Splash of Blue | Jazz Piece for Solo Piano (Late Elementary)

Splash of Blue — Martha Hill Duncan

Splash of Blue is a community-choice piece written by guest composer Martha Hill Duncan, inspired by a special request for an introduction to dissonance and “crunchy” modern sounds—without going overboard. Written for late elementary students, this piece offers a gentle and accessible entry point into contemporary, jazzy harmonies while remaining comfortable and playable for developing pianists.

This piece is also an excellent choice for students who need extra reinforcement in 3/4 time. The rhythmic patterns are built almost entirely from quarter notes and half notes, making it easy for students to feel the meter and naturally sway along with the music. While the harmonies may sound complex, Martha skillfully weaves them together using step-wise motion and familiar hand patterns, helping students sound confident while exploring new tonal colors.

🎵 About this piece:

• Level: Late Elementary
• Style: Contemporary / Lyrical Jazz
• Format: Solo Piano
• Pedagogical focus: 3/4 meter, pattern-based playing, legato phrasing, pedaling, expressive dynamics, confidence with hand position shifts
• Exploration: Encourage students to gently sway or conduct in 3 while playing to internalize the meter and phrasing.
• Scan and Play: Scan QR code for MP3 recording

📚 Perfect for:

• Late elementary students exploring modern harmonies for the first time
• Students who benefit from pattern-based, step-wise movement
• Teaching expressive playing, legato touch, and pedal coordination

🎵 Listen to this piece: