1. 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.

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

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

4. 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)

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

6. 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

7. Texarkana

8. 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

9. 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