Ragtime characteristics

The defining characteristic of ragtime music is a specific type of syncopation in which melodic accents fall between metrical beats. This results in a melody that seems to be avoiding some metrical beats of the accompaniment by emphasizing notes that either anticipate or follow the beat.

1. What defines Ragtime?
2. What are two facts about ragtime music?

What defines Ragtime?

Ragtime, propulsively syncopated musical style, one forerunner of jazz and the predominant style of American popular music from about 1899 to 1917. ... It was influenced by minstrel-show songs, African American banjo styles, and syncopated (off-beat) dance rhythms of the cakewalk, and also elements of European music.

What are two facts about ragtime music?

Ragtime (or rag-time) is a musical genre which enjoyed its peak popularity between 1897 and 1918. Its main characteristic trait is its syncopated, or 'ragged', rhythm.
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Ragtime facts for kids.