How to Play The Entertainer on Piano — Beginner to Advanced Guide

Quick Facts

• Composer: Scott Joplin (1868–1917)
• Difficulty: Level 5/10
• Key: C major
• Tempo: 100 BPM (Not fast — Joplin's own instruction)
• Time Signature: 2/4
• Duration: ~4 minutes

Why This Piece?

The Entertainer is the most famous ragtime piece ever written, and it single-handedly brought ragtime back to life when it appeared in the 1973 film The Sting. Published in 1902, it showcases Scott Joplin's genius for combining syncopated melodies with a rock-steady left hand — the defining feature of ragtime piano. Learning this piece develops your rhythmic independence, your sense of swing, and your ability to play syncopated rhythms against a steady beat. It is also an immensely fun piece to play, with a jaunty energy that makes audiences smile every time.

Joplin was emphatic that his rags should not be played fast. He printed "Not fast" or "Do not play this piece fast" on his sheet music because he felt that speed stripped away the charm and grace of the music. Honor that instruction.

What You Need Before Starting

You need solid hand independence — the left hand plays a consistent "oom-pah" pattern (bass note on beat 1, chord on the "and" of beat 1, repeat for beat 2) while the right hand plays a syncopated melody that often lands between the beats. You should be comfortable reading in C major and F major (one section modulates), and familiar with the concept of syncopation — accents on offbeats. If you can play a basic waltz or march pattern with your left hand while your right hand does something different, you are ready.

Section-by-Section Breakdown

Section 1: Introduction and A Theme (Measures 1–20)

The piece opens with a four-note pickup that is instantly recognizable. The A theme is the famous melody — a syncopated, bouncy tune in C major with the left hand playing the classic ragtime stride pattern. The right hand melody features notes that land on the offbeats (the "ands"), which creates the characteristic ragtime swing. The most important thing to practice here is getting the right hand to feel relaxed and natural against the steady left hand. Start by learning the left hand pattern alone until it is automatic, then slowly add the right hand. Tap the rhythm on a table before playing it on keys — this helps your brain separate the two hands.

Section 2: B Theme (Measures 21–36)

The B theme contrasts with the A by moving into slightly different melodic territory while staying in C major. The left hand pattern continues, but the right hand introduces longer melodic phrases with running eighth notes and occasional chromatic passing tones. This section sits comfortably under the fingers and is often the easiest to learn. Pay attention to the staccato markings — short, crisp notes that give ragtime its playful character. Do not use the sustain pedal in ragtime. The clarity comes from your fingers, not the pedal.

Section 3: C Theme (Measures 37–52)

The piece modulates to F major (one flat) for the C theme, which has a more lyrical, sweeping quality. The left hand pattern shifts to accommodate the new key. This is where many students trip up because the key change introduces B-flats that were not there before. Learn this section hands separately first. The right hand melody includes some wider leaps and octave passages that require accuracy. Practice the leaps slowly — aim for the center of each key and resist the urge to look at your hands constantly.

Section 4: D Theme (Measures 53–68)

The final theme stays in F major and features the most driving rhythmic energy of the piece, with repeated octave figures in the right hand and a walking bass line in the left. This section has the most technical demands — the repeated right hand patterns can tire your hand if you play with too much tension. Stay loose. Use wrist rotation rather than finger force for the octave passages. The piece typically ends with a return to the A theme, bringing it full circle.

Practice Tips

1. Do not play it fast. Joplin wrote "Not fast" on the score. A moderate tempo of 92–104 BPM lets the syncopation breathe and the charm come through.
2. Master the left hand stride pattern in isolation. Spend an entire practice session on just the left hand until it becomes second nature. This is the foundation of all ragtime playing.
3. Clap the right hand rhythm before playing it. Syncopation feels confusing on keys but natural when clapped. Internalize the rhythm with your body first.
4. No sustain pedal. Ragtime should be clean, crisp, and articulate. The pedal muddies the rhythmic precision that defines the genre.
5. Practice each theme as a separate piece. Ragtime is composed in sections. Learn each one thoroughly before connecting them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Playing too fast. This cannot be overstated. A slow, groovy Entertainer sounds professional. A fast one sounds like a player piano running away.
• Unsteady tempo. The left hand must be metronomically steady. If the left hand wavers, the syncopated right hand has nothing to play against and the whole thing falls apart.
• Ignoring the repeats. The original score has repeat signs that are part of the structure. Each section is typically played twice. Skipping the repeats makes the piece feel incomplete.

How Long Will It Take?

A beginner-to-intermediate player can learn the A and B themes in 3–4 weeks. The full piece with all four themes and repeats typically takes 6–8 weeks of regular practice. Intermediate players with some ragtime experience can have it ready in 3–4 weeks. The biggest time investment is building the left hand automaticity — once that clicks, everything else falls into place much faster.