This is still a prominent quality in most jazz styles. The influence of European music is evident in the forms, harmonies, and instruments used in jazz from the beginning. The above list represents the instrumentation of a traditional New Orleans Dixieland band . All of the instruments were portable . Most players had no formal training.
Ragtime is a style of solo piano jazz.
Scott Joplin was a leading performer and writer of rags. He was a son of slaves, but received a formal music education. It has been used in all jazz periods and styles. It is a favorite form of vocalists, but has been used extensively by instrumentalists as well. This is the first true jazz style .