have reviewed quite a few Phil-Tone saxophone mouthpieces on this site already and am always interested when Phil announces a new Phil-Tone saxophone mouthpiece model.  Phil Engleman’s mouthpiece work is always top notch and he has created some phenomenal mouthpieces […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Cannonball Adderley, jazz sax, medium small chamber, Meyer, mouthpiece, Phil Engleman, Phil Woods, Phil-tone, review, Topaz

Les Becs d’Autan Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

February 28, 2025 by Steve 26 Comments

Today, I am excited to review the Les Becs d’Autan Florida model tenor saxophone mouthpiece in a 7* tip opening. I received an email from Phillipe at Les Becs d’Autan where he described the Les Becs d’Autan Florida model mouthpiece as an “Exact reproduction of a “No-USA” Otto Link Florida tenor saxophone mouthpiece, CNC-machined from […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: florida, Les Becs d'Autan, no USA, otto link, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Claude Lakey 7*3 Original Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

February 20, 2025 by Steve 6 Comments

Today, I will be reviewing a Claude Lakey Original 7*3  tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I was able to borrow from Ellis Music (a local music store here in Vermont).  The last time I tried a Claude Lakey mouthpiece on the tenor saxophone was in college about 37 years ago.  I remember the mouthpiece I tried […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 7*3, Claude Lakey, Original Tenor, review, saxophone mouthpiece, tenor sax

Ototoxic-A Word Every Musician Should Know

February 19, 2025 by Steve 4 Comments

Ototoxic.  Do you know what this word means?  I didn’t.  At least not until 2024.  If you have followed my blog for any length of time and have read my “Funny as a Brain Tumor” story,  you probably already know that I have been through the mill with my medical history.  That story, that encompasses […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: drug, hearing loss, medical, musician, Ototoxic, tamsulosin, tinnitus

The Return of the Iconic Brilhart Ebolin Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

September 17, 2024 by Steve 18 Comments

Today, I am excited to be reviewing the return of the Brilhart Carlsbad Ebolin alto saxophone mouthpiece released by Conn-Selmer.  These new Brilhart Ebolin alto saxophone mouthpieces are advertised as being made from the same Brilhart Carlsbad-era molds that Arnold Brilhart used in the 1950’s to make these iconic saxophone mouthpieces. *It’s important to note […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Alto Saxophone, Arnold Brolhart, Brilhart, Carlsbad, cool school, Ebolin, review, sax mouthpiece

Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

September 2, 2024 by Steve 15 Comments

Today, I am excited to be reviewing the new Morgan Dry Martini Model 18 alto saxophone mouthpiece released by Morgan mouthpieces.  The great alto saxophonist Paul Desmond is quoted as saying, “I think I had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to sound like a dry martini.”, and since the newest […]

Filed Under: Alto Low Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 4A-18, alto sax, cool school, Dry Martini, Erik Greiffenhagen, M.C. Gregory, morgan, mouthpiece review, Paul Desmond, saxophone mouthpiece, Take 5, west coast jazz

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Testimonials

Thank you for all the educational information you provide.  I am a classically trained musician.  Professionally, I am a 4th and 5th grade band teacher.  I have played piano and sax for many years, but now I am starting to gig out more. I have always improvised by ear in the past. I have gotten by with my strong sense of pitch, rhythm and melodic contour. However, I want to go deeper. I want to play with a greater variety of melodic and rhythmic ideas to pull from.  I have studied to gain a … Read more
Ray

Hi Steve,

First, I want to thank you for all of your great lessons. They are like a “For Dummies” version of all the books on my shelf. The lessons break things down into manageable pieces, and give me the confidence that I’m practicing the right pieces. I’m starting to make progress.   Thank You,   Kim

Kim
Hey Steve, I’m a 22-year-old from Australia. I thought it would be worth saying. You’re an absolute legend. I can’t thank you enough. You have helped me rekindle my love for the saxophone and music as a whole. All the best for the future, your work doesn’t go unnoticed. PS. I am loving your devastating minor lines pdf.
Sapph
I can see from your instructional videos that you are a fantastic teacher – one that can truly relate to all ages – humble yet very positive in approach – never coming across as superior and yet so totally capable of demonstrating the principles and techniques that you seek to impart to the students. I have gained so much confidence in my playing from “pouring over” time and again these invaluable lessons. Invaluable not only in musical content, but also in human interaction content. I am absolu… Read more
Ron
Hi Steve, I live in a gorgeous but rural area of Oregon-no music store within 80 miles. Your lessons are my lifeline!  Truly the best there are anywhere online. Love your playing. Love your teaching.  Thanks again. Ed
Ed Woodmansee
Hi Steve, I can’t express just how much I appreciate your teaching. My playing has improved so much over the past year since I have been studying and practicing with your lessons. It is possible to teach an old dog new tricks, these lessons are proof! Thanks, Michael Byington
Michael Byington
First, I’m really excited about your materials! This site is a vast resource for any aspiring (and maybe already inspired) jazz musicians. I’m not a sax player, I play mandolin and fiddle, but have been learning jazz and playing weekly with a quintet for the past 6 months and have been struggling with all of the issues you get into in your lessons. I bought several books and lessons and plan to continue with some others as soon as I organize my practice routine. Thanks again for a great site … Read more
Tony Galfano
I have been a member of Neffmusic for more than a year now and have enjoyed every minute of it! I have not only been going thru the Dominant Bebop Scale lessons and book (OUTSTANDING!) but the mouthpiece reviews, solo clips and transcriptions are very interesting. Steve approach to beginning and intermediate improv have given me many new pathways to teach my high school jazz ensemble students. Congratulations Steve, great product!
Craig
I want to say something about Steve Neff’s series of lessons, Beginner Jazz Improvisation. For a couple of years I tried many beginner lessons and my problem was that there was a gap between lessons that were fairly simple and ones that I was not quite ready for and my progress stalled out. That problem was solved with the series Beginner Jazz Improvisation. He guides you step by step along the way and builds a foundation for learning jazz and blues. He leaves no question about what to practice … Read more
Pete
Two years later I began a search for a sax teacher and happened to come across Steve Neff when I was searching YouTube for sax teachers.  I went to neffmusic.com and was very impressed with the lessons Steve Neff was offering.  The concept of selecting lessons was an approach that I thought was unique and purchased a few lessons.  I liked the lessons so much that I signed-up for a 6 month package. I was very happy with all the lessons I selected.  I also purchased Steve’s book Mastering the B… Read more
Michael

