"101 Montunos" by Rebeca Mauleón is a must-have book for any aspiring salsa or Latin jazz pianist. It is a comprehensive resource that is divided into two parts, making it easy to navigate and understand the concepts being taught.
The first part of the book focuses on montunos, which are rhythmic patterns essential to Latin music. Mauleón does an exceptional job of breaking down these complex patterns and presenting them in a clear and concise manner. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced pianist, you will find the explanations easy to follow and understand.
What sets "101 Montunos" apart from other instructional books is its practicality. Mauleón provides a wealth of musical examples and exercises throughout the book, allowing readers to reinforce their understanding of the montunos. The exercises are gradually built upon, increasing in difficulty as you progress, which helps in developing your skills and knowledge at a steady pace.
Available on Audible
The included audio tracks are a valuable addition to the book. They not only serve as a reference for how the montunos should sound, but they also provide the opportunity to play along with a professional band. This interactive aspect enhances the learning experience and allows you to practice in a realistic musical setting.
Another standout feature of "101 Montunos" is the inclusion of diverse piano montuno variations from various Latin music genres. Whether you are interested in salsa, son, bolero, or cha-cha, this book covers it all. The exposure to different styles and rhythms gives you a well-rounded understanding of Latin music and expands your repertoire.
What are readers saying?
"101 Montunos" by Rebeca Mauleon is a highly acclaimed book that serves as a comprehensive guide for those interested in playing salsa piano. The book has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews from readers, who praise Mauleon for her extensive knowledge and expertise in salsa music.
Readers greatly appreciate Mauleon's ability to break down complex concepts and techniques in a clear and concise manner. Many find her explanations to be accessible to musicians of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced pianists. The book is highly regarded as an invaluable resource for learning various montunos, rhythms, and chord progressions commonly used in salsa music.
The practicality of the book is often highlighted by reviewers. Readers find the inclusion of detailed musical examples, exercises, and play-along tracks to be particularly useful. These features allow readers to practice and apply what they have learned, providing a solid foundation for improvisation and encouraging experimentation with different musical styles.
Reviewers also commend the organization and structure of the book. They find it to be easy to follow, with a gradual progression of difficulty throughout the chapters. Mauleon's explanations and illustrations are described as informative and engaging, making it easy for readers to grasp the concepts being presented.
Furthermore, the book is seen as inspiring and motivational by many. Readers mention that it has pushed them to explore and expand their musical horizons. Mauleon's passion and enthusiasm for salsa music shines through in her writing, fostering a greater appreciation for the genre among readers.
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