Take It In Stride | Jazz Piece for Solo Piano (Intermediate)

Take It In Stride — Brock Chart

Take It In Stride is a fun, upbeat ragtime piece for intermediate pianists that brings the classic sound of stride piano into the modern day. Inspired by the left-hand technique made famous by ragtime and early jazz pianists, the piece pairs a lively stride accompaniment with catchy, blues-infused melodies.

The bridge flips things around, giving the left hand the spotlight with a playful melody featuring touches of bebop vocabulary. Bright, energetic, and a lot of fun to play, Take It In Stride is an exciting introduction to classic jazz piano techniques—and a great choice for a show-stopping recital closer!

🎵 About this piece:

• Level: Intermediate
• Style: Jazz / Ragtime / Stride
• Format: Piano Solo
• Pedagogical focus: Stride piano technique, left-hand independence, hand balance, syncopation, rhythmic precision, melodic voicing, and coordination
• Exploration: Introduce students to the sound and technique of stride piano while exploring how blues and bebop vocabulary can bring a modern jazz flavor to traditional ragtime writing.
• Scan and Play: Scan QR code for the full recording.

📚 Perfect for:

• Intermediate students who love jazz, ragtime, and blues
• Introducing the sound and technique of stride piano
• Developing left-hand independence, coordination, and rhythmic confidence
• Exploring blues-infused melodies and touches of bebop vocabulary
• Recitals, festivals, and students looking for a high-energy showpiece

🎵 Listen to this piece: