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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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  • Save 19%
    by John Van der Kiste
    £12.99

    Eagles began as a backing group for Linda Ronstadt, then realised they had the potential to strike out on their own.

  • Save 24%
    by Charles Ginger
    £15.99

    They say the winner takes it all, and when it came to fame, fortune and writing their name into the annals of pop music, ABBA certainly did. But just how did four young Scandinavian singers join forces to become the biggest- selling pop band in history? From their early days as budding artists to winning Eurovision, storming the global charts and bringing Australia to a hysterical halt, this is the history of arguably the most iconic pop act the world has ever seen. With in-depth analysis of all nine studio albums, accounts from their tours and a look at how the band managed to keep turning out the smash hits even as their private lives collapsed, prepare to dive into a world of glitzy gear, record-breaking songs and blockbuster movies. Oh, and there's the fishy agreement that made it all possible. I hope you enjoy the journey. I do, I do, I do, I do, I do...

  • Save 19%
    by Marie Fredriksson
    £20.99

  • by Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne
    £20.99

    Anglo Concertina from Beginner to Master includes 72 tunes for the C/G 30-button Anglo concertina and uses a simple tablature system along with standard musical notation and multiple exercises to teach simple tunes in the home keys all the way up to complex classical arrangements. It also teaches tunes in different keys and different modes plus many types of ornamentation and styles of accompaniment. Many of the tunes are from early 19th century concertina tutors and others are from historical 18th and 19th century tune books and manuscripts. In addition to several hymns, two classical Baroque pieces by Telemann and Westhoff are also notated and discussed. The book is divided into chapters with each chapter being based around a different theme or style of concertina playing. Each of these chapters gets gradually more complex as it progresses and each chapter, overall, is more complex than the one that proceeds it. Each tune has been assigned an ability level from one to seven- taking you through from beginner to master. Each selection has a Button Map showing which buttons are needed to play the tune, and has the same easy-to-use tablature system found in other Rollston Press concertina books. And this book comes with video instruction! Every tune also has a smartphone-scannable QR code that links to a video of Cohen showing how the tune is played. Working through all these tunes will not be easy, but thanks to the diligent teaching of master player Cohen Braithwaite-Kilcoyne it will quickly develop and elevate your playing skills. THE TUNES: All Around the Maypole See How They Trot, Beautiful Star, The Birmingham March, Bridgeford, Bryan O'Lynn, The Buds of May, Cambridge New, Cambridge Short Tune, The Cat's Polka, Chamberlain Election, The Christmas Tale, Colchester, Cotillon, Cure of all Grief, The Devil in a Bush, Dover, Ellingham Assembly, The Exile, Favourite Banjo Breakdown, The Fiddler's Jig, Fishes in the Sea, Freedom and Liberty, French March, Frogmore Farm, Grano's March, Harliquin Air, Holborn March, Honey Moon, King's Polka, Lady Cathcart, Litchfield Races, The London Camp, The Magic Girdle, Maid in the Wood, Marey's Dream, The Martyrs Tune, Marybone Assembly, Minasi Number 3, Minasi Waltz Number 7, Miss Gayton's Hornpipe, Nineteenth of May, Now or Never, Oxford Tune, Paddy Wack, The Philosopher's Jigg, Prince William, Rakish Highlandman, Rattling Morgan, Sailor's Hornpipe, Saxon Hornpipe, Spring's Waltz, Such a Wife as Willy Had, Take a Dance, Tekeli, Telemann's 5th Fantasia - First Movement, Telemann's 5th Fantasia - Second Movement, Telemann's 5th Fantasia - Third Movement, Telemann's 5th Fantasia for solo flute, The Tempest, Trip to London, Two and Two, Tyroler Waltzer, The Unfortunate Cup of Tea, Union Waltz, The Vesper's Hymn, Waltz, Welsh Fusiliers, West Cottage Hornpipe, Westhoff's 4th Partita - Allemande, Westhoff's 4th Partita - Courante, Westhoff's 4th Partita - Gigue, Westhoff's 4th Partita - Sarabande, Westhoff's 4th Partita for solo violin, Westwood Park, When once I lay with another Man's Wife, Wilkes's Wriggle, Windsor Terrace.

  • Save 25%
    by Dolly Parton
    £19.49

    "For the first time ever, legendary singer-songwriter Dolly Parton brings you behind the lyrics of 175 of her songs to reveal the personal stories and vibrant memories that have inspired sixty years of songwriting. Lushly illustrated and told in Dolly's inimitable voice, this rich collection offers an intimate, exclusive look at the colorful life, prolific career, and rags-to-rhinestones journey of one of the most revered entertainers of our time"--

  • by Jeremy Siskind
    £27.49

  • Save 14%
    by Adelle Stripe & Lias Saoudi
    £9.49

  • Save 18%
    by Helen O'Hara
    £16.49

  • Save 14%
     
    £23.99

    Shortlisted for Film & Musicals Publication of the Year at the Presto Music Awards 2023This collection features 26 defining works from Lin-Manuel's career from In the Heights in 2008 to Encanto in 2021 and everything in between, including, of course, selections from Hamilton! Lin-Manuel provides the preface to the collection.

