Whether you love music theory, African musical traditions, or understanding how instruments work, preparing for JAMB Music requires the right study materials to help you understand concepts, practice questions, and score high on exam day.
Using textbooks recommended by JAMB ensures you study from sources that actually align with the official syllabus. These books contain explanations, examples, and topics that are most likely to appear in the Music paper. Studying with them boosts your confidence and exam readiness.
Studying with recommended textbooks not only prepares you for exam questions but also builds your confidence and deepens your appreciation for music as a subject.
JAMB 2026/2027 Recommended Music Textbooks
1. Hausa Performing Arts and Music
- Author(s): Kofoworola, Z. O. & Lateef, Y. (1987)
- Description: Discusses Hausa musical traditions, instruments, and performance culture in detail.
2. 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.
3. Music: An Appreciation
- Author(s): Kamien, R. (1990)
- Description: Provides listening guides, historical contexts, and explanations of musical periods and styles.
4. Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music
- Author(s): Akpabot, S. E. (1986)
- Description: Explores Nigerian traditional musical practices, including rhythms, forms, and cultural significance.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Nigerian Musical Instruments
- Author(s): Echezona, W. W. C. (1981)
- Description: Examines various Nigerian instruments, their classifications, and their cultural and performance roles.
8. 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.
9. Elements of Music
- Author(s): Hunt, R. (1960)
- Description: Explores the building blocks of music, including melody, harmony, dynamics, and texture.
10. 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.
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. A Concise History of Music
- Author(s): Lovelock, W. (1953)
- Description: Traces the development of Western music from ancient to modern times.
14. 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.
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 Guide to Music Theory
- Author(s): Taylor, E. (1989)
- Description: A structured explanation of theory concepts used in formal examinations.
17. The Enjoyment of Music
- Author(s): Machlis, J. (1977)
- Description: Focuses on listening appreciation, musical analysis, and major genres.
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. Instruments of the Orchestra
- Author(s): Hosier (1961)
- Description: Discusses orchestral instrument families, sound qualities, and their roles within orchestral arrangements.
23. Folksongs for Schools
- Author(s): Mensah, A. A. (Undated)
- Description: Presents folk tunes arranged for educational use, promoting cultural understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. The textbooks listed are part of the materials officially recommended by JAMB for Music candidates and are aligned with the 2026/2027 syllabus.
No. Focus on 2–3 core textbooks that explain concepts clearly, then complement them with past questions for practice and revision.
Yes, they provide the necessary theory and context. However, practicing past questions and understanding exam patterns are also crucial for scoring high.
Online resources can help, but textbooks are more reliable for covering the official syllabus comprehensively. Use online materials as a supplement.
