Best Music Reference in 2025

Daisy
Last Updated: Oct 31, 2025

At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Music Reference

On The Come Up
#TOP1
On The Come Up
9.8
PM SCORE
Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 3
#TOP2
Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory, Bk 3
9.8
PM SCORE
Recording Unhinged: Creative and Unconventional Music Recording Techniques (Music Pro Guides)
#TOP3
Recording Unhinged: Creative And Unconventional Music Recording Techniques
9.8
PM SCORE

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Summary of the Best Music Reference of 2025

Market Overview
Music Reference Reviewed
  • Reviews Analyzed: 8761 Items
  • PM Avg. Rating: 7.0 / 10
27 Products Evaluated
  • Highest Price: $78.48
  • Lowest Price: $1.51
  • Avg. Price: $18.94

On The Come Up

BALZER & BRAY/HARPERTEEN
50433837
5.50 X 1.41 X 8.25 Inches
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

On The Come Up Hardcover – February 5, 2019

Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory, Bk 3

ALFRED MUSIC
00-17233
8.70 X 0.20 X 11.60 Inches
0.35 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

The most complete music theory course ever! This all-in-one series includes concise lessons with short exercises, ear training activities and reviews

Available in three separate volumes or as a complete set, Essentials of Music Theory also includes Ear Training CDs (performed by acoustic instruments), a Teacher's Answer Key Book, reproducible Teacher's Activity Kits, Bingo Games, Flash Cards and Computer Software

Additional Information Teacher Answer Key There are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of "Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory

" The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all

There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit

Recording Unhinged: Creative And Unconventional Music Recording Techniques (Music Pro Guides)

HAL LEONARD
142105
8.61 X 0.77 X 11.32 Inches
2.42 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Creative and Unconventional Music Recording Techniques Series: Music Pro Guide Books & DVDs Publisher: Hal Leonard Format: Hardcover Media Online Author: Sylvia Massy Inventory #HL 00142105 ISBN: 9781495011276 UPC: 888680047443 Width: 8.5" Length: 11.0" 258 pages

Recording Unhinged: Creative and Unconventional Music Recording Techniques dares you to “unlearn” safe record-making, to get out from behind the windshield, stick your head out the sunroof, and put the pedal to the metal

Sylvia Massy and her cohort of celebrity music industry producers, engineers, and recording stars discard fixed notions about how music should be recorded and explore techniques that fall outside the norm and yield emotionally powerful, incredibly personal, gut-wrenching, and even scary recordings

Joined by Hans Zimmer, Al Schmitt, Bruce Swedien, Jack Joseph Puig, Dave Pensado, Tchad Blake, Bob Clearmountain, Linda Perry, Michael Franti, Michael Beinhorn, Bob Ezrin, Geoff Emerick, and many others, this book has the stories, tips, recipes, photos, advice, diagrams, exercises, illustrations, and jokes that you won't find in any other instructional manual

Recording Unhinged contains many illustrations by Sylvia herself

Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory, Bk 2

ALFRED MUSIC
00-17232
11.75 X 0.25 X 8.75 Inches
0.34 pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

The most complete music theory course ever! This all-in-one series includes concise lessons with short exercises, ear training activities and reviews

Available in three separate volumes or as a complete set, Essentials of Music Theory also includes Ear Training CDs (performed by acoustic instruments), a Teacher's Answer Key Book, reproducible Teacher's Activity Kits, Bingo Games, Flash Cards and Computer Software

Additional Information Teacher Answer Key There are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of "Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory

" The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all

There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit

#TOP5

Symphonies Nos. 8 And 9 In Full Score (Dover Orchestral Music Scores)

DOVER PUBLICATIONS
260356
9.02 X 0.54 X 11.91 Inches
1.57 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Manufactured to the Highest Quality Available.

With True Enhanced Performance.

Latest Technical Development.

