What does ragtime mean in music terms?

Ragtime is a musical style that originated in African-American communities in the United States in the late 19th century. It is characterized by a syncopated, "ragged" rhythm that gives the music its name. Ragtime is often played on the piano, but it can also be played on other instruments, such as the banjo, guitar, and clarinet.

Key characteristics of ragtime music:

* Syncopated rhythms: The most distinctive characteristic of ragtime music is its syncopated rhythm. This means that the beat is not played on the downbeat, but rather on the offbeat. This creates a sense of tension and release that gives ragtime music its unique sound.

* Ostinato patterns: Ragtime music often uses ostinato patterns, which are repeated musical figures. These patterns can be found in the melody, harmony, or rhythm of the music.

* Improvisation: Ragtime musicians often improvised, creating new melodies and variations on existing songs. This made ragtime music a very lively and dynamic style of music.

Ragtime's influence on American music:

Ragtime had a profound impact on American music, and its influence can be heard in many different genres of music, including jazz, blues, and country. Ragtime helped to shape the development of American music by introducing new rhythms and harmonies that were previously unheard of.

Some of the most famous ragtime composers include Scott Joplin, Jelly Roll Morton, and Eubie Blake. These composers wrote many classic ragtime songs, such as "The Entertainer," "Maple Leaf Rag," and "St. Louis Blues."

Ragtime today:

Ragtime music is still played and enjoyed today, and there are many ragtime festivals and concerts held throughout the world. Ragtime is also a popular choice for music in movies and TV shows.