Music Information

New Age Piano Playing and the Sustain Pedal


There are 3 pedals on most pianos. The one on the left dampens the strings and makes the sound come out softer. The one in the middle - I have no idea what that one does, but the one on the right - the sustain pedal - this one is the pedal I have my foot on when I play the piano.

I like to let the tones ring out, but if I keep the sustain pedal depressed for too long, the music turns into a mud puddle - hundreds of overtones coming out everywhere. Don't let anyone tell you that there is a proper way to pedal the piano.

Each style of music uses the sustain pedal differently. New age music, fortunately for us, is much more liberal with its use. Why? Because we usually throw the pedal "rules" out the window. The key to pedaling is to listen for the sound YOU WANT then pedal accordingly.

How do you think the great pianists and composers of the past did it? Do you think they asked themselves, "well maybe I should pedal here?" Of course not. They put pedal marks down where they themselves used it in a piece. You should do the same.

There's nothing like the ringing sound of overtones you get when you let the notes hang in mid-air. In fact, this is one of the charms of the piano - that mysterious echo barely discernible to the untrained ear, but there nevertheless providing warmth and realism to the music.

It's all accomplished through the use of the sustain pedal. When you want your music to breathe, use it. Experiment with it. Don't be afraid to keep it depressed for as long as you want to.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!


MORE RESOURCES:

Sydney Morning Herald

Calm, collected: New Britney still owns the MTV Video Music Awards
The Canadian Press, LOS ANGELES - 46 minutes ago
LOS ANGELES — Britney Spears has provided some of the most memorable moments in the history of the notoriously unpredictable MTV Video Music Awards, ...
Video: Wild Fashion Takes Hold at MTV VMAs AssociatedPress
Britney Spears triumphs at MTV Video Music Awards Telegraph.co.uk
At the MTV Video Music Awards, a Big Draw, a Punch Line and, Now ... New York Times
Newsday - The Associated Press
all 2,756 news articles


Music phones get more in tune with consumers
MSNBC - 1 hour ago
By Suzanne Choney Not everyone is melding their music with their cell phones, but a growing number of consumers are, with more choices than ever for finding ...


Dan-O Offers Free Music Downloads to Introduce New CD Release
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
GARRISON, NY, Sept 08, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Pop/Rock Singer/Songwriter Dan-O is offering free music downloads on his website DanoSongs.com to ...


Band Metrics Announces Analytical Application for the Music ...
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
Band Metrics provides a first-of-its-kind semantic web application for the music industry that collects, analyzes and displays dynamic popularity and trends ...


Doubletree Hotel Nashville Brings Lyrics to Life in Music City USA
MarketWatch - 1 hour ago
With a new, contemporary look and exciting packages, the Doubletree Hotel Nashville is truly bringing lyrics to life in Music City USA as the only hotel in ...


EMI and Warner Music Group Announce Marketing and Distribution ...
MarketWatch - 5 hours ago
Under the multi-year license agreement, Warner Music Group will market and distribute EMI's worldwide repertoire in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, ...
Warner Music Group signs deal with EMI Music CNNMoney.com
Warner Music to market, distribute EMI's Music in South East Asia ... RTT News
all 12 news articles


Fashion show music speaks volumes about brands
Reuters - 2 hours ago
By Martinne Geller NEW YORK, Sept 8 (Reuters) - For designers hoping to stand out amid the scores of runway shows at New York's Fashion Week, the music is a ...


Washington Post

Stars Rock Their Fashion at Radio City Music Hall
PopSugar.com, CA - 5 hours ago
Justin, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Charlize are just a few of the A-list celebs that came out to Condé Nast's Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall on ...
It's the height of fashion as stars shine for concert Scotsman
Timberlake, Cyrus among the stars at Fashion Rocks The Associated Press
Wigging out: Beyonce dons old lady hairpiece for golden Fashion ... Daily Mail
AceShowbiz - Fashion.ie
all 151 news articles


Amazon.com Exclusively Debuts New Bob Dylan Music Video
MarketWatch - 4 hours ago
today announced the exclusive premiere of the new, previously unreleased Bob Dylan song and music video "Dreamin' of You" on www.amazon.com/music. ...
Amazon.Com Exclusively Debuts New Bob Dylan Music Video RedOrbit
all 8 news articles


Phillips takes pop music detour
Chicago Tribune, United States - 7 hours ago
It takes a songwriter such as Sam Phillips to depart from the routine expectations set by the last 50-plus years of pop music. Kicking off a fall tour ...

Music - Google News

home | site map
© 2006