Theory Made Easy For Kids, Level 1 (Made Easy: Level 1)

ALFRED MUSIC
98-MP300501US
9.25 X 0.25 X 12.00 Inches
0.48 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

This first introduction to music theory is perfect for children ages 4-7

Music Theory Made Easy for Kids is filled with colorful illustrations and fun musical sticker sheets in each book

Alfred's Essentials Of Music Theory, Bk 1

ALFRED MUSIC
00-17231
8.75 X 0.25 X 11.50 Inches
0.34 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Additional InformationTeacher Answer KeyThere are five reproducible Activities in each of the six Units, which correlate specifically to the six Units in Book 1 of "Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory

" The wide variety of Activities includes Music Crossword, Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 30 Activities in all

There is also one Test per Unit that covers all the theory concepts introduced in that Unit

Each reproducible page includes scoring boxes to help the instructor grade the page

Music Theory For Young Musicians: Study Notes With Exercises For Abrsm Theory Exams (Poco Studio Edition, 2)

ALFRED
99-9671000320
0.00 X 0.00 X 0.00 Inches
0.55 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

By Ying Ying Ng Item: 99-9671000320 ISBN 10: 9671000320 ISBN 13: 9789671000328 Series: Poco Studio Edition Category: Textbook - General Format: Book

With one book per grade, assigning theory lessons for your students couldn't be easier

The new revised edition of the Grade 2 book contains a step-by-step guide for each concept, then general exercises for the evaluation and reinforcement of these concepts, and finally some sample test papers so you can be certain of success before entering your student

The Music Theory for Young Musicians series is a colorful and imaginative set of books that covers all aspects of the ABRSM theory syllabus for Grades 1--5

With one book per grade, assigning theory lessons for your students couldn't be easier

Essential Dictionary Of Music Notation: Pocket Size Book (Essential Dictionary Series)

ALFRED MUSIC
00-16638
0.00 X 0.00 X 0.00 Inches
0.36 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Essential Dictionary of Music Notation Pocket Size Book

This pocket-sized dictionary presents current and correct notation practices in an easy-to-use format

Generously illustrated and concise, this book is essential to any musician looking for a handy reference for the correct notation of music

A most welcome and beneficial source for every musician, whether using a pencil or a computer

This pocket-sized dictionary presents current and correct notation practices in an easy-to-use format

Fundamentals Of Musical Composition

BRAND: FABER AND FABER
6.00 X 0.70 X 9.20 Inches
0.73 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Used Book in Good Condition

#TOP11

The Rhythm Bible: Book & Cd

ALFRED MUSIC
00-20382
8.90 X 0.20 X 11.80 Inches
1.00 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
SFBayGoodwill 9.92

Features

Developed by the author during a lifetime spent as an arranger and performer, this unique, well-planned book teaches how to perform the most complex rhythms at sight

It contains well over 1,000 examples of rhythmic figures common in jazz, rock, Latin, blues, funk, and other styles

The CD demonstrates rhythms from throughout the book performed in a variety of grooves

Music: An Appreciation

MCGRAW-HILL HUMANITIES/SOCIAL SCIENCES/LANGUAGES
8.75 X 0.75 X 11.00 Inches
2.10 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
California-Book-Finds 5.47

Features

Music

Textbook

Music an Appreciation

Fundamentals Of Musical Acoustics: Second, Revised Edition (Dover Books On Music: Acoustics)

DOVER PUBLICATIONS
06-26484X
0.00 X 0.00 X 0.00 Inches
1.95 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Satisfaction ensured.

Huge selection to choose from.

Series: Dover Edition.

Category: Textbook - General.

608 pages.

