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JAMB Syllabus for Music 2025/2026

5th February 2025 by Sparobanks

The JAMB syllabus for Music outlines the topics, objectives, and scope of the examination, ensuring students are well-prepared for success.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the syllabus, practical tips for effective preparation.

What Is the JAMB Syllabus for Music?

The JAMB Music syllabus serves as a curriculum designed to assess candidates’ understanding of music theory, history, and practice. It is structured to develop critical appreciation, analytical skills, and an understanding of socio-cultural influences on music.

Sections of the JAMB Music Syllabus 2025/2026

1. Rudiments of Music

This section focuses on the foundational aspects of music theory, including:

Staff notation
Notes and rests
Key signatures
Time signatures
Scales and intervals
Musical terms and symbols

2. Elementary Harmony

Candidates will study:

Chord structures and progressions
Modulation
Cadences
Elementary composition techniques

3. History and Literature of African Music

This part emphasizes:

Traditional Nigerian and African music
Folk songs
Instruments and their classifications
Contributions of African musicians to global music

4. History and Literature of Western Music

Here, students will explore:

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Western music periods (Baroque, Classical, Romantic, etc.)
Composers and their works
Musical forms and media

5. Comparative Music Studies

This section compares different music styles and explores:

Jazz, reggae, and hip-hop
Contributions of Black musicians in the diaspora
Influence of African rhythms on global music trends

JAMB Syllabus for Music 2025/2026

TOPICS/CONTENTS/NOTES	OBJECTIVES
SECTION A: RUDIMENTS OF MUSIC 1. The Staff (a) great staff, (b) ledger lines and spaces, (c) open score (voice score) and (d) C clef, alto (viola clef) and tenor clef.	Candidates should be able to identify all the components of the staff ad their applications
2. Music Notes/Rests and their corresponding values.	Candidates should be able to determine the relative duration of different notes and rests
3. Time/Time Signature: (simple and compound time signatures), the correct grouping of notes and barring of unbarred passages.	Candidates should be able to interpret varied rhythmic patterns.
4. A – Key signatures and scales: (i) technical names of the various degrees of the scale (ii) diatonic major/minor (natural, harmonic, and melodic) (iii) chromatic scales B – Determination of the key of a piece of music with or without key signature NOT exceeding two sharps ad two flats.	Candidates should be able to; i. ascertain names of the various degrees of the diatonic scales. ii. identify simple scale passages with or without key signature.
5. (a) Keyboard setting and enharmonic and equivalents (b) Accidentals	Candidates should be able to identify the names of the white and black keys and their relationship, e.g. C sharp = D^b = B^x

Objectives of the JAMB Music Syllabus

The JAMB Music syllabus aims to:

Develop critical thinking and appreciation of music.
Enhance analytical skills for interpreting musical works.
Prepare students for advanced music studies.
Promote understanding of the cultural and historical context of music.

Why Is the JAMB Music Syllabus Important?

The syllabus acts as a roadmap, guiding candidates on what to study. By following the outlined topics, students can focus on essential areas, avoid distractions, and increase their chances of achieving high scores.

Is the JAMB Music syllabus different for 2025/2026?

The syllabus is updated periodically. Ensure you use the latest version to stay informed about any changes.

What topics should I focus on?

Pay attention to rudiments of music, harmony, African and Western music history, and comparative studies.

How do I score high in JAMB Music?

Understand the syllabus, practice regularly, and focus on both theory and practical aspects of music.

JAMB Syllabus for All Subjects

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