how to learn to use the pedal

[betricia]

I have used the searc h tool but cannot find the advice I need.  How do I learn how to use the sustain pedal properly.  It feels so awkward and I put my foot down and lift it at the wrong times.  Is there a knack or useful tip about this?  Or do I just keep on trying very slowly to press the note and lift my foot and put it back down again at the moment the key is being depressed.  My foot does not seem to be in time with me.  Is this a pathetic question?  Yes I thought so but any help appreciated.
Thanks
Patricia

[florentin]

my response might not be much, but here it is:

practice using the pedal, "without the pedal" first. Here's what I mean: sit on your piano bench, away from the piano, and practice this way: foot down, touching the floor; fingers pat your lap - foot quickly off the floor and back down. It is a backward motion. Repeat many times.

Then try it at the piano. Play an easy chord progression: I IV V I, using the pedal in between. Take as much time as neccesary.

[betricia]

Thanks Florentin, I will try that right now and keep at it.
Patricia
 

[quantum]

Some good books on pedalling:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,7798.0.html

[Nordlys]

I have used the searc h tool but cannot find the advice I need. How do I learn how to use the sustain pedal properly. It feels so awkward and I put my foot down and lift it at the wrong times. Is there a knack or useful tip about this? Or do I just keep on trying very slowly to press the note and lift my foot and put it back down again at the moment the key is being depressed. My foot does not seem to be in time with me. Is this a pathetic question? Yes I thought so but any help appreciated.
Thanks
Patricia

I guess we talk about basic legato pedalling. That is the kind of pedalling beginners should learn first. It is very essential in piano playing, and requires some coordination.

I think you already know (in theory) this technique, but just in case:
Legato pedalling is when you use the pedal to sustain chords, so that there are no breaks in between. The way I teach this to my students:
 - Play a chord, C-E-G
 - Now press the pedal, and hold it down.
 - Lift the hand to play another chord, but still hold down the pedal.
 - Play the next chord (D-F-A), and simultaneously lift up the pedal.
 - Put down the pedal.
 - Repeat with the next chord (E-G-H)
The problem with syncronisation is that as you depress the key, you have to lift the foot, and only after that you depress the foot.

I think you have to keep on trying, practising this very slowly. It should become an automatic technique after a little while. Then you don't have to think about it anymore, and can concentrate on playing real pieces.

If you are interested, I wrote another post about several different kinds of pedalling here:
https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php/topic,11414.msg121285.html#msg121285

[betricia]

Quantum and Nordleys
Thank you both very much.  I will look up the book and Nordleys you are right, it is the syncronisation I am struggling with.  I am looking forward to the automatic feeling but will try and be patient.  I will practise what you advise and keep going.
thanks
patricia