Dear Ilinca, I was so thrilled to discover your videos. About 6 months ago, I bought Russian School of Piano Playing against the advice of the sales person who recommended something else on the grounds that teachers no longer use Russian School of Playing. Once I got it home I instantly realized major differences and it's uniqueness in that it does not start with pictures of hands, finger numbering, notes names but rather on importance of touch, use of ear etc. like explained in your video lesson which is all about back, elbow, hands and finger touch and balance. It all makes absolutely perfectly good sense now. I've played piano by ear for 60 years, teaching myself to read now and without any hesitation I can immediately say... for the first time, through the Russian technique and your wonderful tutorial video, I feel total body connection, not only mind and hands to the piano. Thank you so much Ilinca! What an absolutely pleasure it is to watch your tutorials. I have never been able to afford piano lessons, and if I could, I would instantly enroll in your membership course. I have watched hundreds of on line teaches and not one explains in depth or shows details the why and what-for or gives examples like you do. This is what we students hunger for. You are truly gifted in so many ways. GOD BLESS YOU!
Hi Susan! It's great to meet you - and thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful comment!!! ;) I'm so happy to hear that you enjoy my tutorials - and that you discovered how useful Nikolaev's method book (the "Russian School of Piano Playing") really is. The value of this book is hidden behind its plain design (in terms of color and funny images it cannot compete with modern books) - but it does indeed start with WHY, with the most important professional fundamentals (hearing, imagination, expression, meaning, correct weighted key attack, relaxation & flexibility), and we can find so many treasures within its pages! My step-by-step Video Course for Beginners is based mainly on this method book: so far 67 Lessons are live on PianoCareerAcademy.com (we're almost at the end of Book 1 Part 2) - and I did my best to make all of them as captivating, enjoyable, colorful, visual, detailed and useful as possible (therefore compensating the old-school design of the book). Thank you again for your comment - and have a fabulous week! ;)
PianoCareer I agree with what Susan said. Your videos are a godsend. I discovered them by accident. Now I'll use them as a reference in learning and teaching the piano myself. Thanks so so much.
I was never taught how to use the pedal, it came completely natural to me. In fact every single pianist I know had the same experience, musically it comes naturally. I bet it was the same for you!
Yes, in life (and in piano playing) some things do come naturally to us... Some people are born with a very good hearing (therefore, they use the pedal quite well without being constantly corrected by their teachers) - others have a great memory, while for others it's very easy to play octaves or chords without tension (and this list could go on). However. If you want to become a good pianist, you must take your knowledge and understanding to a deeper level (instead of only relying on your intuition): you must know the WHYs, the HOWs and the WHATs. You must learn to see the bigger picture, connect all the dots - and also be able to explain all these things to someone else (in case you decide to teach one day). Therefore, while it's great to have some natural abilities and 'insights' (we all have them!) - it is not enough for mastering our art :). I studied for 20+ years to get all my degrees - and still, when it comes to pedaling a very difficult piece, I seek the guidance of great masters :)). Life is a never-ending learning journey!
Brand new to piano this year, I use a 4th technique, likely not taught in Musical Conservatories, but well known to us beginners; I simply keep the pedal pressed down the entire time so I can just worry about my hands. 🙃 Thank you for this wonderful tutorial, I will begin employing proper pedaling techniques immediately.
Yes, I am well familiar with the 4th pedaling technique! hahaha Many of my students are quite attached to it - but studies have showed that it gradually (and naturally) disappears after a couple of months of correct practice :).
@@pianocareer I promise I’ll work on your Pedal Technique 1 daily and, after a few months, I will experience what the studies have shown as you said (haha!!). Thank You for your inspiration and motivation, you are an amazing Pianist and Teacher.
Another interesting use of gradual release is a "dirty" cadence, where you hold the sustain pedal and play the second chord, then slowly release the pedal so the sound of the first chord dies away leaving only the new chord. Also, I seem to remember the notation in one of Dave Brubeck's piano books suggesting to play a staccato chord and quickly press the pedal afterwards for a strange echoing harmonic effect. It's amazing what you can do with that pedal!
Hi! The pedals of an acoustic piano are not very stiff - but they still allow us to rest our feet on them without pressing them accidentally. The pedals on most digital pianos are the same. I suggest placing the pedals where they were before - and improving your comfort by adjusting the distance between the bench and the instrument. Good luck! ;)
Thanks for the great instruction. I'm teaching myself Piano and progressing through the ABRSM exams and videos like this are priceless! Your lesson really helped me perform the Grade 4 piece 'Chez Le Forgeron' which has a certain amount of Pedal work.
