Piano Pronto 5 Maple Leaf Rag

 This post includes activities that correlate with Maple Leaf Rag by Scott Joplin in Piano Pronto 5.

Technique

Watch the videos to learn about the piano techniques you will use to play this piece.

PA Drop and Follow Through Video

PA Video Weighted Tone/Empty Fingers

Music Samples and History

Maple Leaf Rag

Listen to the podcast to learn more about ragtime composer Scott Joplin or listen to the podcast to learn more about ragtime music.

Improvisation

Ragtime music came before jazz and provided a foundation for later jazz and blues music although they have some differences.

Ragtime has a more strict march like feel with right syncopation and musicians typically play the music as written.

Jazz and Blues is more flexible with swinging eighth notes and often improvisation mixed in by the performer.

Listen to this Heart and Soul Improvisation and then create your own blues style Heart and Soul Improv. Do you like relaxed blues or structured ragtime better?

Supplementary Pieces in Ragtime Style

Optional: Listen to the supplementary Ragtime Pieces and choose one you would like to learn if you love ragtime style.

Ragtime Do-Si-Do in Martha Mier Jazz Rags and Blues Bk 1

Downright Happy Rag  in Martha Mier Jazz Rags and Blues Bk 1

Pronto 4 30 Turkish March

Ragtime on Parade by Melody Bober  in A Perfect 10 Book 2

Ragtag Rag in In Recital with Jazz, Rags and Blues by Helen Marlais

Ice Cream Rag in In Recital with Jazz, Rags and Blues by Helen Marlais

Dalmation Rag by Nancy Faber in ChordTime:Ragtime and Marches2B

Original Rags by Scott Joplin in ChordTime:Ragtime and Marches2B

Raincoat Rag by Nancy Faber (ChordTime:Ragtime and Marches2B)

Classical Rag in Simply Jazzy Bk 2

Yodeling Rag  Simply Jazzy Bk 2 (no video)

Peacherine Rag in Marlais Jazz, Blues and Rags 3 (simplified arrangement)

Jelly Bean Rag in Mier Jazz, Rags and Blues Book 2

Wild Honeysuckle Rag in Mier Jazz, Rags and Blues Book 2

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