Lesson Plan
National First Ladies' Library

Ragtime: The First "American" Music?

For Teachers 3rd - 6th
Learners investigate the concept of ragtime music and the times associated with it in American history. They conduct research using a variety of resources and listen to a sample before writing down some of the results of the information...
Lesson Planet Article
Curated OER

The Harlem Renaissance Movement and its Music

For Teachers 9th - 12th
Harlem Renaissance lesson plans can bring the music, poetry, and literature of this time period alive.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

VH1 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons Lesson 2

For Teachers 7th - 12th
Students examine the origins of ragtime music in American and analyze its musical form.
Worksheet
Curated OER

The Sting

For Students 5th - 9th
In this music worksheet, students read an excerpt from the movie The Sting and identify the American composer, Scott Joplin, who found ragtime jazz music heard in the movie. They also respond to eight questions related to the excepts read.
Lesson Plan
Curated OER

African American Heritage in Arkansas

For Teachers 2nd - 4th
Pupils research and write about three African American composers from Arkansas: Scott Joplin, Florence Price and William Grant Still.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Scott Joplin, Composer

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of the American ragtime pianist, Scott Joplin.
Website
Other

Afri Classical: Scott Joplin (C. 1867 1917)

For Students 9th - 10th
A detailed biography of Scott Joplin's life, with a resource list and a lengthy bibliography that includes his musical compositions.
Handout
Black Past

Black Past: Joplin, Scott

For Students 9th - 10th
This is a brief encyclopedia biography of the ragtime composer, Scott Joplin, whose music was influential in the growth of jazz.
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Listening to Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
An excellent resource explaining the details that characterize ragtime music. From the rhythms to the typical form, this site gives a great overview of this early style of jazz.
Handout
Dallas Symphony Orchestra

Dallas Symphony Orchestra Kids: Scott Joplin [Pdf]

For Teachers 3rd - 5th
A lesson plan that looks at Scott Joplin as a famous composer from Texas.
Handout
Classical Net

Classical Net: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
This well-written biography of Scott Joplin not only provides his progress as a musician but also the personal events in his life which influenced his music. Includes links to a complete list of Joplin's works, a MIDI archive, and site...
Handout
PBS

Classics for Kids: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
A short biography of Scott Joplin (1868-1917 CE). Click to the past radio shows to hear his music and learn more about this famous composer.
Website
Other

Afgen.com: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
A reasonable biography from Afgen.com of Scott Joplin with some audio to go along with it. Not too detailed, but plenty of information.
Handout
Lone Star Junction

Lone Star Junction: Scott Joplin (1868 1917)

For Students 4th - 8th
A short profile of Scott Joplin, most famous for his ragtime music, who lived from 1868-1917.
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
Considered the "King Of Ragtime", Scott Joplin is introduced in this informative web page. Learn more about his background and his music.
Article
Other

Northern Virginia Ragtime Society: About Ragtime Music

For Students 9th - 10th
A well-organized synopsis from the Northern Virginia Ragtime Society of the history of Ragtime music overviewing its origin, important historical names and dates, and Ragtime's relation to the world of music. Special emphasis is placed...
Unknown Type
My Hero Project

My Hero: Scott Joplin

For Students 3rd - 8th
This article includes information on the life and musical contributions of Scott Joplin, the composer who gave us such songs as "The Entertainer" and "The Maple Leaf Rag."
Handout
Other

St. Louis Walk of Fame: Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
This site discusses the life of Scott Joplin and his contribution to the musical world. The information is brief but covers the main events in his life.
Article
OpenStax

Open Stax: Catherine Schmidt Jones: Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
An early form of jazz, Ragtime music is discussed in this web site. Touching on its origins to its lasting influence, you will be sure to learn more about it here.
Website
Library of Congress

Loc: Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
Includes background essays, artist biographies, sheet music, video, and audio resources about ragtime.
Handout
Library of Congress

Loc: History of Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
This article from Library of Congress' Performing Arts Encyclopedia gives an extensive explanation of the history of ragtime. Trace the development of the genre from the 1850s through the 1970s.
Handout
Wikimedia

Wikipedia: Ragtime

For Students 9th - 10th
Wikipedia offers the definition, historical context, revival, and composers of the ragtime style of music.
Graphic
Curated OER

Scott Joplin

For Students 9th - 10th
A fairly extensive biography of the ragtime music legend with links and bibliography.
Graphic
Curated OER

Scott Joplin Postage Stamp

For Students 9th - 10th
A well-organized synopsis from the Northern Virginia Ragtime Society of the history of Ragtime music overviewing its origin, important historical names and dates, and Ragtime's relation to the world of music. Special emphasis is placed...