I know it has nothing to do with being discussed, but you are beautiful! I am subscribed! You give great advice on the piece! Great use of the pedal enhances the articulation of the piece being played.
i would like to sincerely thank you for explaining all this in such detail, and only taking about 10 mins. this has been extremely helpful to me to get to know the different pedaling techniques since i dont have a teacher to explain it for me anymore. no doubt this knowledge will aid me in the future. =)
Hi Ilinca, thanks a lot for your explanations! I’m a beginner and exploring the correct usage in Canon in D (Lee Galloway) and your advice on trusting my own instincts and hearing struck me the most! Thank you! :)
Thank you for all you're doing in the realm of piano pedagogy. Have you heard anything regarding a pedaling technique that has 7 degrees or levels of adjustment?
Very helpful. A couple suggestions, if you will: Your demonstration of Delayed Sustain technique would have benefitted greatly from camera closeups of your feet as you were striking sequential chords. We can scarcely see your knee move in these shots. I am also in need of a detailed explanation of the mechanical, sonic and musical difference between Sustain and _Sostenuto_ (middle) pedal functions. 🌹
Hi! This tutorial is quite old (one of the first videos I ever recorded): at that time, I only had one video camera, and I was doing the best I could given the situation :). All my new tutorials are filmed with 2-3 cameras simultaneously - one of them showing the pedal (whenever necessary). Here is a newer tutorial dedicated to pedaling: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html Regarding your second question - all you have to do is follow the 2nd link from the Description Box (www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-art/) - it's a detailed article where I also talk about the Sostenuto pedal :).
Another great video! I always love your thorough explanations. Also, your wordings are very beautiful, especially your metaphors and similes. They are on point too. Cheers from Tokyo!
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Will you move to the states and be my personal instructor? I am a beginner at the piano and know very very little. My goal is to learn around a dozen rock/pop songs on the piano to make me more versatile as a musician. I play guitar and sing but I cannot read music. What would you say the most important thing for me learn to play piano would be? Would it be to memorize chords? And more importantly... What is your name? Anthony
Hi Anthony! LOL - No, I will not move to the US - but you can learn how to play piano by following my step-by-step Video Practice Guide for Beginners (that you can find in the Members Area of my Online Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com). This Practice Guide will help you to learn how to play piano from scratch, in an enjoyable progressive manner - harmoniously developing all your technical/expressive/sight-reading skills :). You'll gradually discover all the professional secrets of the Russian piano school - they will allow you to 'conquer' any piece with ease! ;) However, this course is not focused on rock/pop songs (or on the very limited task of memorizing chords) - but on the classical repertoire. If you have any questions about this course, or about the functionality of my Coaching Program, don't hesitate to ask (by filling in a Contact Form which you can find at the bottom of the homepage at PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my assistant Natalia will be happy to help :).
The delayed pedal technique is by far the one I've seen the most being used. In fact, before watching this video, the only one I knew that was using preliminary was me when I first got my pedal for my electric piano.
Yes, the delayed technique is indeed the most used one - especially if we talk about romantic or modern rock/pop/jazz music (because it allows us to create a good connection between different harmonies, at the same time maintaining a clear and uncluttered sonority).
Thank you! This is one of my first videos, recorded almost 3 years ago - and at the time I only had one camera :). But you can also watch the first part of this video - where I DO show the pedals, their mechanism and the correct foot action (How to Use the Piano Pedals - Mechanism and Functions 1/2). All my current videos are recorded with 3 cameras simultanesouly - 2 different angles for the keyboard AND the pedal. You can see a double camera format in this free tutorial - Christmas Piano Lesson for Intermediates. The Christmas Song. Good Swing Wenceslas. - where at about 42:40 the overhead cam is being replaced with the pedal cam. My most recent videos on PianoCareerAcademy.com have a triple format :).
Is it normal that the keys feel like the lag under your fingers if the tequiniqe when pedalin isnt perfect? It seams, If I press the keys, in the middle of pedaling, the key isnt possible to press down smoothly, but it sort of skips once on the way down! Anyone?
Hi! I'm not sure I understand your question completely - but the sustain pedal should not affect the mechanics of the keyboard. The pedal simply raises the dampers so that the strings will vibrate longer. So if pressing the pedal does weird things with the keys LOL, my recommendation is to call your tuner so that he will check if the entire piano mechanism is working properly :).
