Recontextualising Ragtime: Connections, Influences, Perspectives

A Two-day Symposium, 6 &7 May 2017
Location: Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom

Organised by: Prof. Rachel Cowgill (University of Huddersfield) and Dr Sue Miller (Leeds Beckett University) in association with Heritage Quay at the University of Huddersfield.

A two-day symposium examining the ragtime style bringing together scholars and practitioners  from the fields of music history, ethnomusicology, musicology, Caribbean and Latin American music, jazz studies and music analysis, alongside social dance and dance recreation specialists, discographers and performers, all with a view to analysing the style in its own terms and not as a precursor to jazz. Looking at ragtime and its reception in the United Kingdom, the United States, Europe and elsewhere, the aim is to bring together all those interested in ragtime music and dance to examine systems of meanings around the term ‘ragtime’ that are culture specific. We hope to question traditional narratives of the style’s development (including the contradanza, tango and habanera) and invite new ways of understanding this musical style and its various manifestations.

The symposium will feature invited talks, round table discussions, and a special Speakeasy event on the Saturday night (more details to follow early in 2017). Both days will consist of talks, performances and workshops, and along with invited speakers there will be a limited call for papers. If interested in taking part as a presenter please send an abstract of 250 words to Dr Sue Miller by 28 February 2017.

For more information contact:

Dr Sue Miller [email protected]

Professor Rachel Cowgill [email protected]

Location: Heritage Quay: http://heritagequay.org/