  • Save 23%
    by Bryan Ferry
    £15.49

  • Save 27%
    by Denis O'Regan
    £25.49

  • Save 23%
    by Andrew Mon Hughes, Grant Walters & Mark Crohan
    £15.49

  • by Carl Flesch
    £15.49 - 21.49

  • Save 23%
    by Mike Gent, Hugh Fielder, Michael Ross, et al.
    £15.49

  • Save 18%
    by Hal Leonard Publishing Corporation
    £18.49

    For voice and piano, with chord symbols and guitar chord diagrams.

  • Save 24%
    by John Higgs
    £17.49

  • by Alex Pappademas
    £27.49

    A literary and visual exploration of the songs of Steely Dan.

  • by D. Henry Wickham
    £21.49

    This informative book will guide you through the step by step process of building a professional quality ukulele. Each step is fully demonstrated and is illustrated with over 200 detailed photographs and drawings. Twelve time-saving construction jigs are illustrated and fully explained. Included is a section on sources of materials, a precise material list and other pertinent information.This 145-page book is a condensation of 35 years of woodworking experience and a substantial knowledge of guitar and ukulele construction. It has been written with the first time builder in mind, but it includes some more advanced topics and procedures. Basic concepts are the core of this book and in great detail. Little is published on the subject of ukulele construction and this book will be a welcomed addition.The construction demonstrated is based on a Tenor Ukulele and this book will serve as a substantial reference resource for any of the four sizes of the ukuleles. Both the Spanish and Box Style construction are illustrated and discussed in every step of the construction process. Concise photographic detail and drawings help to show you what to do and what not to do.Included is a chapter on finishing and a detailed section on setting up and tuning your ukulele.

  • Save 10%
    by Bez
    £8.99 - 15.49

  • by Eduardo Reck Miranda
    £257.49

  • Save 16%
    by Hal Leonard Corp
    £15.99

  • Save 20%
    by Clemency Burton-Hill
    £11.99

  • by Graham Coxon
    £18.99

    Among the noise and clamour of the Britpop era, Blur co-founder Graham Coxon managed to carve out a niche to become one of the most innovative and respected guitarists of his generation - but it wasn't always easy.Graham grew up as an Army kid, moving frequently in his early years from West Germany to Derbyshire and Winchester before settling in Colchester, Essex. A shy child, he had a thing for eating soil and drawing intense visions; his anxiety was tempered by painting and a growing love of music.These twin passions grew into obsessions, and as he honed his artistic skill at school, Goldsmiths and beyond, his band with school friend Damon Albarn, fellow student Alex James, and a drummer called Dave Rowntree began to get noticed.But there are things they don't tell you before you get famous. There are monsters out there. And some may even be lurking inside yourself.Verse, Chorus, Monster! is an intimate, honest reflection on music, fame, addiction and art by one of Britain's most iconic musicians.

  • Save 15%
    by Martyn Ware
    £10.99 - 15.49

  • Save 20%
    by Bruce Ossman
    £11.99

    Making A Beautiful Violin is Easier Than You ThinkYou don't have to be a professional luthier to build a handsome hand-crafted violin. All you need are just a few common tools, wood, and the simplified violin-making process found inside the newly revised and updated Violin Making. The early version of this book helped many first-time instrument makers build their own stunning violins-and their beautiful work is displayed inside in a new color photo gallery. Author and lifelong teacher Bruce Ossman uses his simple techniques and clear instruction to guide you through every single step of making a violin. With the full-size patterns and detailed illustrations include, you will be on your way to crafting an instrument fit for an orchestra.

  • Save 27%
    by Ann Harrison
    £25.49

    This essential and highly acclaimed guide, now updated and revised in its eighth edition, explains the business of the British music industry.Drawing on her extensive experience as a media lawyer, Ann Harrison offers a unique, expert opinion on the deals, the contracts and the business as a whole. She examines in detail the changing face of the music industry and provides absorbing and up-to-date case studies.Whether you're a recording artist, songwriter, music business manager, industry executive, publisher, journalist, media student, accountant or lawyer, this practical and comprehensive guide is indispensable reading.Fully revised and updated. Includes: The current types of record and publishing deals, and what you can expect to see in the contracts A guide to making a record, manufacture, distribution, branding, marketing, merchandising, sponsorship, band arrangements and touring Information on music streaming, digital downloads and piracy The most up-to-date insights on how the COVID-19 crisis has affected marketing An in-depth look at copyright law and related rights Case studies illustrating key developments and legal jargon explained.

  • Save 27%
    by Ian Shirley
    £25.49

    The Rare Record Price Guide 2024 is a captivating read by Ian Shirley. Published in 2022 by the renowned Diamond Publishing Group Ltd, this book is a must-have for any dedicated record collector. This guide is an authoritative and comprehensive compendium of rare record prices, making it an essential resource for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts alike. The book is meticulously researched and updated to reflect the current market trends and prices. The author, Ian Shirley, is a revered figure in the genre, known for his in-depth knowledge and passion for rare records. His expertise shines through in his writing, making this guide not just informative, but also engaging. The Rare Record Price Guide 2024 is more than just a price guide; it's a journey into the fascinating world of rare records, guided by one of the most knowledgeable experts in the field. Published by Diamond Publishing Group Ltd, the book is a testament to their commitment to delivering high-quality and valuable content to their readers. This book is written in English.

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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