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Jazz Education

My “Secret” List of the Funkiest Minor Tunes to Practice to……..

February 6, 2017 by Steve 2 Comments

Today, I’m going to share my “secret” list of funk tunes that I have been practicing to for a few years now.  These are tunes that I bought on iTunes because I was sick of the generic Jamey Aebersold tracks that we all practice to.   I spent many hours one week going through iTunes […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education, Jazz Improvisation Tagged With: funky tunes, iTunes, Jazz Improvisation, minor grooves, playalong, song list

Amazing Jazz Saxophone Masterclass by Dave Liebman

December 15, 2016 by Steve 1 Comment

This is a Dave Liebman masterclass from 2/7/15 in Nashville at the studio of Jeff Coffin.   I’m watching it right now as I post this but am so amazed at how deep and insightful this is that I feel I have to post it immediately.   I’m at the 60 minute mark and have to […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: Dave Liebman, Jazz Improvisation, masterclass, saxophone

Joe Graziosi’s Soul Station in all 12 Keys Project

November 8, 2016 by Steve 5 Comments

Every once in a while I happen upon something extraordinary that bewilderingly gets little to no attention from the jazz saxophone world.  A number of months ago, Joe Graziosi started a thread on SOTW (Sax on the Web) letting people know about a new project that he had been working on over the last three years […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: 12 keys, Hank Mobley, Joe Graziosi, saxophone transcription, Soul Station, tenor sax

Chris Potter Masterclass 12-04-2015 Akron, Ohio

December 22, 2015 by Steve 4 Comments

Here’s another great Chris Potter masterclass from 12-4-15 in Akron, Ohio that someone posted on Youtube.  This is just an audio of the masterclass.  Chris Potter’s opening solo on Cherokee is amazing as usual.  I can’t get enough of these solos and masterclasses!  Check it out!

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: Cherokee, chris potter, Improvisation, masterclass, tenor saxophone

The Dick Oatts Solo Collection Review

December 2, 2015 by Steve 3 Comments

  Today I am reviewing an awesome new transcription book of solos by alto saxophonist Dick Oatts.  Dan Bayliss wrote the transcriptions and did the work of putting this ebook together.  It includes 9 solos from 3 albums and is 68 pages long. The CD’s the solos are from are Dick Oatts “Standard Issue Volume […]

Filed Under: Book Reviews, Jazz Education Tagged With: alto sax, Dan Bayliss, Dick Oatts, jazz saxophone, jazz standards, Transcriptions

2015 Aebersold Jazz Workshop with Chris Potter

October 23, 2015 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s another great workshop with Chris Potter that I came across just now on Facebook. Chris Potter is one of the top tenor saxophone players in the world.  There is a great duo performance in the beginning of “Out of Nowhere” . Chris then answers questions from the students and faculty afterwards. Great stuff.    Check it out!

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: chris potter, clinic, Jazz Education, masterclass, tenor saxophone, workshop

The New Ultimate II-V-I Primer Lesson Series Deal only 14.99

October 17, 2015 by Steve Leave a Comment

Hi Everyone, I’m running a big sale on lessons I made that get you started with working with the New Ultimate II-V-I Primer. I made 5 lessons that are usually 49.95 for all 5  but I’m running a sale so you can get all 5 for 14.99 at this link. The New Ultimate II-V-I Lesson […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education

This Guy Blows My Mind…….Derek Brown

October 15, 2015 by Steve 3 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: advanced, beatbox sax, Derek Brown, modern sax playing, saxophone, saxophone techniques

Free Video Lesson on Approach Note Velocity Book

April 18, 2015 by Steve 16 Comments

I decided to offer a free video lesson on my book “Approach Note Velocity Volume 1 & 2” for everyone. I have sold many of these books over the years and really want to make sure that everyone is getting the most out of them that they can.  You can consider this an  “overview” lesson on […]

Filed Under: Free Lessons, Jazz Education Tagged With: approach notes, free lesson, Jazz Improvisation, jazz instruction, saxophone, video

Transcriptions of Chris Potter On Rhythm Changes

January 30, 2015 by Steve 23 Comments

Here are two short transcriptions of solos Chris Potter did on a March 8, 2008 Masterclass. The bootleg was floating around the internet (www.dimeadozen.org) and I was lucky enough to grab it. In these two examples Chris is showing the differences in his playing style from when he was younger to now. The first solo […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education, Transcriptions Tagged With: chris potter, rhythm changes, solo, tenor sax

Great Lenny Pickett Clinic

November 25, 2014 by Steve 3 Comments

I just found these videos on Youtube a few minutes ago and started watching them.  Lenny Pickett is a tenor sax player known to almost all saxophone players.  If you have ever watched Saturday Night Live, you have heard Lenny Pickett.  He’s the sax player in the middle of the TV screen playing notes so […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education, Jazz Videos Tagged With: clinic, Jazz Education, jazz sax, Lenny Pickett, masterclass, tenor saxophone

Great George Garzone Masterclass

September 5, 2014 by Steve 2 Comments

Here’s a recently posted masterclass by the great jazz teacher and tenor saxophone player George Garzone.  I studied with George for a semester or two while at Berklee back in the mid 80’s.  I remember him messing up my whole musical worldview by telling me to not tongue and stop playing licks. ( I had […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: george garzone, Jazz Education, masterclass, saxophone, tenor sax, video

Keeping a Beat at 9 Months Old………

July 10, 2013 by Steve 1 Comment

I found this video the other day while going through all my home movies I’ve made.  I had forgotten all about it but when I saw it, it brought a smile to my face.  As a musician and father, I was always looking for ways where I could practice and watch my kids at the […]

Filed Under: Jazz Education

Branford Marsalis Masterclass

March 7, 2013 by Steve 3 Comments

Here’s a great masterclass by Branford Marsalis.  There’s a lot of wisdom in this 18 minutes. I love Branford’s sound on the soprano.   What he says about the importance of melody and speaking through your music to people is huge.  Making some sort of connection with the audience………….Great stuff!  Check it out!

Filed Under: Jazz Education Tagged With: Branford Marsalis, masterclass, saxophone, video

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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

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
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

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
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 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
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 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
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
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

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

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 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

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
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
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
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
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’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’m an experienced player in the pop/soul/funk areas of music and, previously, classical.  Over the decades I’ve been playing, I’ve always felt that I could do what I needed in those styles of music.  However, recently I began to feel limited by my use of the same old licks. When I discovered Steve Neff’s website, and heard the audio examples based on the exercises in his books, I realized they were what I needed.  I purchased all of them and have been working on them since.  It’s very hard work… Read more
Paul

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
I have found your videos and publications inspiring and your contribution to the world of saxophone playing is immense. Paul
Paul
Hey Steve, My name is Jason Freese and I play keyboards and sax in the band Green Day.  I grew up taking sax lessons from Eric Marienthal when I was a kid and got out of it for a long time. I ran into you on youtube while searching for sax stuff. I bought a whole bunch of your lessons and have been loving it! Thanks! Here is my wikipedia so you can see the albums I’ve played on….Thanks again. It’s sparked my interest in practicing again.   Jason
Jason Freese (sax player for Green Day)
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

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