The Anabanana Rag: Piano Sheet

Mischievous and groove-oriented. The chromatic melody twists and slides over a steady ragtime accompaniment, creating friction that feels intentional and fun rather than awkward. By the final glissando, it becomes almost vaudeville in its showmanship.

Intermediate pianists ready to tackle ragtime syncopation and chromatic right-hand work without the technical demands of stride piano or wider hand positions. Students who respond well to music with personality will gravitate toward this piece naturally.

• Separate hands thoroughly during practice. Work the right-hand chromatic passages slowly enough that each pitch lands cleanly, then gradually increase tempo once the muscle memory solidifies.
• Keep the left hand relaxed in close position. Because it stays relatively stationary, tension will show immediately. Use it as your rhythmic anchor while the right hand navigates the chromatic material.
• Approach the final glissando with confidence. Aim for a smooth, unbroken slide across the full length. Practice the approach note and the glissando as a single gesture, not two separate actions.
• Let the ragtime rhythm breathe. The syncopation should feel laid-back and swinging, not metronomic. The humor of the piece depends on rhythmic ease and clarity.

Use this as a palate-cleanser in a recital or student showcase. It lands well after a classical or contemporary serious work, giving both the pianist and the audience a moment of levity. It also works perfectly in a program that explores American piano styles or introduces students to ragtime.

• Reading and executing chromatic passages with accuracy and speed
• Independent left and right hand coordination in syncopated contexts
• Ragtime rhythm and syncopation
• Glissando technique across the keyboard
• Balance between textural clarity and rhythmic swing