Beyond the Page: How about those “Other” Pedals?
Do your students ever ask you about those "Other Pedals"?
BTW, how many pedals does your piano have? Because not all pianos are created equal... I would love to hear from you- write to me - do you have 2 or 3?
It's actually a cool subject and it's a shame most students don't get asked to play these pedals until their repertoire gets quite advanced.
So it was perfect timing when Nicola Cantan commissioned me to compose two pieces for beginners and Intermediate players to be included in her book, Concept Collection 2, featuring the "other pedals." In case this is a neglected topic in your studio too, I'd like to share some of what I learned.
Quick & Easy Tips to explore the "Other Pedals"
Get your students started with the Una Corda Pedal.
Explore - Do you have the soft pedal or is it really the Muted pedal, on your piano? How can you tell the difference? (The muted pedal locks - it's really a "practice" pedal - so if you live in an apartment, you don't bother the neighbors) How is the sound different?
Play - Take a piece you already know and try it with the soft pedal, and then without. Do you hear the tone difference? Does the sound change if you hit the keys harder?
Experiment - Let's improvise - how does this soft sound inspire you to play? legato or staccato? Use only 5 notes to make a pattern and try it different ways. Having a hard time getting students to jump in? Try "copy me" first, then let them be the leader - works every time!
What about the Sostenuto pedal? Some pianos don't even have one, but if you do....
Explore - What does it do? Play 1 low note, press the Sostenuto pedal, now then play other notes - what happens? (On some pianos, the Sostenuto pedal only works on Low notes)
Play - Play a low C, press the Sostenuto pedal, then play notes 2 or 3 Octaves higher, repeat with different notes.
Experiment - Ask: "Why do you think this would be useful?" I use it for big leaps. Brainstorm ideas with your students.
If you decide to explore these pedals in your studio, I would love to hear what your students' reactions were!
Need a resource to explore pedals? New Release Today!
Introduce the Sostenuto and Una Corda pedals to your late elementary/early intermediate students with these two fun pieces: Jumping Jacks & Ice Crystals.
Jumping Jacks is a fun "jumpy" piece that gives the student a solid introduction to the Sostenuto pedal.
Left hand crossing over right hand
Sostenuto pedal
Staccatos
Crescendo and decrescendo
Ice Crystals explores the beautiful tone of the Una Corda pedal while taking the students through windy ice imagery.
Left hand in treble clef
Una Corda pedal creates a magical tone
8va
Expression & imagery
Learn more about these two pieces, what went behind composing them, and the original pedal collection….
From Nicola: “Students are naturally very curious about what these pedals do. Still, it can be tricky to find pieces at beginner and intermediate levels (or in general) that give teachers ample opportunity to explore using them. So, what is the best way to teach these pedals to various piano students at differing levels? In today's Vibrant Music Teacher chat, we dive deep into how to get students engaged in music composition and play through Susan's amazing compositions in the latest Concept Collection.”
Watch my interview with Nicola Cantan here.
In case your Intermediate students feel left out, here's another piece where the pedal plays a vital role. Encourage your students to experiment by adding the Una Corda pedal...
Available as an Intermediate Solo and an Early Intermediate Duet
Wandering through memories and imaginings, Pleasant Grove explores our connection to the past: Longing to know the lives that came before.
This is the perfect setting to encourage imagery and expression.
Key of E-flat minor (Solo); Key of E minor (Duet)
3/4 meter
Melodic phrases
Opportunity for artistic expression
And just for you! Let’s start Summer off right!
Enjoy a 20% OFF your order of $40. Use the code SUMMER20 at check out.
Offer ending June 5.
I’d love to hear from you!
I am inspired by teachers, students, and pianists like YOU! Many of my compositions come from suggestions & requests. Let me know, I’d love to help.
Piano Sheet Music to Inspire
Susan Staples Bell
Pianist + Teacher + Composer + Creative
Not all of us are lucky enough to have a grand piano in our Studio. What kind of piano do you have? How many pedals? Some only have two…
If you only have 2 pedals, the one on the right is the Damper or Sustain pedal; and the left is the Una Corda pedal.
Don’t miss this lively discussion about Pedals and more!
Pleasant Grove, Solo
This expressive piece is great for working on expressive, lyrical melody lines.
Pleasant Grove, Duet
Same elegant piece, but in an easier key and encourages team work to create musical beauty.
Did you know?
I’ve added some fun stuff to inspire! My student loved her new Piano Music Tote Bag!!
