City of Fountains | Jazz Piece for Solo Piano (Intermediate)

City of Fountains — Brock Chart

City of Fountains is a lyrical jazz ballad written for intermediate students as a tribute to Kansas City and its rich jazz heritage. Inspired by the city’s swinging spirit and soulful melodies, this piece invites students to explore expressive phrasing and authentic jazz textures.

The writing features several classic jazz piano techniques—stride bass patterns, locked-hand voicings, and lush harmonic extensions—while remaining accessible for developing pianists. It’s an excellent introduction to jazz interpretation, tone balance, and rubato playing.

🎵 About this piece:

• Level: Intermediate
• Style: Jazz Ballad
• Pedagogical focus: Jazz voicing, rubato interpretation, balance between melody and accompaniment, harmonic color
• Exploration: Practice alternating between stride and sustained textures; experiment with voicing melody notes on top of chords using locked-hand shapes. Scan and Play: Scan QR code for MP3 recording

📚 Perfect for:

• Jazz-themed recitals or studio showcases
• Students exploring classic jazz techniques and expressive tone
• Developing rubato control and harmonic awareness

🎵 Listen to this piece: