Rags and Ragtime: A Musical History

Dates: April 23 - May 14, 2026
Meets: Th from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
 Location: Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
Cost:  $50.00

There are still openings remaining at this time.

Date Day Time
04/23/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM
04/30/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM
05/07/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM
05/14/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM

OR

Please note: This course program requires membership in a 2025-2026 OLLI at MSU Membership

Description

This course will explore the musical history of ragtime from 1897 to the present. Each session will cover a specific period within the ragtime era, focusing on the lives and works of composers. We will discuss the compositional originality, stylistic traits and cultural and societal influences of these composers and enjoy presentations of recorded and live performances.

Course Takeaway

Participants will:

  • Understand Ragtime as a musical form of composition as well as a fad of the era.
  • Recognize different periods, compositional traits and styles within the Ragtime era.
  • Learn about the lives, cultural and societal influences of important composers of that period.
  • Learn about the revival of Ragtime during the latter part of the 20th century.

Scholarship

Apply for a needs-based scholarship to take this offering.

Fee:  $50.00

Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church

2152 W Graf St
Bozeman, MT 59718
View the location on a map.

Kenneth Christensen

Kenneth Christensen is a nationally certified music teacher and pianist and has appeared as a soloist and collaborative artist throughout his home state of Montana, as well as in the United States, Europe and Asia. His international performances include collaboration with composers and conductors John Rutter and the late Sir Richard Wilcox in performances at King's College Chapel, Cambridge, England and London's Royal Albert Hall. Other international appearances include performances at the First American Invitational Music Festival in China and the Philippines and the Montana State University 2012 Alumni Chorale Tour of Italy, Switzerland and France.

His academic achievements include receiving the prestigious Award in Excellence in Teaching while serving on the faculty at Montana State University's School of Music. Mr. Christensen served as president of the Music Teachers National Association from 2013 to 2015 and received the Music Teachers National Association Foundation Fellowship in the spring of 2017. Currently, Mr. Christensen remains active as a performer and serves as an assistant teaching professor of piano at Montana State University, where his students continue to win state and regional competitions.

In 2014, Mr. Christensen was awarded the Montana State Music Teachers Association's Teacher of the Year award. As a member of the Music Teachers National Association, he travels the Pacific Northwest, judging piano competitions and presenting workshops and masterclasses for students and teachers. In the fall of 1997, Mr. Christensen collaborated with pianist Liza Hella to form their piano duo "2 Pianos 4 Hands." Together, they concertized throughout the United States and performed their New York recital debut in April 2006 at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall. In early 2008, "2 Pianos 4 Hands" appeared on the Emmy Award-winning Montana PBS television program 11th and Grant with Eric Funk. Mr. Christensen earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Montana State University and completed the Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance from the University of Montana.

Date Day Time Location
04/23/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
04/30/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
05/07/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church
05/14/2026Thursday3 PM to 5 PM Bozeman, MT - Hope Lutheran Church