8 New Music Books Reshaping the Industry in 2025

Paul Porter’s decades of experience in the music industry led him to write a candid account exposing how corporate forces systematically erased Black identity from Black radio and mainstream music. You’ll gain an insider’s perspective on the structural challenges and cultural battles that shaped the industry’s landscape, particularly in how Black artists and voices were marginalized. The book delves into the politics behind music programming and corporate control, revealing why Porter took a stand against this erasure. If you’re interested in music history, racial dynamics in media, or industry power struggles, this book offers a focused, personal narrative rather than a broad overview.

Tamara Burt's experience in music education led her to create a beginner-friendly piano songbook tailored specifically for children. This book equips you with 80 classic kids’ songs, each accompanied by letter notation, audio, video, and backing tracks that simplify learning and make practice engaging. You’ll gain skills in reading sheet music with lettered notes and handling ledger lines comfortably, all while boosting rhythm and timing by playing along with backing tracks. If you’re teaching a child or starting piano yourself, this book offers a straightforward, enjoyable pathway into music that keeps frustration at bay and motivation high.

This personalized book explores the dynamic developments transforming music in 2025, tailored to your interests and background. It covers emerging genres, technological innovations, and cultural shifts that define the current musical landscape. By focusing on your specific goals, this tailored guide reveals how new tools, styles, and industry changes interact to shape modern music in unprecedented ways. You’ll examine cutting-edge trends, from AI-generated compositions to evolving audience engagement, gaining a deeper understanding of how music continues to evolve. This customized approach ensures you engage with the latest discoveries and insights that resonate most with your passion and skill level.

Unlike most beginner saxophone books that focus narrowly on technique, Avgusta Udartseva’s approach integrates music theory with practical play, including swing, blues, and improvisation. You’ll find clear explanations on assembling and caring for your saxophone, alongside foundational posture, breathing, and tonguing methods. With 55 songs ranging from simple to accompanied pieces, plus online audio and video resources, you learn not just to play notes but to feel the music. This book suits both kids aged 12 and adults, especially those eager to explore beyond basics into expressive styles like jazz and blues.

Sonodrum Song created this collection of 50 songs designed specifically for diatonic tongue drums tuned in C major, aimed at those new to the instrument or music in general. The book removes barriers by eliminating the need to read traditional music notation, instead using a number-based system that makes playing accessible to children and absolute beginners alike. Alongside the songs, it offers practical advice on playing techniques, instrument care, and tips to enhance your experience. If you seek to incorporate calming, meditative music into your practice or daily life without prior musical training, this book guides you through soothing compositions like "Gentle Breeze" and "Peace of Mind." However, if you are an advanced musician looking for complex arrangements or varied scales, this book’s scope is more introductory and focused.

What happens when a seasoned music critic turns his attention to the futuristic edges of sound? Simon Reynolds dives deep into the evolving relationship between electronic music and the visions of tomorrow, illustrating how artists like Giorgio Moroder and Daft Punk have shaped not just genres but cultural expectations of the future. You’ll gain insight into how technology and human creativity collide, especially through chapters that spotlight Auto-Tune as the 21st century’s defining pop instrument. If you’re fascinated by the intersection of music, technology, and speculative futures, this book offers a rich tapestry of stories and essays that challenge you to reconsider what music can signal about the world ahead.

This tailored book explores the evolving landscape of music, focusing on emerging trends and career opportunities in 2025 and beyond. It examines how new discoveries and technological advances are reshaping music creation, distribution, and appreciation. The content is personalized to match your background and interests, allowing you to engage deeply with the latest developments that matter most to your goals. By zeroing in on your unique aspirations, it reveals cutting-edge insights that illuminate the future of music and the paths you can take to stay ahead. This tailored approach provides a focused and invigorating learning experience designed just for you.

Unlike most music books that dive straight into theory, Tommy Swindali's approach connects music theory with the emotional impact that makes songs resonate. Drawing from his experience as a DJ and producer with BBC radio credentials and Beatport chart successes, Swindali breaks down songwriting and lyrics in a way that’s both accessible and insightful. You’ll learn how to craft chord progressions that captivate, master melodies that stick, and understand song dynamics like tension and release, all illustrated through techniques linked to chart-topping hits. This book is ideal if you want to improve your songwriting confidence and creativity without getting bogged down in overly technical jargon.

When Jason Randall developed this guide, he focused on demystifying music reading for absolute beginners through a blend of theory and practice. You’ll learn to recognize notes, rhythms, keys, and scales with clarity, plus master solfege using progressive lessons paired with over 100 interactive audio examples that bring concepts to life. The book’s exercises and quizzes help you track progress while practical tips sharpen your sight-reading skills. If you’re starting from scratch or want to build a solid foundation in music notation and pitch, this approachable guide offers a straightforward path without overwhelming jargon.

Drawing from deep philosophical inquiry, Peter Kalkavage explores the profound connections between music and the concept of world in this thoughtful meditation. You’ll engage with essays that weave through classical compositions and philosophical ideas, from Plato’s cosmology to Wagner’s interpretations, revealing how music reflects time, space, and human experience. Chapters on works like Bach’s St. Matthew Passion and Mozart’s Magic Flute offer concrete examples of how music expresses complex inner worlds and historical narratives. This book suits philosophically curious music lovers who appreciate exploring music beyond sound, delving into its role in shaping our understanding of existence.