Preparing for the JAMB Music exam in 2026/2027? Having the right textbooks will help you understand the material well and improve your chances of success. Music is a broad subject with topics ranging from Nigerian traditional music to the basics of music theory and global music history. To guide you through your preparation, here are some recommended textbooks. Each one offers detailed explanations, examples, and exercises to help you study effectively.
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Why Use JAMB Recommended Textbooks?
These textbooks have been carefully selected to align with the JAMB syllabus for music, covering the essential topics and skills you need to know. They provide easy-to-understand information on music theory, instruments, African music traditions, and more. By using these books, you’ll be well-prepared for the JAMB exam.
List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Music 2026/2027
| S/NO | TEXTBOOK |
|---|---|
| 1 | Adesipe E.A. (2021). Nigerian Festivals and Traditional Instruments, Amazon-Kindle Direct Publications. |
| 2 | Akpabot, S. E. (1986). Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music, Ibadan: Spectrum. |
| 3 | Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (1958). Rudiments and Theory of Music, London. |
| 4 | Cole, W. (1969). The Form of Music, London: The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. |
| 5 | Echezona, W. W. C. (1981). Nigerian Musical Instruments, Enugu: Apollo Publishing Ltd. |
| 6 | Ekwueme, L. (1993). Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans, Lagos: Lenaus Advertising and Publishing Company. |
| 7 | Holst, I. (1963). An ABC of Music, Oxford: Oxford University Press. |
| 8 | Hosier (1961). Instruments of the Orchestra, Oxford: Oxford University Press. |
| 9 | Hunt, R. (1960). Elements of Music. |
| 10 | Inanga, A. (1993). Music for Secondary Schools Vols. I and II, Ibadan: Spectrum. |
| 11 | Kamien, R. (1990). Music: An Appreciation, London: McGraw – Hill Publishing Company. |
| 12 | Kennedy, M. (1985). The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (Third Edition), London: Oxford University Press. |
| 13 | Kitson, C. H. (1978). Elementary Harmony Book 2, London: Oxford University Press. |
| 14 | Kofoworola, Z. O. and Lateef, Y. (1987). Hausa Performing Arts and Music, Lagos: Nigeria Magazine. |
| 15 | Lovelock, W. (1953). A Concise History of Music, London: Bell and Hyman. |
| 16 | Lovelock, W. (1996). The Rudiments of Music, London: G. Bell and Sons Limited. |
| 17 | Machlis, J. (1977). The Enjoyment of Music, New York: W. W. Norton. |
| 18 | Mensah, A. A. Folksongs for Schools, Accra (undated). |
| 19 | Morris, R. O. (1974). The Oxford Harmony Vol. I, London: Oxford University Press. |
| 20 | Nketia, J. H. (1974). African Music, New York: W. W. Norton Company. |
| 21 | Palmer, K. (1965). Teach Yourself Music, London: The English University Press Limited. |
| 22 | Reed, H. O. (1954). Basic Music: A Basic Theory Text, New York: Mills Music Inc. |
| 23 | Taylor, E. (1989). The Guide to Music Theory, London: The Associated Board of The Royal School of Music. |
| 24 | Warburton, A. O. (1955). Graded Music Course for Schools, Books I – III, London: Longman. |
| 25 | Mensah, I. T. (1990). Understanding Music, Books 1-3, Africana-Fep Publishers Limited, Bamenda, NW Province Cameroon. |
| 26 | Osunniyi, J. A. (1994). An Easy Way to Learning Music, Jac-Ola Printing Press Lagos. |
Overview of Some Key JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Music 2026/2027
- Nigerian Festivals and Traditional Instruments by Adesipe E.A. – This book covers Nigerian traditional music and festivals, which is an important part of the JAMB music syllabus. It explores different Nigerian musical instruments and cultural festivals.
- Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music by Akpabot, S. E. – This book provides a deep understanding of Nigerian traditional music, its roots, and cultural significance. This is useful for students who want to learn about indigenous music forms.
- Rudiments and Theory of Music by the Associated Board of the Royal School of Music – Covering the basics of music theory, this book is essential for understanding music fundamentals, like notation, rhythm, and harmony.
- The Form of Music by Cole, W. – This book discusses the structure of music and different forms such as sonata, symphony, and concerto. It’s helpful for students aiming to learn the language of music.
- Nigerian Musical Instruments by Echezona, W. W. C. – A focused look at Nigerian musical instruments, this book will give you insights into the wide range of instruments used in Nigerian music and their unique sounds.
- Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans by Ekwueme, L. – This book is perfect for students interested in choral music. It gives practical tips on choir training and conducting, especially suited for African choirs.
- An ABC of Music by Holst, I. – This book introduces music in a simple and accessible way, making it great for beginners. It covers basic concepts in an easy-to-understand manner.
- Teach Yourself Music by Palmer, K. – A straightforward book that helps students self-study music. It includes tips on how to practice, understand theory, and develop a deeper appreciation of music.
Conclusion
Preparing for JAMB Music requires focus, practice, and the right resources. By using the JAMB-recommended textbooks listed above, you’ll have a wide range of materials that cover everything from traditional Nigerian music to the basics of music theory. These textbooks are a great support for your studies, offering clear explanations, practical exercises, and real examples that bring music concepts to life.