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Worksheet - Pedaling

The document provides an introduction to the three main pedals found on a piano - the soft pedal, sostenuto pedal, and damper pedal. It describes the function of each pedal, including how they alter the piano's sound. It also discusses how pedal usage is notated in musical scores.

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2018 01097
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93 views3 pages

Worksheet - Pedaling

The document provides an introduction to the three main pedals found on a piano - the soft pedal, sostenuto pedal, and damper pedal. It describes the function of each pedal, including how they alter the piano's sound. It also discusses how pedal usage is notated in musical scores.

Uploaded by

2018 01097
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Pedaling

You’ve seen pedals in a car, but have you seen the pedals on a piano?
The pedals in a car are found at the base of the driver’s seat. Similarly, piano pedals are foot-
levers that can be found at the base of a piano. Unlike a car, you do not have to press down on
the pedal to make your piano “stop” or “go”, and you certainly don’t need them to play every
piece of music; however, pedals can change the sound of your instrument in many ways!
Depending on the era in which the piano was manufactured, it may have two or three pedals.
Today, we will learn about three types of pedals and what each one is used for.

(Left to Right: Soft (Una Corda) Pedal, Sostenuto Pedal, Damper (Sustaining) Pedal)

The Soft Pedal, or Una Corda Pedal, is used to create a difference in color and volume. When the
soft pedal is depressed in a grand piano, the action and hammers inside of the piano shift slightly
to the right, striking two strings instead of three. In an upright piano, the hammers are shifted
closer to the strings. Both modifications create a softer, less vibrant, and delicate sound.

The Sostenuto Pedal is not used very often; however, when used correctly, it can sustain bass notes,
create a richer, darker harmony, and extend the range of register. When the sostenuto pedal is
depressed, it allows the performer to play passages in upper registers while sustaining bass notes
for an extended period of time in lower registers.

The Damper Pedal, or Sustaining Pedal, is the most commonly used pedal. If a piano key is played
and then let go, the sound will discontinue immediately after its release. However, if the piano
key is played while the damper pedal is depressed, all of the dampers are lifted off of the strings
and that note will continue to vibrate even if the performer releases it. The damper pedal creates
a beautiful, legato sound and a more resonant tone quality.
Now that we’ve learned about each pedal, let’s take a look at how pedaling is notated in a score.

If a composer wants the performer to play a passage using the damper pedal, then there are two
types of notation they can use to indicate this. The first notation is a simple line that sits below
the grand staff. Along this line, you will find small breaks (carrots) that indicate pedal changes. To
change the pedal, you must quickly lift your foot up and down on the damper pedal.

If there are no pedal changes, the performer should depress the damper pedal the entire time,
without lifting, until the line discontinues.

The second type of notation is similar in concept, but unlike in appearance. As in the example
below, the composer may notate the letters “Ped.” to indicate where to depress the pedal, and
either a vertical line (like in the example above) or a “*” to indicate where to lift off. Both pedal
markings are notated often and are chosen based on the composer’s preference.

If a composer wants the performer to play a passage using the soft pedal, then they will mark the
words “una corda” in the score. However, if a passage is marked piano or pianissimo, the
performer may choose to use the soft pedal to create a softer, less brilliant sound.

If the composer wants the performer to play a passage using the sostenuto pedal, then they will
mark the words “sost. ped.” in the score. However, if a passage includes a bass note that is tied
for many measures, but does NOT include a pedal marking, the performer may choose to use the
sostenuto pedal. This would allow them to use both the damper pedal and the sostenuto pedal to
sustain the melody and bass notes.
Is there a pedal marking in the excerpt below? If so, circle it!

Let’s practice using each pedal by following the instructions below:

1. Using your LEFT foot, press down on the soft pedal or una corda pedal. Play a few notes and
listen closely to the sound. Now, release the soft pedal and continue playing. Try depressing
and releasing the pedal a few times while playing. How does the sound change?
2. Using your LEFT hand, play a low G. Without taking your hand off of the G, press down on
the sostenuto pedal. With the pedal down, release the G and play a few notes in the upper
register with your right hand. Can you still hear the low G?
3. Using your RIGHT foot, press down on the damper pedal. Play a few notes. How does the
sound change? While playing, try pedaling up and down quickly a few times. What happens?

Which type of pedal is notated in the excerpt below?

Using the damper pedal, practice playing the passage below on middle C. Every time a pedal
change is marked, quickly lift your foot up and then back down again.

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