I have a few of the other books in this series and find them all great, which is why I purchased this book! Scott Joplin has always been a favorite composer of mine and to be able to learn his style, yet ad my own style is something that I have struggled with up until now. John Valerio is a wonderful composer and teacher and has a very similar style to Mark Harrison (another composer in this series). This book includes everything from the history of ragtime and swing to how to voice lead. Techniques, rhythmic layering, variations, harmony, form, call and response, and so much more is included in this book. It goes through classic ragtime, blues & boogie woogie, New Orleans jazz, stride piano, and swing piano. It is such a wonderful teaching tool for those interested in the big-band era. The CD it comes with has standard tracks to listen to, but also wonderfulk original tunes that encourage you to come up with your own style! I can't wait to try more books in the series!