Alexander's Ragtime Band

Irving Berlin

ModernIconicmarchC majorTempo di Rag2/4~3 min
H4
Henle (estimated)
RCM 6ABRSM 5

About this piece

This is the definitive American ragtime piece that brought syncopated music into the mainstream global consciousness. Its distinctive feature is the iconic 'Alexander' motive which acts as a rhythmic engine for the entire composition.

Teacher notes

The technical challenge is maintaining strict stride piano left-hand accuracy while keeping the right hand rhythmically loose.

Technical focus

left-hand-independencearticulationspeed-agility

Mood

energeticbrilliantplayful

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Free sheet music on IMSLP

Pieces similar to Alexander's Ragtime Band

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Frequently asked questions

How hard is Alexander's Ragtime Band by Irving Berlin?

Alexander's Ragtime Band is rated Henle level 4 of 9 — intermediate repertoire, roughly ABRSM grades 5–6. In the RCM system it corresponds to about level 6.

What level do I need to play Alexander's Ragtime Band?

You should be comfortable at Henle level 4 — meaning you can already play level 3–4 pieces cleanly. Learning it one level early is possible as a stretch piece, but more than that usually leads to months of frustration.

How long is Alexander's Ragtime Band?

A typical performance of Alexander's Ragtime Band lasts about 3 minutes.

Where can I get free sheet music for Alexander's Ragtime Band?

Alexander's Ragtime Band is available as free public-domain sheet music on IMSLP — the score is linked directly from this page.

What pieces are similar to Alexander's Ragtime Band?

Pieces at a comparable difficulty and character include Canto del guajiro by Ernesto Lecuona, Black and White Rag by George Botsford, Bacchus Galop by Hans Christian Lumbye — see the full similar-pieces list on this page.