Music Story

Hey everybody, just wanted to tell my story because I am new to the forum. Well... where to start? I've always been interested in music but I found it difficult to find music that I enjoyed. I had listened to mainstream classical music and pop music, but I didn't really like much of it. About two years ago I discovered mainstream jazz from the 1920's and 30's. I liked that a little more, but I still wasn't satisfied. Eventually, through searching on itunes, I discovered jazz pioneer Jelly Roll Morton. His piano playing was so interesting to me, I had to learn more about him and other contemporaries. In doing so, I found ragtime. I immediatly felt the "intoxicating rhythm" (As Scott Joplin put it). From there, I expanded to those that changed ragtime into jazz. These composers included James P. Johnson and Fats Waller, Willie "The Lion" Smith, and Eubie Blake. In doing so, I also found Harlem Stride Piano. Going deeper, I discovered Novelty Piano made famous by Zez Confrey. I particularly enjoy stride and novelty rag pieces. I loved the music so much that I wanted to be able to play it, so I asked my parents for a digital piano for christmas. Of course, I got the piano . Now knowing how difficult these pieces are to play, I thoroughly respect those that keep this music alive today.By the way Andrew, I found your lessons on youtube when I became interested in learning to play and your lessons solidified my desire to learn to play piano. Much Thanks!

Note: If I made it sound like I hate classical music, I don't. I actually enjoy listening to the Romantic composers such as Grieg, Chopin, and Tchaikovsky. I especially like to listen to waltzes and dance music. This includes ragtime waltzes. My favorite piece is called "Eccentricity" by James P. Johnson. It is a syncopated waltz, modernistic let classical. Here is video on youtube that I found.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouanJDVnVFY&feature=related

There is also only one live played version recorded by someone on youtube if you search for it.