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Music

Music speaks directly to your feelings and comes in many forms. For that reason Tales have selected some of the finest music books just for you. You can for example find a biography of your favorite music idol, but you can also find music theory books that will help you become your own musician. Whether you like rock, pop, musicals or classical music we have the books for you. Find your inner melody with a music book from Tales.
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  • by Joe Harvard
    £10.49

    33 1/3 is a new series of short books about critically acclaimed and much-loved albums of the last 40 years. Each focuses on one album rather than an artist's entire output. Velvet Underground's first album - with the Andy Warhol banana cover - introduced, along with 'Sgt. Pepper', a new form of rock music: the artsy concept album.

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    by Peter Freestone
    £8.99

    This biography of Freddie Mercury is written by the man who was his personal assistant for the last 12 years of his life. It reveals the truth behind the scandalous rumours and describes the part played in Mercury's life by such famous names as Elton John, Kenny Everett and Elizabeth Taylor.

  • Save 17%
    - The Piano Collection
     
    £17.49

  • Save 22%
    - The Lives and Times of Sun Ra
    by John Szwed
    £13.99

    Quite possibly the most inspirational music biography ever written - essential. MUZIK

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    by Roy Courtnall
    £56.49

    * In print for over 15 years and in constant demand * The definitive handbook on making classical guitars and illustrated with over 450 line drawings and photographs * Essential for the guitar-maker and historian

  • Save 10%
    by Maria A Trapp
    £8.99

    Maria Trapp recalls the events that brought her talented family from Austria to the hills of New England.

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    by David Lee Roth
    £13.49

    NOBODY NOTICED, YOU KNOW, WHEN THE G-STRING CAME UNDONE -- WELL, I NOTICED -- NOBODY NOTICED THE MONEY, LIKE, FLOATING AROUND. I WOKE UP AT SOME POINT AROUND DAWN, THE TWO OF THEM WERE ASLEEP, AND ALL THREE OF US WERE COVERED WITH MONEY, EVERY SQUARE INCH OF SKIN HAD A DOLLAR BILL PASTED TO IT -- THERE WAS NOTHING BUT.

  • Save 18%
    by Ned Rorem
    £16.49

    "When The Paris Diary exploded on the scene in 1966 there had never been a book in English quite like it: Its intimate combination of personal, literary, and social insights was unprecedented. Rorem's"

  • Save 21%
    by Arnold Schoenberg
    £13.49

    Fundamentals of Musical Composition represents the culmination of more than forty years in Schoenberg's life devoted to the teaching of musical principles to students and composers in Europe and America.

  • - From Johann Joseph Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum
    by Johann Joseph Fux
    £14.99

    The essence of the most celebrated book on counterpoint, Fux's Gradus ad Parnassum.

  • Save 10%
    by Woody Guthrie
    £8.99

    An autobiography of Woody Guthrie, founder of modern American folk music. This book presents a cynical, earthy and tragic account of his life in an Oklahoma oil-boom town, of the Depression that followed, and of his subsequent travels in, on, and under trains, in stolen cars and on his feet, round an America going rotten from the top downwards.

  • Save 21%
    - Neil Young's Biography
    by Jimmy McDonough
    £14.99

    Neil Young is one of rock and roll's most important, influential and enigmatic figures, an intensely reticent artist who has granted no writer access to his inner sanctum - until now.

  • by R.J. (Writer Wheaton
    £10.49

    An album which distilled a genre from the musical, cultural, and social ether, Portishead's "Dummy" was such a complete artistic achievement that its ubiquitous successes threatened to exhaust its own potential. The author offers an impressionistic investigation of "Dummy" that imitates the cumulative structure of the album itself.

