Intros Endings Turnarounds for Keyboard | Jazz Piano Instruction Book for Intermediate Players | Swing Latin Blues Jazz Waltz Styles | Chord Symbols Standard Notation Improvisation Practice

by John Valerio

This keyboard instruction book by jazz educator John Valerio focuses on teaching pianists how to use professional-quality intros, endings, and turnarounds in real musical settings. Designed for intermediate players and advancing musicians, it helps develop the essential stylistic vocabulary used in swing, Latin, blues, ballads, and jazz waltz styles, making performances feel more complete and polished.

Written specifically for keyboard and piano, the book presents practical, ready-to-use phrases in standard notation with chord symbols, supporting both reading-based players and those working from harmonic frameworks. It is well suited for jazz students, performers, and musicians looking to strengthen their ability to start, connect, and finish tunes with confidence.

The book presents a wide range of essential phrases written in standard notation with chord symbols, making it accessible for both reading musicians and those comfortable with harmonic frameworks. Players explore examples in major and minor keys, along with vamps and pedal tones that expand accompaniment and soloing options. The clear layout supports both focused practice and real-world application at the keyboard.

Rather than simply teaching theory, this collection emphasizes practical musical language that can be immediately integrated into performances. Players gain confidence in starting and ending tunes naturally, connecting sections smoothly, and enhancing improvisation with stylistically appropriate transitions. This makes it particularly valuable for jazz students, gigging musicians, and anyone looking to move beyond basic chord playing.

Whether used in personal practice, lessons, or live settings, this book supports meaningful musical growth while keeping the learning process engaging. It also makes a thoughtful gift for pianists interested in jazz styles, offering tools that elevate both technique and expression at the keyboard.

Genres: Music

96 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2001

Reviews

[Marcella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time will tell how useful this resource was. It provided a lot of ideas and pieces - but the musician's own use over time will be a better indicator of the utility of John Valerio's compilation of phrases and licks. Compared to other earlier resources, this had a fuller range of options and I commend the writer on that point, but it still seemed as if there were crucial gaps that can only be filled by actual gigging and play-thrus of iconic original pieces.

[Richard Pohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very sofisticated and anyway a single volume of its kind in the market. Will surely examine other Valerio's books, he seems to be a real expert in the field of jazz!