If it were me, rather than putting in something dwarf, I'd go for something medium height, but narrow. A Heptocodium miconioides (Seven Son Flower) would do it; a handsome, multistemmed tree to 20 feet, interesting peeling bark, white flowers coming on now followed by a long show of red calyxes. It would also offer a little shade and is unbothered by pests or diseases. It's narrow as it goes up but spreads a little towards the top.

Don't use J. maples - they prefer light shade and have wide spreading surface roots.

The more dwarf JMs don't have really wide-spreading root systems, but they usually don't like full sun, so probably would struggle.

I agree with Laceyvail - in this instance, a taller, narrow tree would be my choice. Heptacodium would be a good choice, as would serviceberry. Redbud is another possibility, but might be too wide, as they do spread. Look in a copy of Sunset Magazine Gardening Book for small trees - there should be a list toward the front or in the back. You should be able to get mature sizes and preferred exposures of the various trees from the listings.