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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

Chad LB Burnin’ Tenor Saxophone Solo on Oleo Transcription

March 18, 2020 by Steve 3 Comments

Here is another killer Chad LB (Lefkowitz-Brown) solo that was posted on Youtube yesterday.  This is on the tune Oleo by Sonny Rollins. What does a sax player do when he shouldn’t leave the house because of a contagious virus wreaking havoc around the globe?  Stay home!  Practice and Transcribe!  This morning I spent 5 hours […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Chad LB, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, jazz sax, Oleo, Syos mouthpiece, tenor saxophone, transcription

The Bill Evans Omnibook for Piano Review

March 5, 2020 by Steve 7 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! Today, I am reviewing the Bill Evans Omnibook for piano that is published by Hal Leonard.  Hal Leonard has already released many other great Omnibooks that I have already reviewed here including the […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: bill evans, Hal Leonard, Omnibook, piano, review, solo, Transcriptions

The Secret Super Power of a Slow Learner-Derek Brown-Beatbox Sax

February 24, 2020 by Steve 4 Comments

Derek Brown has a Youtube channel called “Beatbox Sax”.  While most of us mere mortals are just trying to figure out how to play the sax the normal way (or should I say the way that is most “common”), Derek is one of those rare individuals that is breaking new ground with the saxophone.  Check out the two […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education, Jazz Videos Tagged With: beatbox sax, Better Sax, Derek Brown, interview, Jay Metcalf, modern sax playing, saxophone, saxophone techniques

Sam Dillon Blues Exercise Tenor Sax Solo Transcription

February 13, 2020 by Steve Leave a Comment

Here is another tenor saxophone solo transcription of Sam Dillon soloing on a couple of choruses of a Blues on Instagram.  This was kindly shared with me by Roger Humbles after he saw my “On a Misty Night” Sam Dillon tenor saxophone solo transcription. Sam is demonstrating how he likes to practice over a blues […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: blues exercise, jazz saxophone, Sam Dillon, solo transcription, tenor sax

Burnin’ Sam Dillon “On a Misty Night” Tenor Sax Solo Transcription

February 11, 2020 by Steve 8 Comments

Here is another burnin’ tenor sax solo by another relatively young sax player I discovered on Youtube.  I’d like to introduce the saxophone world to Sam Dillon if you don’t already know him.  I discovered Sam a few years ago but this is the first saxophone solo of his that I have attempted to transcribe.  […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: jazz saxophone, On a Misty Night, Sam Dillon, solo transcription, tenor sax

Swingin’ Max Ionata “You’re Driving Me Crazy” Tenor Sax Solo Transcription

February 5, 2020 by Steve 5 Comments

Here is another swingin’ solo by the great tenor saxophone player from Italy, Max Ionata.  I absolutely love this solo and have probably listened to it a hundred times over the last few days while transcribing it.  Max Ionata plays with a perfect blend of hip jazz lines, crazy technique, a swingin’ time feel and […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Francesca Tandoi, Max Ionata, solo transcription, tenor saxophone, You're Driving Me Crazy

Chad LB Monster Lick of the Day #4 Tenor Sax

February 3, 2020 by Steve 2 Comments

Here is a killer Chad LB (Lefkowitz-Brown) lick that I picked up off of a Youtube video below. Chad is trying out and comparing a D’Addario tenor saxophone mouthpiece to his own SYOS Chad LB tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  At the 4:02-4:06 mark, Chad plays a great modern “Breckeresque” type line that I immediately decided I […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: Chad LB, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, jazz sax, tenor saxophone, transcription

The Deep Wisdom of Victor Wooten

January 31, 2020 by Steve 2 Comments

I discovered this gold nugget of a video this morning while drinking my morning coffee and perusing around Youtube to see what was new today. Victor Wooten is an amazing bass player and musician and in this video he teaches some core truths about music in an amazing way! Check it out! (I have started […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education, Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: bass, Jazz Improvisation, music, Victor Wooten, video lesson

Joel Frahm Monster Lick of the Day #3 Tenor Sax

January 10, 2020 by Steve 9 Comments

Here is a killer Joel Frahm lick that I picked up off of a Facebook video below. Joel is trying out a TT tenor saxophone mouthpiece that he sounds terrific on (he hasn’t even taken off his winter hat or coat which cracks me up…..like he just walked in off the street).  At the :08 […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: altered line, jazz sax, Joel Frahm, lick, tenor saxophone, transcription, TT tenor mouthpiece

From the Inside Out by Dr. Mark Watkins Book Review

January 1, 2020 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I am reviewing “From the Inside Out” by Dr. Mark Watkins that is published by Outskirts Press. “From the Inside Out” is a revolutionary in-depth 309 page resource book for the development of saxophone sound.  When this book is described as “in-depth”, Dr. Watkins is not joking!  It is 309 pages of descriptions, scientific […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: development, Dr. Mark Watkins, From the Inside Out, MRI, saxophone sound, vocal tract

Saxscape Florida Slim Profile Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

December 31, 2019 by Steve 13 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a Saxscape Florida Slim Profile 7** (.108 tip opening) tenor saxophone mouthpiece that Ken Barry at Saxscape mouthpieces recently sent me to try out and perhaps review.  Earlier this year, I reviewed a Saxscape Live model tenor sax mouthpiece as well as a Saxscape Fat Cat Classic and Downtown MB1 tenor […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: florida, Ken Barry, mouthpiece, review, sax, Saxscape, slim profile, tenor saxophone

Saxscape Downtown MB1 Slim Profile Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

December 28, 2019 by Steve 18 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a Saxscape Downtown MB1 8* (.115) slim profile tenor saxophone mouthpiece that Ken Barry at Saxscape mouthpieces recently sent me to try out and perhaps review.  Earlier this year, I reviewed a Saxscape Live model tenor sax mouthpiece as well as a Saxscape Fat Cat model tenor saxophone mouthpiece that I […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: downtown, Ken Barry, MB1, Michael Brecker, mouthpiece, review, sax, Saxscape, slim profile, tenor saxophone

Macsax Queso Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

December 19, 2019 by Steve 9 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a Macsax Queso 8* tenor saxophone mouthpiece (formerly the FJ IV model).  I was contacted by Jeff Gjertsen at Macsax earlier this year and asked if I would be willing to review the brand new line of Macsax tenor saxophone mouthpieces.  Of course, I was excited to try these beautiful mouthpieces […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: FJ IV Tenor, MacSax, mouthpiece, Queso, review, sax, tenor saxophone

Buyer Beware! Counterfeit Vintage Saxophone Mouthpieces Galore

December 18, 2019 by Steve 29 Comments

Disclaimer: If you bought a vintage mouthpiece in the last few years off of Ebay then this article might not be good news for you.  If you would rather not know……then do not continue to read…… A friend of mine reached out to me a few weeks ago and was excited to share the good […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, NeffMusic News, Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: counterfeit, ebay, fake, florida, Greece, Hungary, Meyer, NY Bros, rip-off, slant, vintage mouthpieces

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Testimonials

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
Hey Steve! I hope you and your family are well.  I’m just writing to say thank you so much for all the resources you have made available to the saxophone community. I have been using your material for many years and I always come back to it… in fact I just took a break from practicing to write this…( reviewing “CreatingModern II-V-I Lines with simple pentatonics”.) I am, and continue to be, one of your raving fans! Blessings to you and your family this holiday season! Wishing… Read more
Gerry Aylward
I bought Steve’s dominant bebop book and took a couple of online lesson from him. I really appreciated Steve’s careful listening of what I wanted to get done in a lesson and his clear, concise ideas on next steps to improve my playing and musical interpretation.  His mastering  the Dominant Bebop Scale has lots of exercises to use a scale that addresses the largest percentage of chords I come across in pop/blues music. The dominant V7.  Needless say it has improved my playing.  I teach and a… Read more
Keith
I just joined Neff Music last month. I can’t tell you how excited I’ve been to be able to pick back up on lessons. I’ve been in a rut and you got me out! I’ve especially appreciated the Lesson Path section. It was so clear I knew exactly where to jump in and start. Many many thanks!
Karin

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
It is so refreshing to have a great player, who can provide lessons and examples in a manner which is understandable to most any enthusiastic saxophonist who is ready to improve. not just the, do this, do that, memorize this, memorize that… while all that is absolutely necessary, you go on to give reasons and examples to explain and validate why you have to do all of these things, the benefits, if you will… that is the key for me, you tell, explain, demonstrate, explain some more, you give perso… Read more
Cedric
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
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
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

I want to thank you for your “Ultimate II-V-I Primer”  which has sent me off on a much better path to improvisation.  The primer and the four bound books I have will keep me busy for a long time.  I like your lessons for two reasons.  The lessons work and THEY ARE FUN.  Thanks again.

Robert

Robert
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 just started looking at my lessons and I have to say, dude you are awesome.  I ABSOLUTELY will learn from you!  I started the tenor about 1 ½ yrs ago and have since picked up an alto, and more recently a soprano.  I spend most of the time on the tenor, followed by soprano, and have only gotten to the alto a few times.  I think I’ll be sticking with tenor.  I’m having a great time and hope one day to play well enough to get regular gigs.  I’ve been playing keys for about 35 years (… Read more
Wil
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 must say again how much I appreciate all your material. Including the video tutorials. It help keep me focused and knowing what to aim for. And your laid back teaching style appeals to me too. 

Thanks

P

P
Steve’s monthly lessons are entirely valuable. Without brow beating, he tells you all the stuff you deep down know you really should be working on, instead of just relying on the same old patterns. In spite of the fact that you’re taking a video lesson, Steve’s presentation is comfortable and “real”. In a little more than a year, he’s developed a library of lessons that seem to offer any player a lifetime’s worth of practice material. I’m just glad I stumbled upon it.… Read more
Grant

Mr. Neff,  I want to thank you for sharing your God-given talents through your on-line lessons.  My husband, Michael, is blind, but he is a great sax player and he has been enjoying your lessons for quite some time now.  It’s not unusual for me to hear “Hey, babe, listen to THIS!” – and he will cut loose on his sax, just thrilled at what he learned during his session with you.  His excitement warms my heart!  You have no idea how much you have poured into my husband.  You have opened musical … Read more

Carole B
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
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
I like so many other subscribers feel so encouraged by Steve’s learning techniques; you will enjoy reading the comments of praise others have left as you too will feel that you share a common view and path. I feel very lucky to have come across Neffmusic and that feeling will remain with you as you search through a treasure trove of learning materials on offer, you will quickly find the lessons that you are suited to. You will instantly recognize the unparalleled quality of Steve’s teaching … Read more
Stephen
Thank you so much for the great job you are doing to help further our jazz studies. Though I make my living as a repairer of musical instruments I am a student of jazz and have been fortunate enough to be involved with a big band and a combo for the last several years. As my children began to leave “the nest” I had decided to dedicate the next half of my life to a more serious study of the sax but I didn’t know exactly how I would go about doing this until a friend of mine turned me onto your si… Read more
Jon
Just wanted to send you a quick note to say thank you for being you, your playing, your website and your desire to help others. I’m a professional musician in the US Army and I’ve visited your website almost every day since discovering it a couple of months ago. Your lessons are profound and easy to use. I’ve purchased most of your PDF books and now am starting to delve more into the video and audio lessons.  Thank you for being a great resource!
James
I’ve been downloading your lessons for 4 months now (20 lesson) and I have noticed tremendous growth in my playing thus far! I’m so happy that I stumbled upon your site!
Bob

Hello Steve, I’m getting so much out of your lessons and books, amazing how much one may think one knows, there is always a new frontier or new way to view something you think you had somewhat down. You have taken it all to a new level and am so grateful. Your lessons are so down to earth and understandable and clear!  Thanks so much Steve! Cheers, Eddie

Eddie Parente
I’ve been a member of Steve’s site for about six months now and the difference it has made to my playing is immeasurable. The (many) benefits of this membership are that you can have lessons at time convenient to you, they work out A LOT cheaper than face-to-face lessons with a teacher of the same calibre and you can replay them ad infinitum. I don’t know how many times have I had lessons in the past where I’ve ended up covering the same concepts when really a ‘replay’ of the last lesson would h… Read more
Nick

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