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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

Westcoast Sax MOAM .105 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

October 11, 2017 by Steve 11 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the Westcoast Sax “MOAM” tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  You might remember that I reviewed the Westcoast Sax “MOFO” tenor mouthpiece last year and I just reviewed the MOAM alto sax mouthpiece earlier today. Matt Lee at Westcoast Sax is always picking interesting and understated names for his sax mouthpieces and this is […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: jazz saxophone, Matt Lee, MOAM mouthpiece, tenor sax, Theo Wanne, westcoast sax

Westcoast Sax MOAM .085 Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

October 11, 2017 by Steve 3 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the Westcoast Sax “MOAM” alto saxophone mouthpiece.  You might remember that I reviewed the Westcoast Sax “MOFO” tenor mouthpiece last year. Matt Lee at Westcoast Sax is always picking interesting and understated names for his mouthpieces and this is no exception.  The name MOAM stands for the “Mother of all Mouthpieces”.  […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: alto sax, jazz saxophone, Matt Lee, MOAM mouthpiece, Theo Wanne, westcoast sax

Retro Revival “Super D” Florida Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

September 27, 2017 by Steve 31 Comments

Today, I am reviewing another new Retro Revival “Super D” model tenor saxophone mouthpiece made by Joel Peskin (iReedMan) and Bob Sheppard. This is the silver “Super D” Florida model.  Yesterday, I reviewed the darker New York model mouthpiece which is gold plated and played great. Joel and Bob have started a company called Retro Revival […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: double ring, Florida model, mouthpiece review, otto link, Retro Revival, silver, Super D

Retro Revival “Super D” New York Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

September 26, 2017 by Steve 32 Comments

Today, I am reviewing the new Retro Revival “Super D” New York model tenor saxophone mouthpiece made by Joel Peskin (iReedMan) and Bob Sheppard. Joel and Bob have started a company called Retro Revival in which they produce exact copies of great vintage mouthpieces from the past. When Joel started the company they started with […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: double ring, mouthpiece, new york, otto link, Retro Revival, review, Super D, super tonemaster, tenor saxophone

Insane Alto Sax Solo Transcription of Todd DelGiudice on Cherokee in 12 Keys!

September 21, 2017 by Steve 6 Comments

I am continually amazed at all the great players that we have access to these days.   When I was a kid, I had my record collection by which I learned of the famous sax players out there.  I knew my teacher who sounded great every week when I saw him and I knew of […]

Filed Under: Transcriptions Tagged With: 12 keys, alto sax, Cherokee, jazz saxophone, solo transcription, Todd DelGiudice

NEW Book-Mastering Altered Pentatonics

September 9, 2017 by Steve 4 Comments

NEW Book-Mastering Altered Pentatonics

I just released a new book I have been working on for a number of years now.  It covers the basic pentatonic scale in all 12 keys with 29 great pentatonic patterns to practice.  It also includes 11 altered pentatonics in these patterns that you can use for a more modern “outside” sound to your […]

Filed Under: Neff Book Reviews, NeffMusic News Tagged With: book, Jazz Improvisation, Mastering Altered Pentatonics, modern jazz, steve neff

Matt Marantz Slant Legacy Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

August 24, 2017 by Steve 17 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a Matt Marantz Slant Legacy hard rubber tenor saxophone mouthpiece.  I have wanted to try one of these ever since I heard Joel Frahm play one on Youtube last year.  Matt Marantz was nice enough to send me one to try out for a few days and perhaps review, so here […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Matt Marantz, review, sax mouthpiece, Slant Legacy, tenor saxophone

Finding the “Holy Grail” of Sax Mouthpieces

August 19, 2017 by Steve 55 Comments

Today, I’m going to write about an important subject that I haven’t addressed very often on my site here.  This article is about the elusive search for the “Holy Grail” of saxophone mouthpieces.  I have encountered thousands of sax players over the years who have been searching for their “Holy Grail” sax mouthpiece.  They might […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: GAS Syndrome, holy grail, never happy, sax mouthpiece, sax players, saxophone gear

Marc Jean Saxophone Ligature II Model 700 Review

July 24, 2017 by Steve 25 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a beautiful new ligature called the Marc Jean Saxophone Ligature II Model 700.   I reviewed the original Marc Jean ligatures a little over seven years ago. Original Marc Jean Ligature Review When I heard that Marc was coming out with a new ligature I knew I had to review one.  Marc Jean was kind […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet, ligature, Marc Jean, review, saxophone

Phil-Tone Intrepid Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

July 23, 2017 by Steve 26 Comments

Today I am reviewing another great tenor saxophone mouthpiece made by Phil Engleman at Phil-Tone mouthpieces.  I have reviewed quite a few Phil-Tone sax mouthpieces on the site already and am always interested when Phil announces a new mouthpiece model. Phil-Tone Intrepid Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece A couple of months ago he announced that he had stumbled upon […]

