About the composer
Scott Joplin
- Years of life
- c. 1868–1917
- Period
- Ragtime
An American composer and pianist central to ragtime. His music pairs a steady accompaniment with a syncopated melody.
Explore their musicLife and music
Joplin was an American pianist and composer whose life was linked to the development of ragtime. His piano rags gained wide distribution in print. At the same time, his ideas went beyond the limits of a single dance piece: he also worked on opera, including ‘Treemonisha.’ The year of birth is given approximately in reference books.
What the music sounds like
Ragtime combines a steady bass line with a syncopated melody in the right hand. The form often consists of several contrasting sections. The melodic accent shift should be felt against a clear meter; otherwise, the characteristic rhythmic effect disappears.
What to listen for at the piano
Notes for independent practiceFirst, achieve a calm and accurate movement of the bass and chords. Separately, speak or clap the syncopations in the right hand. Connect the hands slowly, without trying to compensate for rhythmic uncertainty with a fast tempo.
Music in our catalogue
Open a score and start practising
Sources and further reading
Biographical information is checked against the materials listed here. The performance notes are editorial guidance from Vibe Piano.