Best Music Books of 2025

The Level 1 - Theory Book: Piano Adventures by Faber Piano Adventures is an excellent resource for beginner piano learners. This book provides a comprehensive guide to basic theory concepts, including note-naming, improvisation, and ear-training activities, all presented in a fun-filled context. The book is thematically tied to the Level 1 Lesson Book pieces, making it easy for students to apply their knowledge. Written by a husband and wife team, Nancy and Randall Faber, who are renowned authors of the Piano Adventures teaching method, this book is a must-have for any piano student. Overall, it is a highly recommended book for beginners who want to master the basics of piano theory.

The Suzuki Violin School, Vol 4: Violin Part is an essential resource for violin teachers who follow the Suzuki Method of Talent Education. This book features revised editing of pieces, additional exercises, and insight and suggestions for teachers. It includes a range of pieces from Schubert, Brahms, Seitz, Vivaldi, Nachez, Bohm, and Bach. The Suzuki Method emphasizes a "mother-tongue" approach to music education, and this book is an excellent tool for developing a student's potential as a musician and a person. The book is available in English, French, German, and Spanish. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for violin teachers and students alike.

The Suzuki Cello School, Vol. 1: Cello Part, Revised Edition, is an essential book for anyone looking to teach cello using the Suzuki Method. Based on the belief that every child is born with ability, Shinichi Suzuki's approach encourages students to learn using a "mother-tongue" approach. The book includes popular folk songs and classical pieces, such as Bach's Minuet in C and Schumann's The Happy Farmer. The book is designed to be used in private studio settings with additional group lessons. Overall, this book is a great resource for anyone looking to teach cello using the Suzuki Method.

The "I Can Read Music, Vol 1: Violin" book by Joanne Martin is an excellent resource for students of string instruments who want to improve their note-reading skills. The book offers easy-to-read exercises that progress in stages, with ample repetition at each stage. It is suitable for both traditionally taught students and those who have learned through the Suzuki Method. The clear presentation of new ideas enables young children and their parents to use the book daily at home, with the teacher monitoring progress. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any violin student's library, and its unique approach makes it stand out among other note-reading books.

The Suzuki Cello School: Cello Part, Vol. 3 is a must-have book for anyone looking to teach cello using the Suzuki Method. This book includes a series of pieces that are perfect for developing a student's potential as a musician and as a person. The book's approach, based on Shinichi Suzuki's philosophy, emphasizes the importance of a child's environment and the role of the teacher in developing their abilities. From the Berceuse to the Allegro Moderato, this book offers a wide range of pieces that will keep students engaged and motivated. Overall, the Suzuki Cello School: Cello Part, Vol. 3 is an excellent resource for cello teachers and students alike.

Barron's AP Music Theory book is an excellent resource for students preparing for the AP Music Theory exam. The book includes comprehensive content review, two full-length practice tests, and online audio resources for aural skill development. The author, Nancy Fuller Scoggin, is an experienced educator with 44 years of teaching instrumental music and AP Music Theory. The book is well-organized and easy to navigate, making it an ideal study guide for students. Overall, Barron's AP Music Theory provides effective strategies, helpful tips, and useful study advice to help students succeed on exam day.

The Suzuki Cello School: Cello Part, Vol. 2 is a great resource for those who want to learn how to play the cello using the Suzuki Method. This book contains a collection of pieces designed to help students develop their skills and express themselves as musicians. The book is organized by difficulty level, making it easy for students to progress at their own pace. The mother-tongue approach used in this book has proven to be effective in teaching children how to play music. Overall, this book is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to learn how to play the cello.

The Suzuki Cello School, Vol 4: Cello Part is an essential book for anyone looking to teach cello using the Suzuki Method. The book follows the "mother-tongue" approach and includes pieces such as Bach's Minuets from the Suite in G Major and Tchaikovsky's Chanson Triste. The book is part of a series of books for a particular instrument in the Suzuki Method. The International Editions include an updated title page that designates the book as the International Edition. Overall, this book is a valuable resource for cello teachers and students alike.

Position Pieces for Cello is a fantastic resource for cello students looking to improve their fingerboard skills. The book introduces hand positions with engaging exercises like "Geography Quiz" and "Target Practice," followed by cello duets that require students to play in that same position. The book also features fun and catchy pieces like "I Was a Teenage Monster" and "The Irish Tenor." The unique approach makes position study on the cello both logical and enjoyable. Overall, this book is a great addition to any cello student's library.

Songwriting Without Boundaries is a book by Pat Pattison that offers a unique collection of more than 150 sense-bound prompts to help songwriters and writers of other genres develop their skills. Divided into four sections, the book features four different fourteen-day challenges with timed writing exercises, along with examples from other songwriters, poets, and prose writers. Pattison is a professor at Berklee College of Music and his internationally successful students include multiple Grammy winners John Mayer and Gillian Welch. This book is a great resource for anyone looking to improve their songwriting skills and add vivid details, metaphors, and rhythm to their writing.