Origins of Ragtime Music in Missouri
Origins of Ragtime Music in Missouri
The main challenges identified are covering a vast amount of information and adhering to the project timeline. To address these, the student plans to focus her work diligently, extensively utilize ragtime history books for a solid foundation, and maintain regular check-ins with mentors to ensure timely progress. This guidance from mentors such as Glenda Rigby and Dr. Mike Weill is crucial for staying on track .
Mentorship is crucial in the student's project as it provides guidance, expertise, and accountability. Glenda Rigby, the senior project advisor, offers expertise in music history and oversees the project timeline and content. Additionally, Dr. Mike Weill brings his background in ragtime music to inform the quality and accuracy of the paper. These mentors ensure the project meets academic standards and remains focused and timely .
The interview with Jim Lang contributes significantly to the authenticity and depth of the project by providing expert insights and personal perspectives on ragtime performance. As a musician who records and performs ragtime, Lang offers unique, practical viewpoints that complement the historical research, thereby offering a richer, more nuanced understanding of the genre's enduring impact and performance practice .
The student employs several research methods including literature review, interviews, and music analysis. Molly Smith examines books about ragtime's history by authors like David Jasen and Rudi Blesh, listens to recordings of composers like John Boone, Scott Joplin, and James Scott, and conducts an interview with musician Jim Lang. This multifaceted approach allows her to analyze both historical texts and primary sources to understand these composers' impact .
Molly Smith identifies a gap in her understanding of how ragtime music started and its early composers, despite her familiarity with American jazz. To address this, she plans to conduct extensive research by reading books on ragtime history, listening to ragtime compositions, and interviewing experts. This approach will help her fill in these knowledge gaps and gain a comprehensive understanding of ragtime's origins .
This research project contributes to Molly Smith's academic and career aspirations by enhancing her knowledge of music history, which is essential for her application as a music major. The project allows her to delve into a specific area of music history—ragtime—that she is less familiar with, thereby expanding her academic breadth. Additionally, the insights gained and the research produced will strengthen her college entrance essays, showcasing her dedication and expertise in music history .
Missouri played a crucial role in the development and popularization of ragtime music globally. It was home to three of the most famous ragtime composers, John Boone, Scott Joplin, and James Scott, who significantly shaped the genre. Their work and performances helped establish Missouri as a center for ragtime music, contributing to its widespread popularity and enduring influence .
The project ensures comprehensive coverage and accuracy through a combination of historical research, music analysis, and interviews. Molly Smith will review several books, such as 'Rags and Ragtime,' and consult the collection at the State Historical Society Library. Additionally, she will interview Jim Lang, a musician specializing in ragtime, to gain firsthand insights and incorporate contemporary perspectives on ragtime music .
The student plans to integrate various resources into her final paper by writing a comprehensive history of ragtime, including a timeline, and resources for further listening and exploration. The project will also include photographs, illustrations, and an edited interview with musician Jim Lang, creating a robust and engaging narrative that enhances the understanding of ragtime music's history and significance .
The project timeline is organized across a semester with key milestones: September focuses on researching ragtime history and initiating the Jim Lang interview; October is dedicated to completing the first draft and receiving mentor feedback; November involves writing a second draft and further reviews; and December is for final writing and submission. Each stage is intended to balance detailed research with feedback loops, ensuring structured progression towards comprehensive completion .