Scott Joplin (November 24, 1868 – April 1, 1917) was an African-American composer and pianist. He achieved fame for his ragtime compositions and was dubbed the King of Ragtime. During his brief career, he wrote 44 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. One of his first and most popular pieces, the “Maple Leaf Rag”, became ragtime’s first and most influential hit, and has been recognized as the archetypal rag. [Source: Wikipedia]
We used the following resources for our Joplin Study:
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Raggin’: A Story about Scott Joplin. “Scott Joplin came from a music-making family in Texarkana, Texas. As a small boy, he loved the lively, rhythmic African melodies and the soft, touching spirituals that he heard his father sing. By the age of twenty, Joplin had left home to make a living as a musician. Barbara Mitchell’s Raggin’ is the story of this talented composer/musician who overcame prejudice and hardship to create such favorites as “Maple Leaf Rag” and “The Entertainer”–music that still makes people tap their toes.”
We read a little of the story each week before listening to the music until we were done. In addition to the songs studied during lessons (below), we listed to a Scott Joplin compilation during dinner many evenings.
Musical Selections:
- Maple Leaf Rag
- The Entertainer
- Augustan Club Waltz
- Gladiolus Rag
- Pineapple Rag
- Kismet Rag
- Treemonisha Overture
Treemonisha Opera (The first all African-American opera) Though it encompasses a wide range of musical styles other than ragtime, and Joplin did not refer to it as such, it is sometimes referred to as a “ragtime opera”. The music of Treemonisha includes an overture and prelude, along with various recitatives, choruses, small ensemble pieces, a ballet, and a few arias.
We watched a little of this opera each week throughout the term until we finished it. It’s in English, but the words are often difficult to make out. It has subtitles, but unfortunately, they’re in Portuguese. I held my phone up to the screen and read the words aloud using the Google Translate app camera function. I know that sounds crazy, and it was. But it was also worth it.
We had the rare opportunity to see the Treemonisha Overture played live as part of an Atlanta Symphony Orchestra concert just last week, and that was the cherry on top of a very sweet composer study.
Amber, I know it’s not easy to collect less popular resources and have to create your own curriculum but I’m so appreciative of your willingness to share all your hard work with others like me. I’ll definitely be adding Scott Joplin to our list of composers to study!
When you have time, I wrote this post on my struggle with not wanting to implement composer study into our homeschool. Again, I think you can relate. 🙂
https://www.charlottemasoncityliving.com/blog/why-i-opposed-classical-music
Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy Scott Joplin. We tried to study his music when my kids were younger, and I wasn’t diligent with it. Things went so much smoother this time, and we all enjoyed it. I can completely related to what you wrote in your post, too!
Hi, Amber! It’s me again 😉 I’ve been devouring your blog posts the past couple of nights. I’m now preparing for my son’s Year 3. You’ve been a great help!
I’d like to share this article with you, in case you haven’t read this yet. https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/black-composers-who-made-classical-music-history/
We studied Joseph Bologne last term, and will continue with the rest of the artists in the list.
Thanks for sharing your work about Scott Joplin here! 🙂
I hadn’t seen this article so thank you for sharing it! Joseph Bologne is actually the next one that I’ll post here because we’re studying him now. I’m looking forward to learning about the others on this list as well.
You’re very welcome, Amber! I’m excited to see your study of Joseph Bologne. 🙂
Thank you Amber and Elorie. Planning to add black composers to my morning time/riches and I appreciate all of your hard work so very much!
You are so very welcome!
You’re very welcome, Wendy!
Thank you!
You bet! I hope you enjoy 🙂
The Augustan Club Waltz link doesn’t work anymore. I used this one, in case that’s helpful to others. Love this study! It’s been fun!
https://youtu.be/f8cfRAB6hqA
Thank you so much for taking the time to post this update and provide a new link. I’ve edited the post above so others won’t run into that problem. I’m so glad that you enjoyed the study!
Amber, I’ve just started planning our school year, and I’m appreciating your resources so much for the 1800s. Thank you again for all the hard work you share so generously! I’m so thankful for you!
You’re so welcome! Nothing pleases me more than knowing that families are finding resources they can use here.