What instrument is commonly associated with the ragtime genre?

The piano is the instrument most commonly associated with the ragtime genre. Ragtime music, which emerged in the late 19th century and gained popularity in the early 20th century, features a distinctive syncopated rhythm and a melodic style that is particularly suited to the piano's capabilities. This genre is characterized by its lively tempo and the intricate interplay between the left-hand accompaniment and the right-hand melody, which creates a sense of excitement and movement. Composers such as Scott Joplin, known as the "King of Ragtime," effectively showcased the piano's versatility through compositions like "Maple Leaf Rag." While other instruments can certainly be found in ragtime bands, the piano remains central to the genre's identity and is its most iconic instrument.