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    by Caroline Sullivan
    £8.99 - 13.49

  • by Keith Snell
    £11.49

    A new piano course by Keith Snell designed especially for adults! This new course is designed with adult capabilities in mind. It will navigate students through the process of becoming musically literate and technically proficient, with the ultimate goal of achieving the competence to play whatever music they like.The course is comprised of two books, divided into 10 units in each book. Each unit consists of three sections: Lessons for introducing concepts; Theory to reinforce concepts, and gain a deeper understanding of music; Technic for developing the coordination and fluency needed to play well.Through a variety of musical styles, students will learn about scales, chords, and key signatures, and how these elements are used as the building blocks of music. Combined with a solid foundation in reading notes and rhythms, the skills acquired from this course are fully transferable to many types of music and music making, and will ensure a lifetime of enjoyment at the piano.For added enjoyment and instruction each book includes FREE access to online resources such as audio accompaniments, YouTube demonstration videos, answer keys, and more!

  • Save 23%
    by Robyn Hitchcock
    £16.99

  • Save 27%
    by Christophe Lebold
    £25.49

    The first English edition of acclaimed French biography of Leonard Cohen. Christophe Lebold unveils Leonard Cohen's enigmatic journey exploring love, faith and existentialism. Through meticulous research and personal encounters, Lebold transcends biography, delving into Cohen's mission to illuminate life's shadows. This book captivates and inspires, inviting readers into life's complexities and darkest corners.

  • Save 15%
    by Ian Broudie
    £10.99 - 16.99

    From post punk Liverpool and Big in Japan to producing and working with acts like Echo & The Bunnymen and The Fall, Ian Broudie established a cult following early in his career.But in 1989, he returned to where it all began: his bedroom, tape recorder and guitar in hand. Out of necessity, with no record contract and no band in place, Ian sang and played everything on the tapes himself, recording in his "spare bedroom".The record took off and his next three records received huge critical acclaim. Released in 1994, Jollification sold over one million copies worldwide and the Lightning Seeds became one of the biggest bands of the '90s.Together with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, Ian released the 1996 single 'Three Lions' to mark the England football team's participation in Euro 96, the first major football tournament to be held in England since they had won the World Cup in 1966. Three Lions is the only single in chart history to reach number one in the UK singles chart on four separate occasions.Now, following the release of the Lightning Seeds' long-awaited comeback album, Ian shares his memories of a life of musical adventures from 70s Liverpool and Eric's, to Echo & The Bunnymen and gigs across northern England with Big in Japan, to The Coral and The Zutons at the start of a new century, via a 90s rollercoaster of triumphs and mishaps, with the Lightning Seeds from "Pure" to "Three Lions" and beyond!

  • Save 21%
    by Rob Sheffield
    £13.49

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    by Alex James
    £14.99

  • Save 24%
    by Elliot Mintz
    £18.99

  • Save 22%
    - The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Sappho to Sylvia Plath
    by Rachel Feder
    £13.99

    From name-checking Romeo and Juliet in "You Belong with Me" to The Great Gatsby allusions in "Happiness", Taylor Swift's lyrics are packed with literary connections. Make sure you're catching them all with this expert guide to the novels, poems, and plays that influenced her songwriting. Let a literature professor and a musical theater star guide you through the Swift canon--from Arthurian legend to Austen to Edward Albee. Learn what "New Romantics" has to do with the old Romantics, which Gothic novel inspired "Tolerate It," how to spot Taylor's many Great Gatsby references, and more! With full-color illustrations guiding you through the literary eras of Dr. Swift (yes, she has an honorary Ph.D.), it's a perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life. Packed with fun facts, entertaining analysis, and recommended reading that fans will love, Taylor Swift by the Book will turn anyone from a Taylor Swift lover into a Taylor Swift scholar.

  • by Bill 1953- Edwards
    £14.99 - 25.49

    This book is a comprehensive guide to guitar theory and technique. It covers everything from basic chord progressions to advanced soloing techniques, and includes numerous examples and exercises to help the reader master each concept. Whether you're a novice guitarist or an experienced musician looking to expand your knowledge, this book has something for you.This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

