Ragtime, but a bit on the easier side?

[tocca]

I have a student that really likes ragtime, she's asked me a couple of times if there's any she could try.
I have quite a lot of ragtime sheets, and i play a good deal of ragtime myself, but they all seem a fair bit beyond her level.

We started with The Entertainer a while ago, which i would consider one of the easiest of thoose i got (atleast purely technically) but it was a strain for her. Thoose big chords is a bit too much for her...yet.
It might be that this is exactly what she needs, to practise big chords in a piece that she likes. But i'm guessing it would mean a LOT of practise. It's a problem that, how much
of a challenge should i lay on her... (She's 12 btw).

I have considered doing some "outlining" to make it easier but i'm not that fond of this method. It might be a good way to learn a piece, but to learn it up to performance level with notes missing?

So. Does anyone know of some ragtime pieces that are a bit easier than for example most of Joplins stuff, or do you think i should go ahead and alter the sheets a bit?
Or maybe i'm restraining her to much (can't really ask your opinion on that though, without you having heard her play).
I do know that if you really want to do something you can often surpass all expectations. On the other hand it's a big setback if you can't do it even when you have REALLY tried.

Maybe i should try and find some pieces that would prepare her for ragtime, put up a plan so she will be able to play it later.

Meh, i believe i'm thinking too much! 

[bernhard]

Most original ragtime is difficult, (but it is not the kind of repertory I know most about – so hopefully Ted will chime in). However, there are three options you may want to try:

1.   Facilitated versions of original ragtimes (I personally don’t like facilitated versions, but I will use them in emergencies). A very good source book for them is “The Joy of Ragtime” (edited and selected by Denes Agay – Yorktown Music Press). This book  has around 50 ragtimes, in progressive order of difficulty (the first is the easiest). Some are in the original form, some are nicely facilitated by Agay (it is clearly indicated the ones that have been facilitated – e.g. Joplin’s entertainer is facilitated, but Ragtime Song Fest by Howard and Emerson is not – and it is the 4th rag in the book – so not too difficult).

2.   Pedagogical pieces – Some of them are very easy, some more difficult but not as difficult as the “real thing”. Have a look at Pamela Wedgewood’s Material (Jazzing about, Easy Jazzing About, Upgrade, etc.). I also like Christopher Norton’s Microjazz collections (try, for instance “Coconut rag” on book 2, “Mechanics Rag” on book 3). Another nice one is Mona Rejino’s “Carnival Rag” (“Portraits in Style”, Hal Leonard). Finally, have a look at Martha Mier’s material – she has written some rags as well.

3.   Four-hand versions. An excellent arrangement is “5 Joplin rags” (Arranged by Weekley & Arganbright – Kjos Music Co.). Both parts are of similar difficulty and each is easier than the original version.

I hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Bernhard.

[tocca]

Thanks Bernhard.

"Facilitated versions"... That was actually what i was on about with my rambling about outlining, though i couldn't find the word for it. Thanks 
I'm not that fond of it either, i'd much rather pick an original piece if possible but as you say: In an emergency perhaps.

Four hand versions. That's a great idea, how come i didn't think of that?! I must check out that "5 Joplin rags".

Thanks again.

[ted]

I have two quick suggestions off the cuff - the charming "Evergreen Rag" of James Scott and a volume called "Ragtime Rarities" from Dover. The latter is a compendium of folk ragtime, most of which is reasonably easy while retaining authenticity and interest.

I've just remembered - "Dixie Dimples" and possibly "Kansas City Rag", also by James Scott.

[tocca]

Thanks Ted. I have some Scott sheets, but none of thoose you mention unfortunately. Atleast i don't think so, heh i got to sort my sheets someday! I inherited sheets from my grandfather some years ago, he was a "saloon-pianist" a big part of his life...
Maybe you can imagine the amount of sheetmusic i inherited.
I must take a week off and look them trough sometime 
I have sorted out the classical stuff but there's a lot of 20th Century stuff, all in one huge mess!
If anyone is interested in early to mid 20th century popular music, "saloon-music" so to speak, i can probably dig up what you're looking for.


I don't have that "Ragtime rarities" though, of that i'm sure.

I just did a search on a big sheetmusic store and i found two books by the same "author". "Ragtime rarities" and "Ragtime rediscoveries".
Do you know anything about the other book?
It says in the description: "Sixty-four works from the golden age of rag, demonstrating diversity of style and local tradition".

[ted]

No sorry, I don't know anything about "Ragtime Rediscoveries". I too inherited a large amount of sheet music, probably of more recent origin, around 1920 - 1950 I guess, from my father, plus a lot of Italian sheets he brought back from the war.

If you have original sheet music of Joplin, Scott or Lamb treat it with great care because it is getting quite rare and valuable.

[llamaman]

Try Jazz, Rags, and Blues. I have book 3, about equivalent to Grade 5/6 RCM. Here are some out of it:

Dandelion Rag, Pine Cone Rag, Persistant Rhythm, and Taking it Easy. All by Martha Mier.

[frichmondj]

Look for the Gershwin rags...........a bit different and a good bit more difficult.

[tocca]

Thanks all, i'll be looking for some of the stuff mentioned. I think i'll take a trip to the music library in town, where i can borrow and check them out first.