David Dutkanicz - A First Book of Ragtime: 24 Arrangements for the Beginning Pianist

Known as the King of Ragtime, Scott Joplin is one of Americas most celebrated artists. This work has become a symbol of the genre and is recognized throughout the world. Be sure to follow the tempo marking and play in an unhurried manner.

This excerpt is taken from the second theme of the work. The sixteenth notes beginning each phrase are known as pickups and are used to lead into the melody. Play them evenly and do not rush.

Raymond Birch was a prolific composer from Kansas City, who wrote over 300 songs. He was only the second artist (after Joplin) to sell one million copies of a single piece of music. Keep the mood lively by adding a sense of swing to the right hand.

Practicing arpeggios may seem tedious, but they do come in handy. This melody by Joplin is a good example of how arpeggios can be used to create a playful sound. Use C and G major arpeggios to warm-up before practicing this rag.

Joseph F. Lamb was another major composer of ragtime whose career began after a chance meeting with Joplin in a New York City music store. He had many works published and became a part of ragtimes Big Three, along with Joplin and James Scott. Be mindful of the melodic leaps in the right handpractice them separately so that they are smooth and do not jump.

This catchy rag was an early hit, and was recorded by many artists on numerous albums. Use dynamics to emphasize the contrast between the subdued intro and roaring theme. Repeat the theme as many times as you like before playing the rousing finish.

When playing this lovely rag, be mindful of the melody splitting between the left and right hands. Play smoothly and evenly, as if one hand were playing. Once your fingers are comfortable, add a slight touch of pedal.

James Scott was a member of ragtimes Big Three, with Joplin and Lamb. Scott also worked as a piano player for the silent movies of the day, writing original works and adapting popular tunes for the screen. It was Joplin who discovered his music and promoted it to various publishers.

When playing this piece, youll find that the pulse often lands on an upbeat. This is known as syncopation. Practice by counting the rhythm out loud before playing.

This standard work was first published in 1911, and co-written with Scott Hayden, one of Joplins students. Keep the tone clean in the lower register by playing evenly, and lifting the fingers off the keys.

Originally marketed as a march, this upbeat work quickly found its way into the popular repertoire. Musicians often added their own melodies and accompaniments, transforming the work into something of their own. This can be heard here by the pairing of the march in the right hand, with spruced up passages in the left.

To keep this piece lyrical, you will need to cross fingers on some of the accidentals. In these instances, keep your thumb stationary while the index finger plays the note and returns to its original position. It may feel awkward at first (like using chopsticks) but will become natural with a little practice.

Eubie Blake was a prolific ragtime, jazz and Broadway composer who lived to celebrate his 100th birthday. He wrote this work when he was only 12 years old, and it quickly became a standard. Propel the music forward by identifying the chromatic passages before you begin to play.