  • by Jason Randall
    £7.49

    Unleash the melodic magic of jazz with "How to Play the Jazz Trumpet for Beginners" by renowned musician and educator, Jason Randall. Whether you're a complete novice or have some musical experience, this comprehensive guide is designed to help you master the art of playing the jazz trumpet from the ground up.Key Features:1. Fundamental Theory and Techniques: Dive into the world of jazz trumpet with a solid foundation in music theory and essential techniques. Jason Randall breaks down complex concepts into easy-to-understand lessons, ensuring that even beginners can grasp the basics.2. Step-by-Step Learning: Follow a structured learning path that takes you through each aspect of jazz trumpet playing. From understanding trumpet anatomy to mastering breath control and embouchure, you'll progress at your own pace with clear instructions and hands-on exercises.3. Harmony and Improvisation: Explore the unique harmonies of jazz music and learn how to improvise like a seasoned jazz trumpeter. Jason's expert guidance demystifies the improvisational process, empowering you to express your musicality with confidence.4. Guided Audio Recordings: Elevate your learning experience with accompanying audio recordings crafted by Jason Randall himself. Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of jazz, and practice alongside the guided exercises to reinforce your understanding of each lesson.5. Exclusive Tips and Tricks: Benefit from insider tips and tricks accumulated from Jason Randall's extensive experience in the world of jazz. Discover the secrets to achieving a rich tone, navigating challenging passages, and standing out as a jazz trumpeter.Why Choose "How to Play the Jazz Trumpet for Beginners"?· Suitable for complete beginners and those with basic musical knowledge.· Comprehensive coverage of jazz trumpet fundamentals and techniques.· Engaging and interactive learning with guided audio recordings.· Insider insights from a seasoned jazz trumpeter and educator.· Unlock your potential and embark on a musical journey that will captivate and inspire.Join Jason Randall on this transformative musical voyage and unlock the secrets of jazz trumpet playing. Take the first step towards becoming a confident and skilled jazz trumpeter-order your copy today!

  • - The Biography of Andy Gibb
    by Matthew Hild
    £22.49

    Andy Gibb was one of the biggest pop stars of the disco era. His first three singles--"I Just Want To Be Your Everything," "(Love Is) Thicker Than Water," and "Shadow Dancing"--reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 during 1977-78, and he became a fixture on television specials, appearing alongside legends such as Bob Hope, George Burns, and Dean Martin. In 1981, he became the co-host of the iconic Solid Gold television series, and a year later he starred in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on Broadway. But despite his enormous success, he battled with insecurity, depression, and substance abuse, causing his career to flounder and leaving him bankrupt by 1987. By then, he seemed ready to start anew and launch a comeback, but he died suddenly in 1988, five days after his thirtieth birthday.Despite the tragic brevity of his career and life, Andy Gibb still has a strong fan base around the world, but his story has never been told--until now. Arrow Through the Heart: The Biography of Andy Gibb draws upon extensive research, rare archival interviews with Andy Gibb and members of his family, and interviews conducted by the author with nearly fifty of Andy's friends and associates to examine the life and career of this beloved pop idol.

  • Save 15%
    by Martin Hayes
    £14.49

  • by Jeremy Siskind
    £20.99

    Jazz Piano Fundamentals (Book 3) is master-teacher Jeremy Siskind's welcoming, clear, and detailed guide to modal and modern jazz piano study.Jazz Piano Fundamentals (Book 3) guides intermediate jazz students through the jazz piano world of artists like McCoy Tyner, Bill Evans, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Brad Mehldau, Keith Jarrett, Geri Allen, Mulgrew Miller, and others by providing clear, thoughtful, and progressive lessons, improvisation exercises, rote exercises, written exercises, listening guides, transcription projects, and practice plans. Every unit includes frequently asked questions and exclusive video content to ensure that all subjects are presented clearly and with sufficient depth.Subjects include modal patterns, So What voicings, quartal voicings, cluster voicings, pentatonic voicings, upper structures, triad pairs, pentatonic improvising, modes of the major scale, modes of the melodic minor scale, planing, sidesteps, tonicizations, playing "out," free improvisation, odd meters, and more.In the six guided transcription projects, students are coached through completing their own transcriptions of solos by Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Kenny Kirkland, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Brad Mehldau. Then, they are shown how to assimilate elements of these masters' styles into their own improvisations.This book is designed to be used in conjunction with The Real Book, Volume 6.

