§ I Like To Play Dances, Waltzes and Ragtime

• All the music I like playing has a strong rhythmic component.
• It should have cute nuggets of ideas, like waltzes and dances.
• Furthermore, it should have strong syncopation, like ragtime!
• I need to explore other styles:

§ Ragtime

Syncopated rhythms with steady left-hand bass patterns.

§ Boogie-Woogie

Driving left-hand basslines, often with walking bass patterns and bluesy syncopation.

§ Stride Piano

Left hand alternates between bass notes and chords, creating a "striding" sound, similar to ragtime but with more harmonic freedom.

§ Swing

Focuses on rhythmic groove with swung eighth notes, creating a lively, bouncy feel. Lots of space for improvisation.

§ Honky Tonk

Ragtime-like piano style, typically played in bars, featuring lively rhythms and a “barroom” feel.

§ Bebop

Fast, complex, with intricate chord changes and syncopation. It emphasizes individual improvisation.