Best International Music Books of 2025

The book "To Selena, with Love: Commemorative Edition" by Chris Perez is a heartwarming tribute to the Latin music superstar Selena. The author, who was Selena's husband, shares the story of their unbreakable friendship, forbidden relationship, and blossoming marriage that was tragically cut short by Selena's murder. Through his powerful storytelling, Chris gives readers a rare glimpse into Selena's sincerity, vulnerability, strength, conviction, and absolute resilience. The book includes photos and a special chapter detailing the author's reflection since writing the book. Overall, "To Selena, with Love" is an everlasting love story that immortalizes the heart and soul of an extraordinary, unforgettable, and irreplaceable icon.

The Little Pianist is a fantastic piano songbook for kids that has treble and bass clef notes for practicing with both hands, making it an ideal choice for young learners. The book contains 55 beginner songs that have been arranged especially for children, ranging from easiest to hardest. The diverse selection of pieces includes well-known children's songs, nursery rhymes, simplified classical pieces, famous English evergreens, and international folk songs. The most straightforward songs in the book are presented with letters above the music notes, making it easy for beginners to play. Overall, this is an excellent book that will keep your child motivated and help them progress through the levels.

The "How To Play Acoustic Guitar" book is the ultimate guide for beginners who want to learn how to play the guitar. With 130 pages of superbly explained guitar lessons, 100 beautifully illustrated guitar chords, and rhythm patterns, this book is better than a guitar teacher. It also includes over 100 easy-to-play guitar songs and step-by-step lesson videos, live, and email support. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to play acoustic guitar quickly and efficiently without any prior knowledge of music.

An incomparable photographic essay on a landmark event, Last Day in Lagos is a focused study on the work of the African American photographer Marilyn Nance. Her documentation of the landmark FESTAC’77 festival is an extraordinary and comprehensive photographic account of the peak of Pan-Africanist expression. Drawing from Nance’s extensive archive, most of which has never before been published, the book chronicles the exuberant intensity and sociopolitical significance of this extraordinary event. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the cultural history of the US and the African Diaspora, and Nance's work is a testament to her talent and dedication as a photographer.

Beethoven in the Bunker: Musicians Under the Nazi Regime is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between the Nazis and classical music. The author, Fred Brouwers, profiles the lives of musicians, composers, and conductors who either collaborated with or resisted the regime. Brouwers' meticulous research and passion for music history make for an intriguing study. He examines how the Nazis used music for propaganda purposes and how musicians were denied a means of making a living. This book is a fascinating look at a dark chapter in music history that is not often explored.

The Norton Anthology of Western Music is a comprehensive and authoritative book that provides a detailed history of Western music. Written by J. Peter Burkholder, a distinguished professor of musicology at Indiana University, the book combines current scholarship with a lively narrative that connects the past to the present. From chant to hip-hop, Burkholder provides a context for tomorrow's musicians to understand the Western musical tradition. Overall, this book is an essential resource for students and teachers of music history and criticism.

The EQ and Compression Formula is an essential guide for mix engineers who struggle with using EQ and Compression together. This book simplifies the process of mixing and engineering, making it more intuitive and enjoyable. The author provides step-by-step guidelines on how to use these powerful tools to get better results faster. This book is a must-read for producers and engineers who want to take their skills to the next level. Independently published, this book is a great addition to the International Music Books category.

The Guitar Chord Book: Acoustic Guitar Chords For Beginners & Improvers is an excellent resource for anyone looking to learn guitar chords quickly and efficiently. With clear illustrations and personalized playing tips, this book is ideal for beginners and more experienced players alike. The simple 3-step practice guide ensures correct finger positioning every time, which is crucial for success. The book covers basic chords, open chords, barre chords, poly chords, and color chords, making it a comprehensive guide for any guitarist. The addition of video lessons and email support sets this book apart from others in its category. Overall, this is a must-have for anyone serious about learning guitar chords.

The Beginner Ukulele Lessons for Kids Book with Online Video & Audio Access is a comprehensive guide for elementary school-aged children who want to learn how to play the ukulele. The book teaches beginner chords and includes carefully selected song arrangements and strum patterns to ensure early success for young learners. With online access to video instruction and audio tracks, children can easily follow along with the lessons and see how each song is played. This beginner method is an excellent choice for parents and teachers looking to introduce the ukulele to their children.

For violinists looking to improve their technique, 42 Studies for Violin by Rodolphe Kreutzer is a must-have book. This edition, edited by Ivan Galamian, includes solo parts and fingerings to guide the player through the 42 studies. The book is a standard for exercises and technique studies, and it's easy to see why. The studies cover a wide range of techniques, including double stops, trills, and arpeggios, making it a comprehensive resource for aspiring violinists. International Music Co has done an excellent job with this edition, ensuring that it is easy to read and follow. Overall, 42 Studies for Violin by Rodolphe Kreutzer is an essential addition to any violinist's library.