PianoCareer Thank you! Yes, If I hit the key in that sweet spot where the dampers are off the strings, the key will stick for a very brief moment, lag behind! I think the tention is to tight, cause playing staccato will result in double strikes all the time as well! I did contact a tuner, and he will arrive here on Monday! Thank you for your reply!:)
Thanks For Your Video It Really Help me.! One Question How long does an average person needs to learn to be able to play like Advance levels? Thanks in Advance
Hi! You’re very welcome! :-) For reaching the advanced level (but please don’t forget that levels are relative and there is no such thing as perfect piano mastery), it usually takes at least 10 years of regular, correct, persistent practice combined with the guidance of a good teacher :). Also, a true piano journey never stops: no matter how well we can play at a certain moment, there is always room for improvement (as all great pianists always say). Piano playing is a never ending journey, full of exciting discoveries, fulfillment, spiritual growth and lots of joy. Good luck! :-)
Hi. This sounds like a stupid question. Apologies.:) I am a beginner, just planning to buy a digital piano for now. But the digital piano (Yamaha P-45) comes with just one sustain pedal. I intend to just play classical and romantic period music. My question to you is, is just sustain pedal enough for my genre of music that I intend to play? And instead of soft pedal, can't I just softly press the keys? Sorry for stupid question. I have never played a piano/keyboard but intend to buy one. Please guide me. Thanks :) Subscribed :)
Bala Subramanian Hi Bala! The sustain pedal is the most important one - and it is more than enough for a beginner, for at least several years :). By the way, you can find out more about digital pianos (their pros and cons) by reading my answer to question No. 24 from our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Also, since you're a beginner, you could take a look at question No. 17, where I describe my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners. Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Thank you so much for taking your time to reply. Your linked helped me a lot :) Thanks a ton for all the wonderful stuffs u r doing :) God bless :)
thank you so much for the tutorial! can i know how deep down i need to press the pedal? should i press all the way down (say 100%)? or i just press a bit more than half way? And same question for releasing the pedal, should the pedal be releases all the way up where the pedal touches the wood? or say 90% up only?
You are very welcome! The answers to your questions can be found in these free tutorials: www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-art/ www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/bio-mechanics-healthy-piano-pedaling-technique/ www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-style/
what pedaling technique would you recommend for chopins waltz in a minor? I'm a novice pianist whom is trying to form a good piano technique, and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you!
Hi Mikey! I'm happy to hear that my tutorials are helpful for you! :) I actually have a detailed video tutorial dedicated to Chopin's Waltz in A Minor, op. posth. - it is available in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com :). To answer your last question - no, the direct (also called 'simultaneous') pedal is not what I recommend for this piece. A smartly applied delayed pedal (combined with some occasional 'direct' pedals) will create much better results. More details in my tutorial! By the way, this Waltz is an intermediate piece - so if you're still a beginner, I recommend investing some time in learning the fundamentals correctly (including the basics of pedaling). If you want to learn more about my Piano Coaching Program, don't hesitate to take a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially at my answers to questions No. 1-6 (find out how PianoCareerAcademy works, what is included in the membership etc.) and No. 17 (a description of our Video Course for Beginners). Good luck! ;)
Yes, you will find detailed tutorials on this topic (filmed with 3 cameras simultaneously [with a separate camera for the pedal, like you can see in this video - ruclips.net/video/JVSwudYbitY/видео.html, at 05:05]) in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about PianoCareerAcademy and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially at my answers to questions No. 1-6 (find out how PianoCareerAcademy works, what is included in the membership etc.) and No. 17 (a description of the Video Course for Beginners).
@Rienei Hi! The pedal sounds 'dirty' only in one case: when you're 'mixing together' on the same pedal two or three different dissonant chords! So the pedal cannot be 'dirty' if the 4 chords are all the same. It it does, it means that you didn't change the pedal in the beginning of the bar and you're still left with the 'echoes' of the chords from the previous bar! For making sure that your pedal is 'clean', you have to change it on EACH NEW HARMONY. For more info, visit my site! ;)
i am playing Lento by Fibich from moods impression and souveniers no 139, op 41. can i skip finger pedalling while using the sustain pedal. Does finger pedal matter when we are using the sustain pedal.
Excellent video. About the gradual pedal release, I disagree. My teacher says that the last note should only last as long as it is, and the sound should be clean and I agree. A performance, ended when you choose to.
Thank you! Regarding the 'gradual pedal release' vs the 'clean ending': there cannot be any mechanical formulas in our art :). Every piece is unique - and has its own artistic concept, dramaturgy and circle of images/characters. Obviously, we cannot end every single piece with a gradual pedal release - just like it would be inappropriate to end all of them with a 'clean pedal cut'. For example - if the piece ends peacefully and softly, with a long chord (which also has a fermata sign) - then a gradual release would be very appropriate from an artistic/expressive point of view. If, on the other hand, it ends with a 'sparkly' fast passage, or with a short forte chord, or with a series of playful staccato notes etc.... then, of course, we will use less pedal (sometimes none at all) - adapting everything we do to our exact expressive tasks :).
