Introduction to Ragtime Piano Music: 25+ Iconic Pieces to Know

Curious about ragtime piano music? Read on as music teacher James W. shares a quick introduction to the genre, and the 5 iconic pieces you should know! 

Ragtime piano music is characterized by its syncopated rhythm, which simply means that the accent is unexpectedly placed on the off beat, like the 2nd beat and the 4th beat in a 4/4 time rhythm. This “offbeat” style became famous at the turn of the 20th century with songs written by Scott Joplin like “The Entertainer” and “Maple Leaf Rag”, which influenced many ragtime composers with its harmonic patterns and melody lines. Ragtime is considered to be “the American equivalent of the minuets of Mozart, the mazurkas of Chopin, or the waltzes of Brahms.”

Ragtime is a musical style that became popular between 1895 and 1919. It is a super popular musical style that is often considered the forerunner of jazz. 

Here are more details about ragtime piano music – including some tips on how to get started with playing it!

What Defines Ragtime Music?

What are the musical elements found in ragtime piano music? It has a:

• Syncopated or somewhat “ragged” – sounding rhythm 
• Melody that avoids metrical beats by emphasizing notes that follow or anticipate the beat
• Score that is often written in ¾ time (though not always)
• Sense of lilt, forward motion, and swing
• Combination of Western and African cultures and musical influences  

Influenced by African American banjo styles, the off-beat dance rhythms of the cakewalk, minstrel-show songs, and even certain elements of European music, ragtime piano music is definitely something you should consider learning.

The best way to do that is by taking piano lessons – but it never hurts to watch videos of the greats, either. Even watching ragtime piano tutorials can help. Here’s an example of what we’re talking about:

What Are the Songs of Ragtime?

For aspiring young piano players interested in ragtime piano music, here are five iconic pieces to learn today that are a wonderful introduction to the genre.

1. “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin

We are lucky this even exists. It is from a “pianola” roll played by Scott Joplin himself, found by chance years ago in the wrong box! With this song everyone stopped what they were doing and a craze for the piano style was born. The emotional impact is unstoppable, and was strong enough that leisure time activities after that often included ragtime piano. If you played this style in the 1970s revival, you were the “rock star of the day.” Its melody and rhythm are infectious and timeless.

2. “The Entertainer” – Complete Works of Scott Joplin as played by Richard Zimmerman

A treasure trove of Joplin goodies. If you listen only to the first three bars of this song, I bet you’ll be hooked for life on the style. It is so inviting…

Bonus: Learn how to play “The Entertainer” here!

3. “Top Liner Rag” by Joseph Lamb

This delightful little ditty from 1916 should charm anyone young or old. The 2/4 timing draws the listener in. It makes us want to play it faster and move around the room. A surefire hit.

4. “A Ragtime Song Medley” by Max Morath, a.k.a. “Mr. Ragtime”

Check out the video below to see Max performing his favorite tunes. Here we send ragtime uptown and make the storytelling more important and accessible to the New York society folk.

5. “Charleston Rag”/”Wild About Harry”/”Memories of You” by Eubie Blake

This is a rare treat featuring this piano master playing live in Berlin, Germany in 1972. “Wild about Harry” in particular is notable (forgive the pun) as it became a standard, meaning everyone played it everywhere. Eubie himself reaped the rewards of royalties after joining a performing rights organization. His style adds a “cool” flavor and aims to please.

6. Bonus Track: “The Sting Soundtrack Suite” by Marvin Hamlisch

An accomplished piano virtuoso, Marvin Hamlisch was top of his game back in the 1980s and 1990s, playing all over the world, wearing white gloves to protect his hands. He played the Scott Joplin tunes for the movie The Sting, which helped to create the ragtime revival of the 1970s. Hamlisch’s touch on piano was rivaled only by Billy Joel and Elton John. Worth every bit of your attention, he was a modern master — so listen carefully and you will learn a lot.

More Old Ragtime Piano Music to Learn

Here are some more beginner ragtime piano music classics to learn!

• “Elite Syncopations” – Scott Joplin
• “Tiger Rag” – Jelly Roll Morton
• “Black & White Rag” – George Botsford