Ragtime

Double Takes is a set of seven pairs of Rags and Blues, composed by Joanne Griffiths, and inspired by J.S.Bach’s Preludes and Fugues. Each pair is a study in contrasting styles, mood, rhythm, tempo, articulation, dynamic range and textures.

The collection progresses up the keyboard, through a range of keys beginning on C and ending with B, and covers many pedagogical techniques for an intermediate pianist whilst still remaining engaging and fun.

While the ragtime genre really did not exist during the California Gold Rush, this collection of evocative ragtime solos by Barbara Becker, offers a musical glimpse into that wild time as San Francisco appeared and then boomed with activity. Picture a gentle dance late at night in a saloon; the joyous hope and the frequent disappointment associated with prospecting for gold; Lola Montez’s moaning about some so-and-so who did her wrong; “Mr. Moneybags” John Sutter preening in the city; and tired miners drowning their sorrows on Saturday night, then shuffling off to bed. These fun pieces fit right in with the period’s expectations of instant wealth, juxtaposed against the back-breaking work, often for little return.

Scott Joplin’s iconic Maple Leaf Rag arranged for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund. This piece serves as a great introduction to basic syncopation and easy position shifts.

Green Clover Rag, composed by Lisa Donovan Lukas, is a light and elegant ragtime-style solo for late beginners and early intermediates. This piece is part of the Colorful Capers songbook.

Original Rags, composed by Scott Joplin, is a fun ragtime tune arranged for late beginners by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

Party Time Rag is an upbeat ragtime-style showcase solo for one hand and noisemaker by Chrissy Ricker ideal for late beginners of all ages. This piece can be played with either the right or left hand. This piece has been selected for the NFMC Festivals Bulletin, 2020-2024.

Easy Come, Easy Go is an easy ragtime-style jazz solo for late beginners that will reinforce syncopation and swing style eighths. Music by Jennifer Eklund and part of the Spotlight Solos Volume 2 songbook.

12th Street Rag, composed by Euday L. Bowman, an infectious little ear-worm, arranged as an evenly-leveled early intermediate duet, by Jennifer Eklund. Separated parts and a full stacked-score are both included.

Gobble Wobble Rag is a Thanksgiving-themed ragtime tune composed by Jennifer Eklund, arranged here as an early intermediate piano duet.

Gobble Wobble Rag is an upbeat pattern-based ragtime solo composed by Jennifer Eklund. This is a great exercise for early intermediates with a focus on split articulations between the hands. Gobble, gobble!

Ragtime Dance is a bright, upbeat ragtime dance by Scott Joplin. This arrangement by Jennifer Eklund is ideal for intermediates of all ages!

Pineapple Rag, composed by Scott Joplin, arranged for early intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 2 songbook.

This fun ragtime piece, composed by Chrissy Ricker, is a playful nod to Grieg’s “In the Hall of the Mountain King.” A perfect early intermediate showcase solo for Halloween, or any time of year!

Grandpa’s Gramophone, composed by Rick Robertson, is an early intermediate ragtime solo that evokes the sound of dance bands of the early 1920s.

Carrington Rag is a fun ragtime piece for early intermediates by British composer Jo Griffiths. Splash around with syncopation, try out some moderate chromaticism and play with the changes in articulation and dynamics, but most of all, have some fun!

Left Hand Rag, is a fun early intermediate ragtime style piece for the left hand, by British composer Joanne Griffiths. Reminiscent of a Joplin Rag, it is a workout for the left hand with plenty of bass reading and includes syncopation, chromaticism, pattern-based riffs and lots of bass reading.

The Entertainer, composed by Scott Joplin, presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for early intermediates Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 1 songbook.

The Entertainer, Scott Joplin’s iconic ragtime tune, arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. This piece is part of Piano Pronto: Movement 3 and includes a teacher duet part.

Every pianist needs Happy Birthday in their repertoire, and this ragtime version by Chrissy Ricker is a fresh take on the familiar classic! Perfect for early intermediates of all ages.

The Sliding Thumbs Rag, composed by Lisa Shoemaker, is an upbeat ragtime-style solo for early intermediates. This piece is part of the Musical Mosaics songbook.

Roker Park Rag is a jaunty, early intermediate piano solo by British composer Joanne Griffiths. It is a fun character piece with chromaticism, staccato octave jumps, and lots of opportunity for comedic expression.

Whip-poor-will Dance is a slow ragtime-style solo written in 1921 by Joe Jordan and featured in Season 2 of the HBO® series “Boardwalk Empire.” This simplified elegant arrangement by Jennifer Eklund is ideal for intermediates of all ages.

Elite Syncopations by Scott Joplin arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund.

Maple Leaf Rag, composed by Scott Joplin presented in an easily accessible, hand-friendly version arranged for intermediates by Jennifer Eklund. Part of the Songs I Love to Play Volume 2 songbook.