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Peanut Butter Rag: Piano Sheet

$3.50 USD
$3.50 USD
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Peanut Butter Rag Cover Image
Peanut Butter Rag: Piano Sheet

Peanut Butter Rag: Piano Sheet

By Catherine Rollin

Level: Intermediate

Item: 00-5309
$3.50
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Description
It is the composer's own direction for tempo -- "Allegretto---having fun!" and the intermediate level pianist will have a lot of fun playing the syncopated melody over the bouncy left hand accompaniment. There are contrasts in touch and dynamics, and the constant flavor of ragtime styling.

"Peanut Butter Rag by Catherine Rollin is an addictive intermediate-level solo . . . This spirited rag is a delight. Students truly find this piece hard to put down, and I enjoy playing it as much as they do."
- Carmen Doubrava, Clavier Companion

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Additional Details
Publisher: Alfred Music
Page Count: 4
UPC: 038081050751
SKU: 00-5309

More about this title

About the Composer: Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin

Catherine Rollin's reputation rests on her dual identity as both a performing pianist and a composer whose students consistently win awards. Her educational presence extends internationally; she has conducted workshops and masterclasses in over 200 cities across the United States, Canada, Japan, and Taiwan. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan (Bachelor of Musical Arts with distinction) and Oakland University School of Performing Arts (Master of Music).

Rollin's compositional work has earned commissions from prestigious organizations including Clavier Companion magazine, the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), and the Michigan Music Teachers Association. Her pieces appear regularly in National Federation of Music Clubs Festivals Bulletins. She has served as a national judge for both the MTNA Student Composition Competition and the Lynn Freeman Olson Composition Contest. In 2018, the MTNA commissioned her work "Suite Detroit" (a trio for flute, alto saxophone, and piano) as part of its "From the Pen to the Premiere" series, which premiered at the MTNA national conference in Orlando. That same year, the Steinway Society featured her in concert as both composer and pianist, highlighting her ASCAP award-winning "Museum Masterpieces" series (Books 1-4).

Why we love this

Rollin writes with genuine understanding of what makes intermediate pianists want to keep playing. The syncopated melody sits exactly where students can feel accomplished, and the bouncy left-hand pattern locks in quickly enough that players experience early success. The piece delivers authentic ragtime flavor without requiring mastery of stride technique, making it an excellent bridge between early intermediate repertoire and more demanding jazz-influenced styles.

What to expect

Peanut Butter Rag has the infectious bounce of early twentieth-century ragtime, with a syncopated melody that dances playfully over a propulsive left-hand pattern. It captures the spirit of having fun without ever feeling cartoonish; the contrasts in touch and dynamics give it sophistication beneath its sunny exterior.

Who it's for

Intermediate pianists ready to explore ragtime idioms and comfortable enough with rhythmic independence to manage syncopation in the right hand against a steady left-hand pattern. This piece works equally well for students seeking a genuinely fun recital piece and for teachers who want to introduce authentic jazz-era piano styles without overwhelming technical demands.

How to get the most out of it

  • Nail the articulation contrast between the syncopated melody (crisp, bouncy) and the left-hand accompaniment (flowing, steady). This distinction is what makes the piece sparkle.
  • Approach the tempo marking seriously: "Allegretto—having fun!" This isn't just about speed. Lock in a tempo where the syncopation lands cleanly and the momentum feels natural, not rushed.
  • Experiment with dynamic shaping across the four pages. The constant flavor of ragtime styling thrives on gentle swells and dips that highlight phrase contours without losing the infectious groove.
  • Let the left hand breathe and bounce slightly on the beat. A heavy, rigid accompaniment will sink the piece; imagine the bass pattern gently propelling the melody forward.

How to use it

Slot this into a spring recital or school concert as a palate cleanser after heavier repertoire. Its four-page length and clear structure make it ideal for students preparing for MTNA competitions or other adjudicated festival events where stylistic range is valued. The piece also works well in a solo or small group showcase celebrating American compositional traditions.

Skills your students will build

  • Syncopated rhythm reading and performance in the right hand
  • Hand independence between syncopated melody and steady left-hand accompaniment
  • Ragtime styling and articulation techniques
  • Dynamic shaping and contrasting touch across phrases
  • Tempo control while maintaining a relaxed, bouncy feel

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