Jazz Jazz music originated with slaves. In the African tradition, they had a single-line melody and a call-and-response pattern, but without the European concept of harmony. In the early 19th century an increasing number of African-American musicians learned to play European instruments. Another influence came from African-American slaves who had learned the harmonic style of hymns and incorporated it into their own music as spirituals.

Jazz Begin with a basic melodies and musicians take turns improvising or “taking a solo” on the melody. Melody Improv

Jazz Syncopation – shifting the accent to the weak beat or off-beat

Jazz Syncopated rhythms reflected African speech patterns, and the African use of pentatonic scales led to blue notes in blues and jazz. (lowered 3rd, 5th, & 7th)

Ragtime Based on the military two-step march Rhythms are "ragged" and syncopated (putting emphases on weak beat) Mostly played on the piano 5

Scott Joplin Most famous ragtime composer – Scott Joplin Called "King of Ragtime" Unsure of date of birth. Was 2 years old at census in July 1870 Born in Northeast Texas Moved to Texarkana while still young 6

Texarkana

Scott Joplin In the 1880’s, Joplin lived in Sedalia, MO as a teenager. Joplin worked as an itinerant musician. When not traveling Joplin played piano at local events Died April 1, 1917

Joplin’s Music Joplin received a 1-cent royalty from the sales of printed music of “Maple Leaf Rag,” which gave him a small, steady income for the rest of his life. Sales of “Maple Leaf Rag” reached half a million in 10 years. Wrote “The Entertainer” (used in movie, The Sting) Also wrote an opera called “Treemonisha” 9