PianoCareer Thank you for the reply. It is open to interpretation, of course, but I would still disagree. I think that all pieces are better ended by a clean cut, but that is just my opinion. Thank you.
Сижу, уши устали английский воспринимать, просто слушаю голос и звуки, релаксирую. И тут вдруг "Запаздывающая педаль" :). Проснулся. А если серьезно - полезный урок, мадам, спасибо :) Приятно вас и слушать и наблюдать.
Spasibo bol'shoe! Ia rada chto vam ponravilsea etot urok! :)) By the way, the more you read (and listen) in English, the better you will become at it :). I keep learning on a regular basis as well. Practice makes perfect! ;)
Hi Dorota! This is one of my first video tutorials (recorded back in 2011). At that time, I only had one video camera :). Since 2013, most of my tutorials are recorded with 2-3 cameras simultaneously. Here is a good example (it shows the pedal, the keyboard, and also the usual 'side view'): ruclips.net/video/JVSwudYbitY/видео.html. If you go to 47:34, you will see a good example of this recording setup :).
Замечательный, качественный учебный материал, сайт тоже сделан старательно и со вкусом. Небольшая ремарка насчёт русского акцента (товарищ внизу тоже заметил), от него легко избавиться если захотеть и понять главный принцип - англичане, особенно американцы, издают звуки большей частью через нос. Направляете все гласные туда, на этот канал цепляете согласные, и от нативного спикера будет не отличить, голос станет более певучим и появятся красивые обертоны. Процветания!! )))
I bought those boots in my country (local shop), many years ago LOL. Please notice that this video was posted in 2011 (it's one of my earliest tutorials).
Hi! For registering for my Piano Coaching Program, you have to go to the home page (the link is in the description box), wait for the video to load and then select a membership option below the video. After choosing a membership, you'll be directed towards a Forum Account Creation page. Then I will activate your account - and you'll be able to enjoy all the exclusive resources of our forum, ask questions and receive detailed professional answers! ;)
i followed like what u said : change padle on different cords. But my piece is just like 4:55 where i have 4 same cords in a bar. But mine sounds "dirty" messy and noisy. I cant seem to get it right! oh please save me haha (it is a slow song) thanks in advance
Hello, I love your videos. I’m not a classical pianist, although I love classical. In my band we play 1970s rock, blues, and some jazz. I have a practice method that’s unconventional. I’ve never heard/read of it. I wonder what you will think of it. When I play in performances I always use a damper pedal. But when I’m practicing alone I NEVER use it. Of course it sounds choppy, and it is frustrating to me. This causes me to compensate with my fingers. I have to be more nimble, sustain certain notes with fingers, make better use of rhythm, etc. to compensate for the lack of a pedal. When I’ve learned to make a song sound good without any pedal use, it improves my technique. And then, when I play with a pedal, it sounds much better that it did in the past, when I practiced with a pedal. I do play one beginner classical piece: Gurlitt’s Miniature in F Major. I’ve gotten to where I can play it smoothly with no pedal, except for one bass note which is a big reach. Does this make sense to you? I’ve never heard of it from any piano teacher. Thanks, Jonathan Rice
+twelvmnkys Hi Jonathan! Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience! :) The practice method you described (practicing without pedal) is actually a CLASSICAL approach that we use all the time in the Russian piano school (for reasons very similar to the ones you mentioned!). Of course, we also practice WITH PEDAL a lot - but most of the time, when we learn a new piece, we set a stable 'no-pedal' foundation first - for having an objective assessment of what really goes on in that piece, for developing our hearing, for expressive clarity, technical control etc. :). It's wonderful that you discovered this method on your own, without the help of a teacher!
