Pianist with Local Roots Helps Preserve Ragtime

By Lauren Caggiano
For Fort Wayne
Ink Spot News

Hope Arthur is among literally a handful of musicians around the country bringing the music of one African American ragtime composer to life in 21st Century America.

“Composers all over the world have written music that was based on ragtime,” she said. “Ragtime became a style that was very uniquely American, and it influenced many of our music styles for the years to come.”

According to the Library of Congress, “Ragtime, like any other music, must be heard and really cannot be defined by words—just as words cannot be defined by music. But through more than 100 years, ragtime has had no trouble making its presence known and its composers, performers, and admirers all look forward to its future.”

Arthur is among those modern-day performers and admirers, having studied music at what’s now Purdue University Fort Wayne. The Fort Wayne native is a classically trained musician and virtuoso currently living in Chicago. While not black herself, Arthur was drawn to this genre because of its richness and feels it's a privilege to be among the few holding the proverbial flame.

But before she was an accomplished pianist, she was a young girl with talent and a community who believed in her.

“I started piano lessons when I was eight, and I think it was like a snowball effect,” she said. “(From here) I got exposed to more music an just felt it really deeply.”

There’s no shortage of passion here. Currently she’s immersed in a personal project to play all 50 of composer Scott Joplin’s rags. She’s made it about halfway through his works and is eager to continue that trajectory.

But why now and why ragtime? According to Arthur, she was inspired by Reginald Robinson’s efforts to preserve the legacy of African American history. A MacArthur Genius Grant recipient and fellow Chicagoan, he’s a self-taught musician and composer of various styles of music, including ragtime piano. He uses his platform to educate and encourage the African American community to take pride in genres like ragtime, that are uniquely their own.

Speaking of history, Arthur said there’s no denying the painful reality associated with ragtime, especially as it relates to racism.

“Scott Joplin was a Black man who grew up in a time where, sure, the slaves were freed (his father was formerly a slave), but there was still increasing subjugation from white society,” she said. “During that time period, ragtime was not seen as a serious art form.”

For instance, his contemporary critics tried to shame and denounce the style. This resulted in a concerted effort by Joplin and his white publisher, John Stark, to make people see ragtime as “respectable.” In doing so, they coined the term, “classic rag.” Joplin’s music also made its way to Europe and eventually all over the world.

Despite its foray into the mainstream, Arthur said it’s important to not lose sight of an important truth: This music originally was written for and by the black community. As an outsider who appreciates and plays the music of another culture, she offers some advice to people in her position.

“Be respectful, be humble and listen to people,” she said. “Don't assume that you know everything. “

With respect to ragtime and its origins, she said there’s a social justice element and responsibility that cannot be overstated.

“If you're gonna play this music, I think be ready to talk about and stand up for all the struggles and problems that that community faces,” she said. “Be ready to talk about the history of this music. Racial stereotypes and biases are pervasive even within the music world. Be ready to call them out when you see them.”