How to Practice Pedal Exercises

Use clear, quick-speaking 8' and 4' stops together or separately when practicing pedal exercises, such as 8' Principal and 4' Octave.

Hands may rest on the bench or grasp the key cheeks on the lowest manual for pedal exercises or pedal solo passages.

LISTEN

Above all, remember to apply the three listening skills carefully and diligently as you practice. You will waste time and deepen bad habits if you practice with little attention to the precision of your releases, or if you are allowing non-legato connections where legato is needed, or if the integrity of your pedal playing fades away when manual parts are added.