(Educational Piano). Ragtime is a word probably derived from "ragged time". It began to flourish in the 1890's. It's basis is strong syncopation in both melody and accompaniment. Scott Joplin did not invent ragtime, but he stands out as its most prominent figure. Two 'sets-of-seven' Joplin ragtime masterpieces have been selected and arranged for Book One by John W. Schaum.