Hello Steve,

I have not received my alto yet but have already gone through 14 lessons. I love your approach, style, knowledge and competence. I now regret so much to have stayed away from playing the sax for the past 45-50 years…(I am 65).  But It is never too late to get back to your first love. After 23 years in compuer sciences and 22 years in finances…I am now back to music for the rest of my life.

Doing some research on the net, I found this:

http://forum.saxontheweb.net/showthread.php?1… Read more

Claude
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul

Thank You Steve. I think that I will be busy for years. Thank You for your great contribution to jazz music. Your books, more than teaching “how to play jazz”, actually teach “how to speak jazz”. I wish I found your methods years ago.  

Jean-Eric
Thank you for the wealth of helpful lessons you’ve provided over the years.  I truly feel as though it has improved my playing more than the 4 years I spent at Berklee… and that’s not a slight on the school as I loved my experience there.
John
John

Never really had lessons before just kinda worked things out on my own. Was in a rut but your lessons are really helpful in opening melodic possibilities. Ur an awesome resource to the saxophone community. Thanks for sharing. 

Anthony

Love your lessons!  I have been using your lesson packages for many months now, and am learning a lot.  It is so perfect for me with a very busy adult schedule and difficulty in taking jazz/improv music lessons from reputable instructors who live and hour or more away from me.

Lenore
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
I can’t say enough about my membership at Neff Music. Steve has taken the mystery out of playing the saxophone well and improvising both jazz and rock music. Like most struggling players I have a load of all sorts of books on my shelf just gathering dust. Books that I didn’t understand or know how to put to use…or just have the time to go threw them. Steve’s lessons really simplify things and he puts it in a way that I can understand. They inspire me to keep pushing and having him as my guide or… Read more
Ken
Your major diatonic patterns book is great. I”m studying the first twenty patterns (first twenty pages) each day with different articulation each day and slowly increasing the tempo each week or so.  There is a noticeable improvement in finger coordination across all keys and its amazing how much more secure I feel on the difficult keys when attempting to play pieces with 5+ flats/sharps. I’m able to sort out the fingerings for these pieces now much more quickly than before, often in one or two … Read more
Geoff
I’ve been having ‘ online’  lessons with Steve for a few months now. Being a teacher myself I had had some reservations with the idea at first and the practicalities of it .  Let me just say that my playing has taken a huge leaps forward while studying with Steve and continues to do so.Steve studied with some renowned player/teachers such as Bergonzi and Garzone– this in itself is invaluable but Steve teaches from his own books, which cover a a vast amount of  jazz language. Steve h… Read more
David
I just wanted to write a thank you note to you for this website. I play and teach saxophone, but I have always been intimidated by the gear aspect. Your website has helped me become a lot more knowledgable. Your knowledge is staggering! I’m telling all my students about your website. Pierre
Pierre
I am enjoying your style of teaching, and you’ve done a great job with the videos….good sound quality and well constructed lessons.  Balances the more guitaristic material found on the majority of guitar based programs.  Jazz vocab is what I’m all about at this point in the journey.   I especially dig the fact that you’ve studied with Bergonzi…helps me see his voluminous output in a more  bite sized way.
Milton
I would like to say that in the last year my sax playing has progressed loads from your lessons. I have had a sax for about 20 years and dabbled with lessons from a few teachers and have learnt very little from them. As you have said in your lessons many teachers tell you to use the blues scale and leave it there, not even showing you the resolution points!!. I am now believing I can in time become a good improviser.
Thanks again,
Shane
Shane

I want to thank you again, because, not only are you an inspiration to listen to, you are a fine teacher!

I have been teaching sax and other winds for over 20 years, and you give me that “push” to give my students more!

Mark Peotter

Mark Peotter

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