History of American Music
Study Guide #1
Jazz Roots
Assessment: Tuesday, October 6th
Part 1: Ragtime
1. Who was one of the most popular ragtime composers? Where was he from? What were two
popular songs he composed?
2. What instrument was ragtime music mostly played on?
3. During what years did ragtime music flourish in America?
4. What are two key musical factors that go into composing ragtime music?
5. What is a player piano?
Reflection Questions:
 How has ragtime music influenced the music of today?
 How did ragtime music influence jazz music?
Part 2: Jazz
1. Where was jazz music born?
2. What is the main way jazz music is composed?
3. Who were some major jazz musicians and what are some pieces they wrote?
4. What is the most essential ingredient in jazz music?
5. What are the four things a jazz musician needs to know how to do in order to improvise well?
6. How were the rhythms in jazz music different from rhythms in other music being composed during
the 1920’s?
7. How are swing rhythms different from straight rhythms?
8. What are some things a jazz musician can do with his or her instrument to make their sound more
personal or unique?
9. List the jazz instruments that are typically used in jazz music.
10. What are the different sections of a jazz band and what are their roles in the jazz ensemble?
11. Since America was seen as a melting pot, what two continents did jazz music come from?
12. What role did each of those continents play in the formation of jazz music in America?
Reflection Questions:
 What was going on in America in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s that made jazz music so
popular?
 How has jazz music influenced the music we listen to today?
Please find the Definitions for the following terms:
Jazz Music
Ragtime Music
Improvisation
Rhythm
Melody
Syncopation
Swing Rhythms
Tone
Tone Color
Call and Response
Harmony
Unison
Arrangement