JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Music 2026/2027

As a UTME subject, Music requires more than just listening skills, rather an understanding of theory, instruments, composition, harmony, and cultural backgrounds that has brought about different musical forms. This is the man reason why the JAMB recommended textbooks for Music 2026/2027 are introduced to help candidates that often struggle with areas like sight-reading, chord progression, orchestration, and African music traditions.

But how does this books help? These approved books break down complex musical concepts into clear explanations and practical exercises that help students develop both theoretical and analytical skills. From traditional Nigerian music to Western harmony and instrumental families, the recommended texts provide the foundation you need to approach the exam with confidence, and it is why we will be disclosing them here for you.

Recommended Post: JAMB 2026/2027 Syllabus for Music is Out | Download PDF

JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Music Textbooks

1. Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music

• Author(s): Akpabot, S. E. (1986)
• Description: Explores Nigerian traditional musical practices, including rhythms, forms, and cultural significance.

2. Rudiments and Theory of Music

• Author(s): Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (1958)
• Description: Covers the fundamentals of notation, scales, key signatures, rhythms, and other essential theory topics.

3. The Form of Music

• Author(s): Cole, W. (1969)
• Description: Introduces musical structures such as binary, ternary, and sonata forms, with clear explanations and examples.

4. Nigerian Musical Instruments

• Author(s): Echezona, W. W. C. (1981)
• Description: Examines various Nigerian instruments, their classifications, and their cultural and performance roles.

5. Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans

• Author(s): Ekwueme, L. (1993)
• Description: Offers practical techniques for choral organization, conducting patterns, and vocal blending suited to African settings.

6. An ABC of Music

• Author(s): Holst, I. (1963)
• Description: Breaks down basic musical concepts in a simple, beginner-friendly manner ideal for foundational learning.

7. Instruments of the Orchestra

• Author(s): Hosier (1961)
• Description: Discusses orchestral instrument families, sound qualities, and their roles within orchestral arrangements.

8. Elements of Music

• Author(s): Hunt, R. (1960)
• Description: Explores the building blocks of music, including melody, harmony, dynamics, and texture.

9. Music for Secondary Schools Vols. I & II

• Author(s): Inanga, A. (1993)
• Description: A structured theory and practical guide covering notation, African music, and introductory harmony.

10. Music: An Appreciation

• Author(s): Kamien, R. (1990)
• Description: Provides listening guides, historical contexts, and explanations of musical periods and styles.

11. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (3rd Edition)

• Author(s): Kennedy, M. (1985)
• Description: A compact reference book containing musical terms, concepts, and composer profiles.

12. Elementary Harmony Book 2

• Author(s): Kitson, C. H. (1978)
• Description: Introduces harmonic principles, chord usage, and cadences with graded exercises.

13. Hausa Performing Arts and Music

• Author(s): Kofoworola, Z. O. & Lateef, Y. (1987)
• Description: Discusses Hausa musical traditions, instruments, and performance culture in detail.

14. A Concise History of Music

• Author(s): Lovelock, W. (1953)
• Description: Traces the development of Western music from ancient to modern times.

15. The Rudiments of Music

• Author(s): Lovelock, W. (1996)
• Description: A simplified guide to notation, intervals, keys, and rhythm for early-level learners.

16. The Enjoyment of Music

• Author(s): Machlis, J. (1977)
• Description: Focuses on listening appreciation, musical analysis, and major genres.

17. Folksongs for Schools

• Author(s): Mensah, A. A. (Undated)
• Description: Presents folk tunes arranged for educational use, promoting cultural understanding.

18. The Oxford Harmony Vol. I

• Author(s): Morris, R. O. (1974)
• Description: Introduces harmony, counterpoint basics, and structured practice routines.

19. African Music

• Author(s): Nketia, J. H. (1974)
• Description: A comprehensive study of African rhythms, instruments, forms, and performance traditions.

20. Teach Yourself Music

• Author(s): Palmer, K. (1965)
• Description: A self-instruction text covering music theory basics and easy progressive exercises.

21. Basic Music: A Basic Theory Text

• Author(s): Reed, H. O. (1954)
• Description: Provides foundational theory lessons suitable for beginners and revision.

22. The Guide to Music Theory

• Author(s): Taylor, E. (1989)
• Description: A structured explanation of theory concepts used in formal examinations.

23. Graded Music Course for Schools, Books I–III

• Author(s): Warburton, A. O. (1955)
• Description: A step-by-step course designed to guide students through progressive music learning stages.

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Last Updated on January 21, 2026 by Ola Funmilayo

Ola Funmilayo

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