JAMB Recommended Textbooks for Music 2027: Complete List of 26 Books and UTME Study Guide

Music is an important UTME subject for candidates seeking admission into music, music education and other related programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions. Preparing for the examination requires more than knowing musical instruments or memorising the names of famous musicians. Candidates must understand music theory, read musical notation, recognise intervals, study harmony and become familiar with African and Western music history.

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) provides recommended reading materials to guide candidates. These resources cover the major areas of the Music syllabus, including rudiments, elementary harmony, Nigerian traditional music, African popular music, Western music and comparative music studies.

The current JAMB Music syllabus available through the Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) contains 26 recommended textbook entries. This includes traditional music theory books, African music references, music appreciation texts and additional resources. The syllabus available on IBASS is not separately labelled as a new 2027 edition, so candidates should check the official JAMB platform for any subsequent changes.

This guide presents the complete list in the current official syllabus, explains which books are useful for different areas of study and highlights the topics candidates should prepare for the 2027 UTME.

Complete list of JAMB recommended textbooks for Music 2027

The following 26 entries appear in the recommended-text section of the current official JAMB Music syllabus. Some are older publications, but they remain listed in the syllabus available through IBASS.

Important note about the SureSuccess list: The linked SureSuccess article is titled for the 2025 UTME and contains an older list of recommended books. The current IBASS syllabus includes additional entries, including Nigerian Festivals and Traditional Instruments by E. A. Adesipe, Understanding Music by I. T. Mensah and An Easy Way to Learning Music by J. A. Osunniyi. For 2027 preparation, the official syllabus should take priority over an older third-party article.

Candidates do not need to purchase all 26 books. The list contains different types of references, and the most practical approach is to select materials that address the topics in which they need the most support.

Best textbooks for JAMB Music 2027 and what each covers

The recommended books serve different purposes. Some explain basic music theory, while others focus on harmony, African music, musical instruments or the history of Western music. Candidates should select books according to the section they are studying.

The following are practical recommendations based on the titles and subject areas of the books. JAMB has not officially ranked them from best to least useful.

1. Rudiments and Theory of Music by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

This is a useful reference for candidates studying the fundamentals of music. It can support revision of notation, scales, intervals, time signatures, musical signs and other basic concepts.

Candidates should become comfortable reading notes on the staff, identifying note values and understanding how different rhythmic patterns are written. These skills are essential because the Music examination includes questions that require candidates to interpret written musical examples.

2. The Rudiments of Music by W. Lovelock

This is another recommended title for candidates who want to strengthen their understanding of basic music theory.

It can be used when studying scales, keys, intervals, notation and musical terminology. Candidates should practise writing scales, identifying intervals and interpreting musical symbols instead of limiting their preparation to reading definitions.

3. Basic Music: A Basic Theory Text by H. O. Reed

This title is included in the official recommended list and can serve as an additional resource for studying music theory.

Candidates can use it to revise fundamental concepts and improve their understanding of written music. It is particularly important to combine theoretical reading with exercises involving notes, rests, clefs, time signatures and key signatures.

4. The Guide to Music Theory by E. Taylor

This is another useful theory reference. Candidates preparing for the UTME can consider it when studying the relationship between musical notes, scales, intervals and other elements of written music.

Use it alongside the official syllabus so that your preparation remains focused on the topics JAMB expects candidates to understand.

5. Elementary Harmony, Book 2 by C. H. Kitson

This book is relevant to candidates studying elementary harmony. The JAMB syllabus includes triads, chord progressions, cadences, modulation and non-harmonic tones.

Candidates should practise identifying major, minor, diminished and augmented triads. They should also understand how chords are arranged and how different chord progressions function in a musical passage.

6. The Oxford Harmony, Volume I by R. O. Morris

This title is another recommended resource for harmony. It can support candidates who want to develop a clearer understanding of chords and their relationships.

When studying harmony, candidates should practise more than identifying chord names. They should understand chord inversions, primary and secondary triads, voice movement and the way harmony supports a melody.

7. Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music by S. E. Akpabot

This book is particularly relevant to the African music section of the syllabus. It provides a reference for understanding Nigerian traditional music and its cultural setting.

Candidates should study the characteristics of traditional music, including its relationship with festivals, ceremonies, dances, community activities and cultural expression.

8. Nigerian Musical Instruments by W. W. C. Echezona

This is an important reference for candidates studying Nigerian traditional musical instruments.

The syllabus requires candidates to identify different classes of instruments and recognise examples within each group. Candidates should learn the names, characteristics and classifications of instruments, rather than simply memorising a long list of names.

9. African Music by J. H. Nketia

This title is useful for broader study of African musical traditions and their characteristics.

Candidates can use it to develop their understanding of rhythm, vocal styles, musical forms, cultural practices and the role of music in African communities.

It is particularly relevant when revising Nigerian and other African traditional music, including the influence of cultural activities on musical expression.

10. Hausa Performing Arts and Music by Z. O. Kofoworola and Y. Lateef

This book is relevant to the study of Hausa music and performing arts. It can help candidates understand the relationship between music, performance, culture and traditional activities.

Candidates should connect their reading to the syllabus topics on Nigerian festivals, dances, musical practices and traditional instruments.

11. A Concise History of Music by W. Lovelock

This title is useful for candidates studying the historical development of Western music.

The syllabus covers the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. Candidates should understand the approximate dates, defining features and important composers associated with each period.

12. Music: An Appreciation by R. Kamien

This is a broad music appreciation reference. It can support the study of musical styles, composers, instruments and the development of music across different periods.

Candidates should use it to strengthen their general understanding while paying particular attention to the historical periods, musical forms and composers specified in the JAMB syllabus.

13. The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music by M. Kennedy

A music dictionary can help candidates understand technical terms, musical signs, abbreviations and unfamiliar expressions.

This is useful because the syllabus expects candidates to interpret simple musical terms and identify important features of different forms and styles.

14. Choir Training and Choral Conducting for Africans by L. Ekwueme

This title focuses on choir training and choral conducting. It can support candidates studying African choral practices and the role of organised vocal performance.

Candidates should understand the human voice, vocal styles and the basic principles of choral performance.

15. An ABC of Music by I. Holst

This is another general music reference on the recommended list. Candidates can consider it as a supporting resource when revising musical concepts and terminology.

16. Instruments of the Orchestra by Hosier

This book is relevant to the study of Western orchestral instruments. The syllabus includes orchestral and band instruments, their classifications, and their roles in musical performance.

Candidates should learn to recognise the main instrument families and distinguish between their sound-producing methods.

17. The Form of Music by W. Cole

This title can support revision of musical structures and forms. Candidates should study forms such as binary, ternary, rondo, sonata allegro, dance suite, canon and theme and variation.

18. Folksongs for Schools by A. A. Mensah

This book is relevant to candidates studying folk music. The JAMB syllabus includes Nigerian folksongs, their types, forms and characteristics.

Candidates should understand the differences between cradle songs, work songs, war songs, dirges, praise songs, historical songs and other traditional forms.

19. Music for Secondary Schools, Volumes I and II by A. Inanga

This title is one of the recommended school-level music resources. Candidates can use it as a supporting reference for general music study and revision.

20. The Enjoyment of Music by J. Machlis

This is a music appreciation reference that can support the study of musical styles, historical developments and important composers.

Candidates should focus on the topics that match the JAMB syllabus rather than attempting to cover every subject in a broad music appreciation book.

21. Graded Music Course for Schools, Books I–III by A. O. Warburton

This is another school-oriented resource included in the recommended list. It can be used for structured revision and progressive practice of music concepts.

22. Understanding Music, Books 1–3 by I. T. Mensah

This resource is included among the recommended texts in the current IBASS syllabus. Candidates can consider it as an additional study reference for the subject.

23. An Easy Way to Learning Music by J. A. Osunniyi

This is another title listed in the current official syllabus. Candidates can use it as a supporting resource when revising topics covered in their main textbook.

24. Nigerian Festivals and Traditional Instruments by E. A. Adesipe

This book is particularly relevant to the study of Nigerian festivals and traditional instruments. Candidates should connect this area with the syllabus topics on traditional music, cultural ceremonies, dances and instrument classifications.

JAMB Music syllabus 2027: Main topics candidates should study

The recommended textbooks are useful only when they are studied in line with the examination syllabus. The current JAMB Music syllabus is organised into five sections:

1. Rudiments of Music

2. Elementary Harmony

3. History and Literature of African Music

4. History and Literature of Western Music

5. Comparative Music Studies

Each section tests a different aspect of musical knowledge. Candidates should understand the topics and objectives rather than reading textbooks without a clear revision plan.

Section A: Rudiments of Music

Rudiments of Music provides the foundation for understanding written music. Candidates should be able to read musical notation, identify notes and rests, understand scales and recognise intervals.

The topics include:

The staff: Study the great staff, ledger lines, ledger spaces, open score or vocal score, and the C clef, including alto and tenor clefs.

Music notes and rests: Understand the different types of notes and rests and their corresponding time values. Candidates should be able to calculate how long notes and rests last in a musical passage.

Time and time signatures: Study simple and compound time signatures, the grouping of notes and how to add bar lines to an unbarred passage.

Key signatures and scales: Learn the technical names of scale degrees and the construction of major and minor scales. The syllabus includes natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales, as well as chromatic scales.

Candidates should also practise identifying the key of a musical passage with or without a key signature, within the syllabus limit of two sharps and two flats.

Keyboard setting and enharmonic equivalents: Learn the arrangement of white and black keys on the keyboard. Understand how different note names can represent the same pitch, such as C sharp and D flat.

Accidentals: Study sharps, flats and naturals, including how they affect notes in a musical passage.

Intervals: Learn how to recognise diatonic and chromatic intervals and their inversions. The syllabus includes perfect intervals, major and minor intervals, diminished fifths and augmented fourths. Candidates should also distinguish consonant and dissonant intervals.

Musical terms, signs and abbreviations: Understand common musical expressions and symbols and their meanings.

Transcription and transposition: Practise converting music from staff notation to tonic solfa and from tonic solfa to staff notation. Candidates should also practise transposition using treble and bass staves within the syllabus limits.

Section B: Elementary Harmony

Elementary Harmony focuses on how notes are combined to form chords and how chords support musical compositions.

The main topics include:

Triads and inversions: Candidates should understand major, minor, diminished and augmented triads. They should also learn how triads are formed and how their inversions are identified.

Primary and secondary triads: Study the primary triads in major and harmonic minor keys, as well as the secondary triads specified in the syllabus.

Chord progressions: Learn basic chord progressions in four-part vocal style, including soprano, alto, tenor and bass (SATB). Candidates should also understand the dominant seventh chord in root position.

Kinds of motion: Study parallel, similar, contrary and oblique motion. Candidates should be able to identify these movements in a musical passage.

Cadences: Learn the four main cadence types specified in the syllabus:

• Perfect or full close cadence.

• Imperfect, half close or semi cadence.

• Plagal or Amen cadence.

• Interrupted, deceptive, evaded or surprise cadence.

Non-harmonic tones: Understand neighbouring tones, auxiliary notes and passing tones. Candidates should know how these notes relate to the chords in a musical passage.

Modulation: Study simple diatonic modulation from a major key to its closely related dominant or subdominant key, within the syllabus limits.

Elementary composition: Practise setting words to a written melody and identifying suitable musical responses to given phrases.

Section C: History and Literature of African Music

This section examines African musical traditions, cultural activities, musical instruments, genres and important musicians.

Nigerian folksongs: Candidates should study the types, forms and characteristics of Nigerian folksongs. Examples include cradle songs, folk-tale songs, game songs, war songs, satirical songs, dirges, historical songs, praise songs and work songs.

They should also understand forms such as call and response, strophic form, through-composed form and antiphony.

Characteristics of Nigerian folksongs: Study vocal styles such as recitative, yodelling, ululation, incantation, heaving, whistling and nasalisation. Candidates should also understand different scale and rhythmic patterns, including tritonic, tetratonic, pentatonic and hexatonic scales, cross-rhythm, syncopation, hemiola and polyrhythm.

Nigerian traditional music and festivals: Study the relationship between music, festivals, dances, ceremonies and traditional arts. The syllabus identifies examples such as Osun, Ifa, Ogun, Ekpo, Ofala, Iriji or New Yam Festival, Argungu Fishing Festival, Eyo and Gelede.

Traditional dances and performing arts: Candidates should become familiar with social, ritual and ceremonial dances. Examples in the syllabus include Atilogwu, Koroso, Ikperikpe, Kwaghir, Bata, Bori, Swange, Dundun, Abigbo and Okonko.

Nigerian traditional musical instruments: Learn the four major classifications:

• Aerophones: Instruments that produce sound through vibrating air.

• Chordophones: Instruments that produce sound through vibrating strings.

• Idiophones: Instruments that produce sound through the vibration of the instrument’s own material.

• Membranophones: Instruments that produce sound through vibrating membranes.

Candidates should be able to classify examples such as kakaki, algaita, oja, goge, goje, ogene, ekwe, sekere, igba, bata and dundun.

African traditional musicians: Study the lives, musical styles and contributions of the traditional musicians named in the syllabus. These include Nigerian musicians such as Mamman Shata, Dan Maraya Jos, Barmani Coge, Mike Ejeagha and others, as well as African musicians such as Vinoko Akpalu and Koo Nimo.

African popular music: Understand the development and characteristics of genres such as Highlife, Juju, Afrobeat, Fuji, Apala, Reggae, Makossa, Waka, Hiplife and Hip-hop.

African popular musicians: Candidates should study the names, musical styles and contributions of the Nigerian and other African musicians identified in the syllabus. Nigerian examples include Fela Anikulapo Kuti, I. K. Dairo, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Victor Uwaifo, Onyeka Onwenu, Wizkid and Davido.

African art musicians: The syllabus also identifies Nigerian and other African composers and art musicians. Candidates should understand their musical contributions and their place in African music history.

Section D: History and Literature of Western Music

This section examines the development of Western music, important composers, musical forms and instruments.

Historical periods: Candidates should study the five major periods identified in the syllabus:

Candidates should understand the characteristics of each period and how musical styles developed over time.

Important composers: The syllabus identifies composers such as Palestrina, Claudio Monteverdi, Henry Purcell, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Frédéric Chopin.

Candidates should learn to associate each composer with the correct historical period and understand their contributions to Western music.

Music forms: Study binary, ternary, rondo, sonata allegro, dance suite, canon, free fantasia, theme and variation.

Musical instruments: Candidates should understand orchestral and band instruments, their classifications and their roles in performance.

The human voice: Study the different voice types, ranges and qualities.

Keyboard and other instruments: Learn about the organ, piano, electronic keyboard, ukulele, banjo, guitar, mandolin, harp, accordion, xylophone and marimba.

Computer music technology: The syllabus includes music software such as Finale, Sibelius, Cubase, Reason, Sound Forge and Nero. Candidates should understand their relevance to music creation and production, as well as tools such as the tuning fork and pitch pipe.

Section E: Comparative Music Studies

Comparative Music Studies examines the music of Black musicians in the diaspora, different global music genres and the relationship between music and Nigerian nationalism.

Black musicians in the diaspora: Candidates should study the names and musical contributions of the musicians listed in the syllabus. These include Bob Marley, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Tupac Shakur, Quincy Jones, Kirk Franklin and other performers.

Global music genres: Understand the origins and characteristics of spirituals, gospel, jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, calypso, rock and roll, reggae, Afrobeat, tango, rap, cha-cha-cha, bolero, twist and hip-hop.

Nationalism in Nigerian music: Study how Nigerian composers and musicians have used music to promote cultural identity, national consciousness and patriotic awareness. Candidates should understand the features and materials used in nationalist compositions and their contributions to Nigerian society.

How to prepare for JAMB Music 2027

Music requires both theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. Candidates who only memorise definitions may struggle with questions involving notation, intervals, scales and harmony.

The following preparation methods can help you cover the syllabus effectively.

1. Download the official JAMB Music syllabus

Begin by obtaining the Music syllabus from the JAMB IBASS platform. Use it as your main study checklist and make sure you understand the objectives under each topic.

Do not assume that every chapter in a recommended textbook will be examined. Concentrate on the topics identified by JAMB.

2. Practise reading musical notation

Spend time learning how notes are written on the staff. Practise identifying notes in treble, bass, alto and tenor clefs.

You should also become familiar with ledger lines, note values, rests, time signatures and bar lines. These are foundational skills for answering questions on rudiments.

3. Learn scales and intervals through regular exercises

Do not rely on memorising the definitions of major, minor, perfect, diminished and augmented intervals.

Practise writing and identifying scales. Work through examples involving natural, harmonic and melodic minor scales, as well as chromatic scales. Regular exercises will help you recognise intervals more confidently.

4. Study harmony with written examples

Harmony can be difficult if you only read explanations. Practise constructing triads, identifying inversions and recognising chord progressions.

Pay attention to the difference between major, minor, diminished and augmented chords. Also practise identifying cadences, modulation and the different types of motion.

5. Learn Nigerian instruments and their classifications

Create a revision table showing the four instrument families, their characteristics and examples.

For instance, identify which instruments are aerophones, chordophones, idiophones or membranophones. Understanding how each family produces sound will make classification questions easier.

6. Prepare short notes on musicians and composers

The syllabus identifies several African traditional musicians, African popular musicians, art musicians and Western composers.

Create brief revision notes for each important name. Include their country or background, musical style, period where relevant and contribution to music.

For Western composers, organise your notes according to the Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.

7. Use past questions to test your knowledge

Past questions can help you become familiar with the style of UTME questions. They also show which topics you understand and which ones need more revision.

However, avoid memorising answers without understanding the musical principles behind them. Practise solving unfamiliar questions using what you have learnt.

8. Follow a weekly study timetable

Divide your preparation across the five syllabus sections. You can use the following sample timetable:

Adjust the timetable according to your strengths and weaknesses. Candidates who struggle with music theory should dedicate additional time to notation and harmony.

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing for JAMB Music

Some candidates make avoidable mistakes that affect their preparation. Be aware of the following:

Studying only music history: Knowing famous musicians and composers is important, but the examination also covers notation, scales, intervals and harmony.

Ignoring practical music theory: Candidates should practise writing notes, identifying intervals and constructing chords. Reading definitions alone is insufficient.

Confusing instrument classifications: Learn why an instrument belongs to a particular family instead of memorising names without understanding how the instrument produces sound.

Neglecting African music: Nigerian traditional music, festivals, dances, instruments and African musicians are major areas of the syllabus.

Memorising composers without their periods: Learn the historical periods and associate each composer with the correct period.

Using outdated textbook lists without checking IBASS: Older websites may reproduce previous recommended lists. Always compare them with the current official JAMB syllabus.

Buying too many textbooks: There is no need to purchase every recommended title. Choose a manageable number of books that cover the areas you need to study.

Frequently asked questions about JAMB Music textbooks 2027

1. How many textbooks does JAMB recommend for Music?

The current official JAMB Music syllabus lists 26 recommended textbook entries. Candidates do not need to purchase all of them. They can select books that cover their areas of difficulty and use the syllabus to guide their preparation.

2. What is the best textbook for JAMB Music 2027?

JAMB does not officially rank its recommended textbooks. For music theory, candidates can consider Rudiments and Theory of Music by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. For African music, Foundation of Nigerian Traditional Music by S. E. Akpabot is another relevant reference.

3. What are the main topics in JAMB Music?

The five main sections are Rudiments of Music, Elementary Harmony, History and Literature of African Music, History and Literature of Western Music, and Comparative Music Studies.

4. Is music theory part of the JAMB Music examination?

Yes. Music theory is an important part of the syllabus. Candidates should study musical notation, scales, key signatures, intervals, time signatures, transposition and other rudiments.

5. Does JAMB Music include African traditional instruments?

Yes. Candidates are expected to identify Nigerian traditional instruments and classify them as aerophones, chordophones, idiophones or membranophones.

6. Which African musicians should I study for JAMB Music?

The syllabus identifies several Nigerian and other African traditional and popular musicians. Examples include Mamman Shata, Dan Maraya Jos, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Oliver De Coque, Manu Dibango, Kofi Olomide and Lucky Dube. Candidates should study the wider list in the official syllabus, not just these examples.

7. Which Western composers should I know for JAMB Music?

The current syllabus includes Palestrina, Claudio Monteverdi, Henry Purcell, Johann Sebastian Bach, George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Frédéric Chopin.

Candidates should understand their contributions and the historical periods associated with their music.

8. Can I pass JAMB Music without buying all the recommended textbooks?

Yes. Candidates do not need every book on the recommended list. A good music theory reference, an African music textbook, a suitable harmony resource, the official syllabus and consistent past-question practice can provide a strong foundation.

9. Is JAMB Music difficult?

The difficulty depends on a candidate’s background and preparation. Those who understand notation, scales, intervals and harmony may find the theory sections easier. Candidates who are less familiar with written music should begin practising these areas early.

10. Where can I get the official JAMB Music syllabus?

Candidates can access the current Music syllabus through JAMB’s Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS). They should check the official platform for any updates relevant to the 2027 UTME.

Final advice for candidates preparing for JAMB Music 2027

A good result in Music requires a balanced understanding of theory, harmony, African musical traditions and Western music history. Candidates should not concentrate on only the musicians or instruments they already know. Every section of the official syllabus deserves attention.

Start with the rudiments of music, practise notation and intervals regularly, and gradually move into harmony and music history. Use the recommended textbooks as supporting materials and test your knowledge with past questions.

The current IBASS syllabus provides 26 recommended textbook entries, but you do not need to buy all of them. Choose books that explain the topics clearly and help you practise the skills required for the examination.

Most importantly, confirm the latest syllabus and examination instructions through JAMB before the 2027 UTME. Consistent preparation and a clear understanding of the subject will put you in a stronger position when the examination begins.