#TOP14

Teacher's Activity Kit, Complete: 90 Reproducible Activities, Plus 18 Tests (Essentials Of Music Theory)

ALFRED
00-26327
9.00 X 0.50 X 11.00 Inches
1.05 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Essentials of Music Theory Teacher's Activity Kit Complete Complete

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory is designed for students of any age, whether listeners or performers, who want to have a better understanding of the language of music

In this all-in-one theory course, you will learn the essentials of music through concise lessons, practice your music reading and writing skills in the exercises, improve your listening skills with the available ear-training CDs (sold separately), and test your knowledge with a review that completes each unit

The Teacher's Activity Kit Complete for Volumes 1-3 includes five reproducible activities and one test for each of the 18 units in Volumes 1-3 of the Student Books

The wide variety of activities includes Music Crossword Puzzles, Note Naming, Matching Games, Musical Math, Word Scrambles, and others for a total of 90 Activities and 18 Tests in all

Mixcraft 7 Home Studio [Old Version]

ACOUSTICA
ACTA-73
5.50 X 1.50 X 7.50 Inches
0.02 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
K.B.I. 6.67

Features

Record up to 16 audio and MIDI tracks (vocals, MIDI keyboards, guitars and more). Arrange and score video files, add transitions, visual effects, music, sound effects and voice overs with ease.

Over 2000 professionally produced music loops and sound effects in a wide variety of popular styles, from dubstep to country to heavy metal.

Six virtual instruments, including piano, strings, guitars, organs and classic synthesizers. 20 professional audio effects include reverb, chorus, delay, auto-filters, compressors and phases.

6 Virtual Instruments: Acoustica Instruments, Alpha Sampler, Impulse, Messiah, Minimogue VA and VB3 Organ.

18 FX: Acoustica Chorus/Compressor/Delay/Distortion/EQ/Flanger/Reverb, Classic AutoFilter/Chorus/Delay/EQ/Master Limiter/Phaser/Reverb, EZQ EQ, GTune Guitar Tuner, Voxengo Amp Sim/Spectrum Analyzer.

Let's Dance: Learn To Swing, Foxtrot, Rumba, Tango, Line Dance, Lambada, Cha-Cha, Waltz, Two-Step, Jitterbug And Salsa With Style, Elegance And Ease

BLACK DOG & LEVENTHAL
9.25 X 1.25 X 12.50 Inches
3.20 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
ThriftBooks-Atlanta 9.89

Features

Used Book in Good Condition

#TOP17
Best Doo Wop

The Complete Book Of Doo-Wop

BRAND: KRAUSE PUBLICATIONS
8.50 X 1.00 X 11.00 Inches
0.30 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
New Legacy Books 9.89

Features

Used Book in Good Condition

#TOP18

Music Theory Made Easy New Edition (Reference)

MUSIC SALES
DH10070
4.50 X 0.20 X 12.00 inches
0.32 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Clean Earth Books 9.90

Features

Used Book in Good Condition

Essentials Of Music Notation

ALFRED MUSIC
00-32756
8.80 X 0.30 X 11.70 Inches
0.60 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

An excellent reference for those interested in learning correct musical notation

Essentials of Music Notation presents current and correct notation practices in an easy-to-use format

Generously illustrated and concise, this book is essential to any musician looking for a handy reference for the correct notation of music

This will serve as a most welcome and beneficial source for every musician, whether using a pencil or a computer

Essentials of Music Notation presents current and correct notation practices in an easy-to-use format

#TOP20
Best Big Beat

The Big Beat: Conversations With Rock's Great Drummers

BRAND: BILLBOARD BOOKS
0.70 X 8.40 X 10.90 Inches
1.70 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
ThriftBooks-Phoenix 9.89

Features

Used Book in Good Condition

Afro-Latin Rhythm Dictionary: A Complete Dictionary For All Musicians

ALFRED MUSIC
00-2427
4.00 X 0.30 X 10.70 Inches
0.20 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

Explore Latin, Afro, Cuban, Rock And Jazz Styles

A Valuable Resource For Percussionists

Helpful For Arrangers And Classroom Music Teachers

Standard Notation And Terms

48 Pages

Sibelius 3 Competitive Upgrade For Finale, Encore, And Mosaic

SIBELIUS
SIBCEX3
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING

Features

Software for writing, playing, printing, and publishing music notation

Scan in printed music; high-quality sounds for playback

Saves time; elegant and intuitive; school feature sets

Publish music world-wide or create personal CDs and MP3s

Designed for students, educators, and professional composers

#TOP23

Rolling Stone 40 Years: Cover To Cover

TOPICS ENTERTAINMENT
51952
5.25 X 2.75 X 7.50 Inches
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Rasputin Music & Movies 9.87

Features

With every issue of Rolling Stone from the last 40 years, you'll become an instant authority on music & pop culture

Browse every Rolling Stone photo shot by Annie Leibovitz, including her first professional photo ever!

