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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

Great Joshua Redman Interview

March 13, 2014 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s a great Joshua Redman interview that someone shared on facebook.   I was blown away by the honesty and sincerity of Joshua Redman.  You don’t get any sense that he is trying to act or pretend like he is something he is not.   He’s just being honest and sincere to who he is.  Joshua Redman […]

Filed Under: Jazz Videos Tagged With: interview, jazz saxophone, joshua redman, tenor sax

Morgan Fry Ebonite Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

March 12, 2014 by Steve 3 Comments

Today, I am excited to review a new mouthpiece made by Morgan Fry.  Morgan Fry is a great mouthpiece maker and refacer in England.  I have reviewed some of his mouthpieces in the past and had him do some refacing work for me and have always been impressed with his work and craftsmanship.    If you […]

Filed Under: Alto Medium Baffle Reviews, Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: alto mouthpiece, ebonite, jazz sax, morgan fry, mouthpiece review

Devastating Minor Lines for Jazz and Funk Soloing

February 25, 2014 by Steve 19 Comments

I just finished a brand new Neffmusic book that I am very excited about.  The description is below: An inside approach to outside playing using pentatonics, chromaticism, 3-tonic systems and intervallic patterns to produce modern lines in the style of Michael Brecker and Bob Berg.  Devastating Minor Lines contains 100 16th note lines written out […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: Berg, Brecker, Jazz Improvisation, minor licks, modern lines, saxophone

Saxophone Microphone Review and Audio Shootout

February 19, 2014 by Steve 49 Comments

I recently had a member on my site (Walter Ruckdeschel)  post an in-depth review of 8 different  stand mounted microphones that can be used for live gigs.  I was so fascinated that I asked him if I could post his finding here for everyone to see.  If I didn’t have my hands full teaching and […]

Filed Under: Saxophone Stuff Tagged With: Beyerdynamic, Electro Voice, live mics, microphone sound clips, Rode, saxophone, Sennheiser, Shure, Walter Ruckdeschel

FREE 12 Blues Scales Sheet

February 4, 2014 by Steve 19 Comments

Here’s a free sheet I give to all my students after they learn their major scales. It’s just a sheet with all the 12 Blues Scales on it. When I teach my students to use the blues scale I teach them to try to move off the #4 note quickly when playing. Many student who […]

Filed Under: Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: free sheet, students

Vigilante Detroit Rock Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

January 29, 2014 by Steve 7 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Jennifer Price at Vigilante Mouthpieces. There are 10 models to choose from on the Vigilante website. Today, I am reviewing the Detroit Rock which is the brightest mouthpiece that they make. (I also just did a review of the NYII to which is their 4th brightest mouthpiece) […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Detroit Rock, Guardala, Jennifer Price, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone, Vigilante

Vigilante NYII Tenor Saxophone Mouthpiece

January 28, 2014 by Steve 19 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by Jennifer Price at Vigilante Mouthpieces.  There are 10 models to choose from on the Vigilante website.  Today, I am reviewing the New York II which is the 4th brightest mouthpiece that they make.  (I also have a Detroit Rock to review next which is their brightest mouthpiece.) […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Guardala, Jennifer Price, Michael Brecker, NYII, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Mouthpiece Recording Test Survey

January 28, 2014 by Steve 8 Comments

I have been experimenting lately with different recording distances and settings for my mouthpiece reviews.  Usually, I record dry with no effects about 2 feet from the microphone. I’ve noticed that darker sounding mouthpieces can sound rich and beautiful in this setting but many times the brighter more powerful mouthpieces can sound harsh, shrill, edgy, […]

Filed Under: Tenor High Baffle Reviews, Tenor Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: microphone, recording, review, sax mouthpiece, tenor saxophone

Best Neffmusic Lesson Commercial?

January 15, 2014 by Steve 5 Comments

I just found this post from a number of years ago.  All the links were broken and the videos didn’t play.    I thought I’d fix the videos and post this again as I think these are funny.  My wife made these as a joke for the site.  They are a bit “Hollywood” and over the […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News Tagged With: intros, Neffmusic Lessons, steve neff, video lesson

Joel Frahm Jazz Improvisation Clinic

December 24, 2013 by Steve 16 Comments

I emailed Joel Frahm the other day and asked if I could post this great masterclass he did in Prague years ago.  He said “No problem” which I was very excited about.  I have been a great fan of his going back many years.   I went through a stage where I was listening to a […]

Filed Under: Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: jazz clinic, jazz sax, Joel Frahm, masterclass, tenor saxophone

Absolute “Alto+” Alto Saxophone Mouthpiece

December 18, 2013 by Steve 5 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company. These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Alto +”. There is also an Alto AL, Alto ST and an Alto R model on their website. You can also find all these models for Baritone, Soprano and Tenor saxophones as well.  […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Absolute, Alto Saxophone, sax mouthpiece, ST

Absolute Alto ST Saxophone Mouthpiece

December 18, 2013 by Steve 5 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company. These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Alto ST”.  There is also an Alto AL, Alto + and a Alto R model on their website. You can also find all these models for Baritone, Soprano and Tenor saxophones as well. […]

Filed Under: Alto High Baffle Reviews, Alto Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Absolute, Alto Saxophone, sax mouthpiece, ST

Absolute “Soprano +” Saxophone Mouthpiece

December 18, 2013 by Steve 6 Comments

Today, I am reviewing a mouthpiece made by the Absolute company.  These are made in Italy and this model is called the “Soprano +”.  (I call it a ST model in the recording but it is the + model)   There is also a Soprano AL, Soprano ST and a Soprano R model on their website. […]

Filed Under: Soprano Mouthpiece Reviews Tagged With: Absolute, bill evans, mouthpiece review, sax mouthpiece, soprano saxophone

The Mystery Behind Steve’s Minivan………….

December 4, 2013 by Steve 2 Comments

Many of you throughout the years,  have been surprised and shocked that a cool guy like myself would be driving a 2006 Minivan.  I know, I know, you expected me to pull up to the gig with a Lexus, Mercedes or Lamborghini.  This video basically sums up why I bought the minivan and why I […]

Filed Under: NeffMusic News

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Testimonials

Hi Steve, I have been shedding your materials for quite a while now and I love them! They are extremely well organized and presented and there are tons of ’em! I really appreciate your methodical approach and find myself referring students to your resources often.  Thanks so much!  
Kenyon Carter
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
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 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 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
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
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
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
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 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
Absolutely the best learning experience in my 40 years of playing.These books are awesome!!
Alfred LaBella
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 have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
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
Steve- I joined your site this month and have downloaded 4 lessons and also purchased your new book and video on diatonic patterns. I just want to say I am very pleased with your approach and teaching techniques. I am getting back into playing after laying off for some time. The information you offer on your site is of great value and I am enjoying being a member. Thank you for what you are doing for the saxophone community.
Tony
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
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

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
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

Steve,  Just want to say thanks for all you are doing for all of us. I’ve learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.

If you can give some tips on One Note Samba, Ceora, and Wave… that would be cool.  I really like learning how you apply your concepts to actual songs!

Have a great year,

Kevin Ledbetter

I've learned more from you than anyone else in my 40 years of playing.
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

Hello Steve,

I just want to say thank you so much for your unbelievable work, it is just mind opening, thanks for sharing it.

Wolfgang from Berlin

Wolfgang from Berlin

Steve, just a note to say thanks.

I’ve been playing a long time, but your material, laid out in such a thoughtful way, helps me to understand concepts in a new and deeper way.

You are a true gift to the jazz community.

60 lessons and going strong,

Kevin Ledbetter

Kevin Ledbetter

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