Music books and exam material
Books for Sale
Our book department holds method books, exam material and repertoire for students, teachers and self-taught players. It includes the full grade material from Trinity, ABRSM and Rockschool, method series from Alfred's Music and Hal Leonard, and tuition books from Progressive and Faber Music.
- Trinity, ABRSM and Rockschool exams
- Alfred's Music methods
- Hal Leonard songbooks
- Progressive and Faber Music
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How to choose
Before you buy a book, know which of those three jobs it has to do. An exam book, a method book and a songbook are chosen very differently.
Beginner
If you are new to an instrument, start with one method series and stay with it. Alfred's Music and Hal Leonard both publish complete courses where each book leads into the next, and the Progressive books are clear for self-taught players. If you have a teacher, ask them which series they use before you buy, because switching halfway causes gaps. For young children, choose a series written for their age so the pace and the page layout suit them.
Intermediate
If you are preparing for an exam, buy the book for your exact board, instrument, grade and syllabus year. Trinity, ABRSM and Rockschool each have their own requirements, and a book from an older syllabus can contain pieces that are no longer accepted. Add the matching sight-reading or aural book, such as Trinity Sound at Sight or ABRSM Joining the Dots, since those sections are easy marks that many candidates leave to the last week.
Expert
For teachers and advanced players, the books that add most value are the ones that widen repertoire and reading. Keep a range of graded material from different boards so a student can prepare for whichever exam suits them. Rockschool and Trinity Rock and Pop books are useful for contemporary players who want recognised grades in modern styles, and Faber Music and Hal Leonard repertoire gives advanced students real pieces to perform.
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About our music books
Books are still the backbone of structured music learning. A good method book gives a student a clear order to learn things in, and exam syllabus books set a standard that teachers and schools across South Africa recognise.
The shelf is built around three needs. Exam candidates need the current syllabus books for their board and grade. Learners working through a method need the next book in their series. Players who simply want to play need songbooks and repertoire in a style they enjoy.
Why Trust OneStopMusic?
As the online home of Marshall Music Pretoria, we've helped countless musicians find their sound. Something small enough for a bedroom setup? No problem. Big enough for a full stage? It's here — and we deliver anywhere in South Africa.
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Buying Books in South Africa
Looking for Books? Everything on this page is priced in Rand and held in real stock at OneStopMusic — the online store of Marshall Music Pretoria. We deliver anywhere in South Africa, usually within 2–4 working days, and you are welcome to try the gear in person at our Menlo Park store. Not sure which model is right for you? Call 012 991 6077 — our team plays this gear every day and will give you honest, pressure-free advice.