Ragtime - Pedal or not to pedal?

As with any piano music, it depends on the piece, and your interpretation of it. Pedaling is personal to each performer. The result is what matters and if you do or don't use the pedal to achieve that result, the choice is yours (unless the score has specified one way or the other).

1. Do you use pedal in ragtime?
2. Do you use the pedal in Maple Leaf Rag?
3. Is ragtime slow or fast?
4. How fast should ragtime be played?

Do you use pedal in ragtime?

In any case, pedal is appropriate in slower ragtime pieces, such as Joplin's “Solace.” In mid-tempo rags, it's up to the performer whether the piece should be staccato or more lyrical.

Do you use the pedal in Maple Leaf Rag?

Re: Would you pedal the 'Maple Leaf Rag'? No!!! Definetely not. Using the pedal destroys the march, sycompated, ragtimy style.

Is ragtime slow or fast?

Two continually controversial topics among ragtime performers and aficionados are that of Tempo and Pedaling for Piano Rags. Should ragtime be played slow or fast?
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How fast should ragtime be played?

Keep going until you reach your desired tempo. Most ragtime is around 120 bpm but some faster rags can go as high as 160! Repeat these steps for the rest of the song.