JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Music 2026/2027
Preparing for the JAMB Music exam goes beyond passion—it requires the right resources. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has outlined specific textbooks that align directly with the official syllabus. These books cover theory, African and Western traditions, instruments, harmony, and appreciation, ensuring candidates are well-equipped for both objective and essay questions.
Studying with these recommended texts not only boosts exam readiness but also deepens your understanding of music as an art form and cultural heritage.
Officially Recommended Music Textbooks
1. Hausa Performing Arts and Music
- Authors: Kofoworola, Z. O. & Lateef, Y. (1987)
- Focus: Hausa musical traditions, instruments, and performance practices.
2. An ABC of Music
- Author: Holst, I. (1963)
- Focus: Simplified introduction to basic musical concepts for beginners.
3. Music: An Appreciation
- Author: Kamien, R. (1990)
- Focus: Listening guides, historical contexts, and stylistic analysis.
4. Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music
- Author: Akpabot, S. E. (1986)
- Focus: Nigerian rhythms, forms, and cultural significance.
5. Rudiments and Theory of Music
- Author: Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (1958)
- Focus: Notation, scales, key signatures, and rhythm essentials.
6. The Form of Music
- Author: Cole, W. (1969)
- Focus: Musical structures such as binary, ternary, and sonata forms.
7. Nigerian Musical Instruments
- Author: Echezona, W. W. C. (1981)
- Focus: Classification and cultural roles of Nigerian instruments.
8. Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans
- Author: Ekwueme, L. (1993)
- Focus: Practical methods for choral organization and conducting.
9. Elements of Music
- Author: Hunt, R. (1960)
- Focus: Core elements—melody, harmony, dynamics, and texture.
10. Music for Secondary Schools Vols. I & II
- Author: Inanga, A. (1993)
- Focus: Structured theory and practice, including African music.
11. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (3rd Edition)
- Author: Kennedy, M. (1985)
- Focus: Reference guide for musical terms and composer profiles.
12. Elementary Harmony Book 2
- Author: Kitson, C. H. (1978)
- Focus: Harmonic principles, chord usage, and cadences.
13. A Concise History of Music
- Author: Lovelock, W. (1953)
- Focus: Development of Western music from ancient to modern times.
14. Graded Music Course for Schools, Books I–III
- Author: Warburton, A. O. (1955)
- Focus: Progressive step-by-step music learning.
15. The Rudiments of Music
- Author: Lovelock, W. (1996)
- Focus: Simplified guide to notation, intervals, and rhythm.
16. The Guide to Music Theory
- Author: Taylor, E. (1989)
- Focus: Structured explanations for exam-focused theory.
17. The Enjoyment of Music
- Author: Machlis, J. (1977)
- Focus: Listening, appreciation, and analysis of genres.
18. The Oxford Harmony Vol. I
- Author: Morris, R. O. (1974)
- Focus: Harmony and counterpoint basics.
19. African Music
- Author: Nketia, J. H. (1974)
- Focus: African rhythms, instruments, and performance traditions.
20. Teach Yourself Music
- Author: Palmer, K. (1965)
- Focus: Self-study guide with progressive exercises.
21. Basic Music: A Basic Theory Text
- Author: Reed, H. O. (1954)
- Focus: Foundational theory lessons for beginners.
22. Instruments of the Orchestra
- Author: Hosier (1961)
- Focus: Orchestral families, sound qualities, and roles.
23. Folksongs for Schools
- Author: Mensah, A. A. (Undated)
- Focus: Folk tunes arranged for educational use.
FAQs
- Are these textbooks officially recommended by JAMB?
Yes, they are aligned with the 2026/2027 syllabus. - Do I need all the books?
No. Focus on 2–3 core texts, then use past questions for practice. - Are textbooks enough for preparation?
Yes, but combine them with past questions and syllabus review. - Can online resources replace textbooks?
They can supplement, but textbooks remain the most reliable for syllabus coverage.