Introduction

PEDAL PLAYING

Playing the pedal keyboard (“the pedals” or “the pedal”) is one of the major challenges facing the pianist who aspires to play the organ. Although the hands may have been trained for many years to play the piano, those two heels and two toes have much to learn before they will play accurately and confidently.

Because the feet and legs are heavier than the hands and arms, they are naturally slower and less agile. As the feet finally begin to cooperate, most pianists find that the left hand and pedal will tend to go the same direction. If the left-hand line skips up a fourth, the pedal line wants to do the same. If the foot releases, the left hand also wants to release.