Filed Under: Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: hard rubber, Intrepid, Phil Engleman, Phil-tone, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

10mFan Black Widow Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece Review

July 6, 2017 by Steve 25 Comments

Mark Sepinuck, 10mFan as he is known in the saxophone world, came out with a line of tenor saxophone mouthpieces a few years ago that have been very popular with saxophone players.  Mark, created a very detailed three category system of tenor sax mouthpieces and he designed  what he considered to be the best tenor […]

Filed Under: Mouthpiece Reviews, Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Medium Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: 10mFan, Black Widow, hard rubber, Mark Sepinuck, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

The Stan Getz Omnibook Review

June 19, 2017 by Steve 26 Comments

*I posted all the recordings I could find on Youtube that go with this transcription book at the bottom of this review………Enjoy! It’s with a bit of embarrassment that I admit that in the past, I have never really been a big fan of Stan Getz.  I remember hearing his name when I was younger and checking […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Hal Leonard, jazz sax, Omnibook, Stan Getz, tenor saxophone, Transcriptions

Dave Koz Saxophone Play-Along Book Review

June 15, 2017 by Steve 6 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a saxophone play along book by Hal Leonard.  This is the Volume 6 play-along entitled Dave Koz.  Dave Koz is a smooth jazz saxophone player and I thought it would be interesting to check out this book.  I was a little nervous in reviewing this book because talking about smooth jazz […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews Tagged With: Dave Koz, Hal Leonard, play along, review, saxophone, smooth jazz

Forestone Saxophone Mouthpiece Patch Review

June 14, 2017 by Steve 23 Comments

I have to admit, that I never thought I would do a review of a saxophone mouthpiece patch.  What on earth would I write about?  It sticks on the mouthpiece. Check!  It protects the mouthpiece from my teeth. Check!   That’s about it.  I’ve actually been asked if I could review some patches by various manufacturers in the […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: clarinet, Forestone, mouthpiece patch, review, saxophone, tooth guard

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Testimonials

I am a music book junkie and I have to say that your books are the most clear, user friendly, and helpful books I own.  They are my absolute favorites and I only wish I had them years ago.  I wouldn’t change a thing about the experience I had in acquiring my degree at Berklee, but my playing has perhaps grown more in the time I’ve spent buried in your books and lessons.  Keep up the great work!!! Thanks, John
John
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
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
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 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
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 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
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
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
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
I want to let you know that your instructional material is transforming my playing.  It is an immense pleasure to learn and play now, and I can’t tell you how grateful I am. The instructional material I got from you is by far the best of any I own (and I have over 100 books, DVDs, and what not). I literally can’t thank you enough! Deric
Deric

Steve,

I have played for many years and have enjoyed going “back to the basics” in some of your lessons!  You have such a gift for explaining concepts.  As I have gotten older, some of the basic things have gotten muddled because I just play, not knowing why.  As I refresh myself with “why”, it increases my confidence and expands my playing.  Thank you so much for using your gift!  You are a blessing!

Julia

Your material is great! I got your New Altissimo Lesson 6 months ago and I have learned more from that than in all my 44 years of playing! I appreciate your down to earth teaching method and I really appreciate the heart that you teach with. I have been a subscriber to your lessons for the past 6 months and I have learned a great deal. Over that period of time I have had some questions and you have never failed to respond. Thanks! I have already recommended your lessons to a number of players in… Read more

Michael Byington
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
Your lessons on playing the blues is so clear . I have been through many books on blues playing and not one of them explains as clear as your lessons . Most of them say “Play the same blues scale over all three chords of a 12 bar blues ” Its very misleading .     Thanks
Martin
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
Thanks so much for putting all this great learning material out there. I don’t often have the time to take a lesson with a teacher, so the ability to download lessons is really invaluable. My playing has improved enormously (I think :)) – and the lessons are so varied there’s always something to be inspired by. Incredible value too!
Roger
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 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

After reading your story I will never feel quite right about complaining about any of my MINOR health issues!!    God bless Steve and I really hope that your health doesn’t stop you from fulfilling your calling.    These books have been such a help to open up my jazz vocabulary…   Thanks so much for sharing your story and for providing these great teaching tools…   John Leclerc   Saxophonist / composer/ EWI player and professional working musician of 35 years….

John Leclerc
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
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
Steve really changed my way of practicing: I got a whole lot of new ideas for my playing the tenor.  His lessons are really helpful, give a lot stuff to practice and give clear answers to complicated stuff.  Steve has a lot of humor and I wish I had laughed so much in my former days with the horn.  All topics, from Blues to Approach note are dealt with clearness that wet ones appetite to play and practice that great ideas.
Uwe
Just to say thanks for your advice and lessons.  I’ve just read your amazing story.  I really appreciate what you do in regards to teaching.  I have bought a couple of your lessons and frankly they’re undersold.   I’ve learned much more with these two lessons than with 2 years of sax teachers.   Thanks so much………..
Mike

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