Read every Hunter S. Thompson story written for Rolling Stone

All the reviews, interviews, articles and much more, in one easy-to-use and convenient place

Includes the Boni Reader, a powerful magazine browing software appication, that lets you explore, search and arrange the archive as you please - quickly and easily on your Mac or PC

Music Creator Pro 24

CAKEWALK
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING

Features

Turn your PC into a powerful multitrack recording studio

Record unlimited tracks of audio and MIDI

Mix with real-time audio and MIDI effects

Perform with DXi software synthesizers

Record up to 24-bit/96 kHz audio

#TOP25

Theory For Young Musicians, Notespeller

ALFRED
00-18512
9.00 X 0.25 X 11.50 Inches
0.30 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Amazon.com 9.68

Features

This series is a fun way to begin to learn music

Books 1 and 2 contain theory lessons, ear training lessons and worksheets

Students from ages 8 to 12 in their first year of lessons will reinforce their music reading skills and gain a better understanding of the building blocks of music

This thorough, easy-to-use method includes theory lessons, ear training and worksheets

#TOP26

The Absolute Essentials Of Songwriting Success

ALFRED
00-35888
8.50 X 0.75 X 11.00 Inches
1.39 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
Linton-MILANO Music 6.53

Features

The Absolute Essentials of Songwriting Success Book

Your greatest desire is for your original songs to be recorded, released, and broadcast

But do you have a realistic plan to make this dream your reality? Author and hit tunesmith Rand Bishop draws from 40 years of on-the-job experience while visiting with some of the most-honored song crafters of the last five decades, unveiling a long-term strategy for building a career composing hit songs

The lessons, essays, quotations, and profiles in this book reveal how a Song Dog becomes Top Dog

Your greatest desire is for your original songs to be recorded, released, and broadcast

#TOP27

Schooltown Toddlers

SELECTSOFT PUBLISHING
XS46899
5.59 X 0.39 X 4.92 Inches
1.70 Pounds
SELLER SELLER SCORE AMAZON FULFILLED PRIME FREE SHIPPING
NDFcompsurplus 5.47

Features

Choose the level of difficulty Freehand painting activities

Musical memory Dozens of multi-level puzzles

Coordination & visual perception Make your own animal greeting cards

Match the jungle animals to their sounds Paint the train in any color you choose!

Create your own greeting cards and other works of art Let's play music on this interactive xylophone! And more!

Top 10 music reference Brands on Amazon

Here is the list of top-rated brands that were evaluated by PM.

Brand Count
Alfred Music 8
Alfred 4
Dover Publications 2
Acoustica 1
Balzer & Bray/Harperteen 1
Black Dog & Leventhal 1
Brand: Billboard Books 1
Brand: Faber And Faber 1
Brand: Krause Publications 1
Cakewalk 1

Top 10 music reference Brands Pie Chart


We've carried out a comprehensive analysis of 8,761 reviews on music reference, using our selection criteria to identify the best options in the categories. Our findings reveal that most customers typically select music reference priced around $18.94, with top brands including dover publications, hal leonard publishing corporation, oxford university press, music sales, createspace independent publishing platform, alfred music and suzuki method international and schirmer

Our team of expert editors reviewed these high-quality items and handpicked the top 27 music reference for your consideration. We've also done extensive research on numerous sellers, identifying the best ones in the categories category. These include amazon.com, clean earth books and thriftbooks-phoenix and jmc72 .

We are dedicated to assisting our users in finding the right reference Products based on their needs, saving them considerable time when choosing which music reference to buy. We take pride in the number of satisfied users we've helped through our thorough and insightful reviews.