Joplin: School of Ragtime, 4 Ragtime Pieces - Tom Gerou

• School of Ragtime – 4 Ragtime Pieces: Artistic Repertoire for Technical Development
  by Scott Joplin
  
• ed. by Dr. Evan Mitchell
  
• Late Intermediate Piano

Dubbed “The King of Ragtime,” Scott Joplin was born in east Texas, likely in the second half of 1867. He supported himself through teaching and performing while traveling across the South, eventually settling in Missouri in the 1890s. His major breakthrough came in 1899 with the publication of Maple Leaf Rag — a cornerstone of American music.

This edition includes four iconic works that showcase Joplin’s mature Ragtime voice:

• The Entertainer
• Bethena (A Concert Waltz)
• Solace (A Mexican Serenade)
• Maple Leaf Rag

Also included is Joplin’s own School of Ragtime instructional preface, offering historical context and interpretive insight.

Practice & Performance suggestions by Dr. Evan Mitchell guide pianists through the challenges of touch, rhythm, pedaling, and expression, offering structured strategies while encouraging artistic freedom.