The Definitive Method for Understanding and Playing Salsa
The Salsa Guidebook for Piano & Ensemble by Rebeca Mauleón is the only truly complete method ever published on salsa — and the foundational text for serious study of Afro-Cuban ensemble music.
No matter what style of music you play, you will be better off for having learned the basics of Afro-Cuban music contained in this essential resource! If you want to understand how salsa actually works, this book gives you everything you need.
"The Salsa 'Bible'" — Sonny Bravo, Tito Puente’s long-time pianist
Rather than offering isolated patterns or simplified grooves, Mauleón presents salsa as a living, evolving tradition. Across 260 pages, she explains the rhythmic architecture, ensemble roles, historical development, and stylistic variations that define Afro-Cuban music.
You’ll learn:
• How montuno patterns function within real ensemble contexts
• How bass tumbaos lock with piano and percussion
• How drumset adapts traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms
• How clave governs phrasing and structure
• How different salsa variations evolved stylistically
The book includes detailed musical examples for piano, bass, drumset, and Latin percussion instruments — making it equally valuable for pianists, rhythm section players, arrangers, composers, and educators.
Additional features include:
• Excerpts of full ensemble scores showing instrumental interaction
• A historical synopsis of Afro-Cuban music
• Photographs of important salsa artists
• An extensive discography for serious listening study
This is not just a piano book. It is an ensemble method, a cultural study, and a practical guide to playing salsa authentically and intelligently.
For students, educators, and professionals alike, this remains the gold-standard reference on the subject.
Spiral-bound, 260 pages, Table of Contents.
Sample Pages:
Endorsements:
“A true treasure of knowledge and information about Afro-Cuban music.”
— Carlos Santana
“This will be the Salsa 'Bible' for years to come.”
— Sonny Bravo
“This is the book on salsa!”
— Mark Levine
“An excellent and much-needed resource.”
— Oscar Hernandez
Currently the Director of Education at SFJAZZ, Rebeca Mauleón is an internationally acclaimed musician, bandleader, composer, producer, author and educator. She has recorded and performed with legends like Carlos Santana, Tito Puente, Poncho Sanchez, Pete Escovedo, The Machete Ensemble, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Francisco Aguabella, Daniel Ponce, Alex Acuna, Giovanni Hidalgo, Justo Almario, Steve Turre, Joe Henderson and many others. She is also the author of the critically acclaimed 101 Montunos and Muy Caliente!.