  • by Stellar Stories
    £8.49

    Get the Real Story!You think you know Taylor Swift, but "Taylor's Journey" takes you way deeper. This book is like hanging out with Taylor, hearing her story straight from her - from strumming in her room to lighting up stages worldwide. Taylor Tells It All: Dreams, Drama, and Making a DifferenceDive into her world like never before. It's all here: the early days, the big breaks, and how she stands up for what's right - women's rights, education, you name it. Taylor's not just about hit songs; she's about hitting back at unfairness and speaking up. Grab Your Copy & Join the Squad!This book is for all of us who've belted out her lyrics and felt like she totally gets us. Be quick, grab your copy, and let's keep celebrating Taylor - together!

  • by Ernst Levy
    £22.49

    The classic work on Levy's theory of negative harmony.

  • Save 10%
    by David Bayles
    £8.99 - 10.99

Music
Music has that special connection with our feelings. It can both make us happy and sad, help through a crisis and through all the difficult feelings we need to acknowledge. Life is not just about being happy, and music can take you on a journey through all those different feelings. In that way music can function as a form of therapy. Music can comfort you and the lyrics can make you feel embraced and recognized. Some of the songs we love most are those, which have that universal feeling and message in them. Those songs that cover all the different and conflicting feelings of life in a verse. You can learn the secrets behind some of the biggest hits or most beautiful ballads in our selection of music books. 
You could also get to know your biggest idol in our icon books. Some of the music icons have lived an inspiring and sometimes hard life, and you can learn a lot from there stories. We have biographic music books with musicians from different genres, all with their own fascinating story. We have multiple music books about the extremely talented singer Freddie Mercury - the frontman, pianist and songwriter in the legendary band Queen. Freddie Mercury had an amazing career and a magnificent voice, and he was at the same time a huge inspiration for homosexuals and generally everyone, who felt different. The singer must tragically lost his life to AIDS and the world lost one of its biggest stars to date, but you can revisit Freddie Mercury’s amazing talent and read his story in the music books Bohemian Rhapsody - The Definitive Biography of Freddie Mercury, Freddie Mercury - the Biography, Somebody to Love - The Life, Death and Legacy of Freddie Mercury, and many more.

Music books for students
If you are studying the wonderful world of music or just wants to improve your performance you should look at our music theory books. They will help you with all the different techniques no matter the instrument. At Tales you find music books for piano, music books for keyboard and music books for guitar. They will all help you in your musicology study or on your journey to becoming an amazing musician yourself. 
We also have music history books that will take you on a journey with all the greatest from Beethoven and Mozart to Tjajkovskij and Stravinskij. When you travel through the history of music you will also visit different music periods and get a better understanding of why the music sounds so differently throughout history. The music is formed by its time and the historical events of that time. If you are interested in the history of music we will recommend the music history book by Cecil Gray called History of Music. The music book moves in the crossfield between the elementary, educational and tries to give answers to some of the things we do not yet understand. It starts with the Gregorian Chant and moves through investigations of both French, Italian, English, and Russian music. 

Musical
If you like to visit the theatre for a musical you can take some of that magic with you home by finding the books, scripts and lyrics of all the biggest hit shows on Broadway and West End. Experiencing a live performance is something unique, but it is over too fast. That is why we recommend you to dive deeper into your favorite musicals with the music books on Tales. You find the lyrics and story behind the world’s nr. 1 hit musical Hamilton that changed the world. The show won The Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2016 and tells the story of one of America’s Founding Fathers Alexander Hamilton. The musical contains an amazing Grammy award winning soundtrack with the most brilliant lyrics telling the story of the American civil war. The man behind it all is the extremely talented Lin Manuel Miranda, who tells the story of American then, but with the sounds and faces of modern times. You can dive into the fascinating story of Alexander Hamilton and the musical in the book Hamilton: The Revolution or you can learn how to perform the amazing songs yourself with the music books Hamilton - Vocal Selections & Piano or Hamilton - Easy Piano Selections

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