Minimal line drawing of a grand piano in warm amber and charcoal tones, evoking a smoky late-night jazz club mood.
Opus II

Jazz, Blues, & Ragtime Piano

Methods, improvisation guides, transcriptions, and fake books for pianists exploring jazz, blues, and ragtime traditions.

Jazz Piano Books

All pricing is in Canadian Dollars. No import fees are charged by the store. Also available: jazz resources for instruments and improvisation. To order, please email opustwo@opus-two.com.

Title Composer / Editor Code Price
1001 Blues Licks — Melodic Ideas in Blues Style Toby Wine 18 $20.95
Monty Alexander Plays Standards — 8 Transcriptions Gene Rizzo 18 $31.95
After Hours Vol. 2 Pam Wedgwood 57 $16.95
Alfred's Teach Yourself to Improvise (CD included) Bert Konowitz 01 $24.50
All American Boogie Woogie (Revised) Bill Irwin 18 $11.95
All-Jazz Real Book — 200 Fake-Style Tunes, 37 on CD Sample Chuck Sher 3

Pricing and stock reflect the current catalogue. Books span beginner through intermediate levels, with audio CDs included with select titles for analysis and accompaniment.

Choosing the right materials is part of building a reliable practice routine. The store leans into that idea by gathering sheet music, method books, and learning resources in one place, so musicians can focus less on searching and more on playing. Curated sections make it easier to compare approaches, and the same care that goes into a printed score is reflected in how the catalogue is organised. Reliability here is about consistency: dependable stock, clear categorisation, and a steady rhythm of new and familiar titles arriving together.

A good music shop serves a wide community of players, and the range on offer reflects that breadth. Pianists, organists, harpists, guitarists, and woodwind players share space with choral directors, handbell choirs, and accordion enthusiasts. Vocal collections sit beside instrumental studies, and educator resources are placed alongside materials aimed at bandsmen and choristers. The result is a destination where a teacher preparing a lesson, a student exploring repertoire, and a seasoned performer restocking can all find something relevant without needing to visit several different retailers.

For pianists drawn to jazz, there is a particular joy in exploring transcription collections, fake books, and improvisation guides. These volumes open doors to voicings, phrasing, and stylistic language that define the genre, from blues-based ideas to bebop standards. Pairing a method book with a collection of transcriptions allows players to study a musician's choices while building their own vocabulary at the keyboard. Used consistently, such resources support steady growth in ear training, harmonic understanding, and the confidence needed to sit in with other musicians.

Supporting educators and community groups is part of the broader mission behind the shelves. Choir directors look for anthem collections and rehearsal aids, while band leaders seek ensemble literature arranged for varied instruments. Handbell and choral groups often need multiple copies of the same title, and having a single source for those quantities simplifies planning. By keeping an eye on the practical needs of teachers, directors, and organisers, the store positions itself as a partner in the work of music-making rather than simply a point of sale.

Knowledgeable staff make a difference when questions arise about repertoire, editions, or substitutions. A team made up of players, singers, and teachers brings firsthand perspective to recommendations, helping customers navigate choices that match skill level and ensemble needs. This experience is especially valuable for those returning to an instrument or exploring a new style, since guidance from a fellow musician can shorten the learning curve. The combination of curated stock and approachable expertise is what turns a transaction into a lasting relationship.

What You'll Find

Methods & Studies

Step-by-step books covering jazz voicings, blues phrasing, and ragtime patterns suitable for self-taught players and classroom use.

Improvisation Guides

Workbooks with licks, scale patterns, and play-along CDs to develop spontaneous solos across jazz, blues, and swing styles.

Transcriptions & Fake Books

Note-for-note piano transcriptions of contemporary jazz artists alongside lead-sheet real books for gigging musicians.

Jazz with Instruments

Combined resources for pianists working with horns, guitar, and rhythm sections. Ask about our full improvisation catalogue.

How to Order

Send your title list and any questions to opustwo@opus-two.com. Opus II stocks in-store at 100 Ahrens St. West, Kitchener, Ontario, with retail hours Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Books ship without additional import fees from the store.

Looking for the broader piano library? Visit the Piano page for methods, Royal Conservatory references, sonatas, and wedding collections.