+PianoCareer: Thank you so much, Ilinca! I had no idea that this was a real method of practice in Russia. For many years I've preferred the sound of Russian pianists over British and others. Because, to my ear, Russians have a full balance of passion and precision. For example, I have a Beethoven CD by a British pianist and he plays the 3rd movement of piano concerto #3 very well. But I also have Evgeny Kissen's version and it is stunningly good. It's so precise and powerful that I sometimes wonder if Kissen is a man or a machine. I'm from USA but live in India. For almost a year I had the privilege of studying under India's topmost piano teacher. But then he died of a stroke. This was over 10 years ago. Since then I've been on my own. Your videos are finally giving me some badly-needed instruction again. I'm very grateful to you. Finally, I have one more question: Is the "Hanon Virtuoso Pianist" book used in Russia? Do you have any opinion for or against it? Thank you again for everything, Jonathan Rice
+twelvmnkys Hi Jonathan! Ragarding Hanon - you will find a detailed free article on this topic in our FAQs at PianoCareerAcademy.com (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), question No. 30. I receive this question ALL the time :), so I decided to answer it in a very detailed manner in our FAQs. I also recommend reading my newest article from the FAQs (which I published yesterday, question No. 34) - it is focused on the controversial topic of 'piano technique' - and I describe the holistic approach we use in the Russian piano school. You will actually find several other useful articles in the FAQs (all of them are free) - I hope you enjoy them! ;) Warmest wishes, Ilinca
Hi! This tutorial is quite old (one of the first videos I ever recorded): at that time, I only had one video camera, and I was doing the best I could given the situation :). All my new tutorials are filmed with 2-3 cameras simultaneously - one of them showing the pedal (whenever necessary). Here is a newer tutorial dedicated to pedaling: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html
LOL No, why would I be from Serbia? You can find out more about me (where I am from, my degrees and work experience etc.) by reading my detailed answers to questions No. 27 and 28 from our FAQs at PianoCareerAcademy.com (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
I usually like your videos very much, but I found this one to be frustrating. It would have been much, much more instructive if you had let us see your right foot as you used the pedal. You did so from 0:15 to 0:59, but then for all of the other complicated examples you gave, we couldn't see what your foot was doing! For you, the sound may have made what you were doing with the pedal obvious, but not to me watching and listening to the video. In another of your pedal videos ("Using The Piano Pedals Depending on the Style of the Composer"), you do show us your foot, which is very helpful. Please keep making videos!
Well, Kent, your comment would have been very helpful - but I found it to be uninformed (pardon my quoting you - couldn't help myself! haha). Before writing a critical comment, the first thing you should do is check the DATE of the video. This tutorial was one of my very first - recorded in October 2011 (before my video focused on the style of the composer). And, if you take a look at a couple of my recent videos, you will see that the ones where the pedal is relevant is filmed with THREE cameras (one of them showing a close-up of the foot). Here is a good example: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html. Also, since then I have recorded almost 1000 tutorials (most of them available on PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my entire recording setup is very different from 2011 (when I only had one camera, limited studio time and zero recording experience). By the way, being a musician is not just about playing well. First and foremost, it's about compassion, kindness, nobility and fairness. Good luck!
@@pianocareer I apologize. I'm just starting to learn how to use the pedals and let my frustration carry over to you, but I shouldn't have. I should have noticed the date and figured you've made improvements over the years. You still look so young, it didn't occur to me that it was from 9 years ago! I do enjoy your videos very much, and learn a lot from them. I gave the video in question a thumb up, as I do all of your videos I've watched. Again, my apologies. Keep up the good work.
Dear Ilinca, I was so thrilled to discover your videos. About 6 months ago, I bought Russian School of Piano Playing against the advice of the sales person who recommended something else on the grounds that teachers no longer use Russian School of Playing. Once I got it home I instantly realized major differences and it's uniqueness in that it does not start with pictures of hands, finger numbering, notes names but rather on importance of touch, use of ear etc. like explained in your video lesson which is all about back, elbow, hands and finger touch and balance. It all makes absolutely perfectly good sense now. I've played piano by ear for 60 years, teaching myself to read now and without any hesitation I can immediately say... for the first time, through the Russian technique and your wonderful tutorial video, I feel total body connection, not only mind and hands to the piano. Thank you so much Ilinca!
What an absolutely pleasure it is to watch your tutorials. I have never been able to afford piano lessons, and if I could, I would instantly enroll in your membership course. I have watched hundreds of on line teaches and not one explains in depth or shows details the why and what-for or gives examples like you do. This is what we students hunger for. You are truly gifted in so many ways. GOD BLESS YOU!
Hi Susan! It's great to meet you - and thank you SO MUCH for this wonderful comment!!! ;) I'm so happy to hear that you enjoy my tutorials - and that you discovered how useful Nikolaev's method book (the "Russian School of Piano Playing") really is. The value of this book is hidden behind its plain design (in terms of color and funny images it cannot compete with modern books) - but it does indeed start with WHY, with the most important professional fundamentals (hearing, imagination, expression, meaning, correct weighted key attack, relaxation & flexibility), and we can find so many treasures within its pages! My step-by-step Video Course for Beginners is based mainly on this method book: so far 67 Lessons are live on PianoCareerAcademy.com (we're almost at the end of Book 1 Part 2) - and I did my best to make all of them as captivating, enjoyable, colorful, visual, detailed and useful as possible (therefore compensating the old-school design of the book). Thank you again for your comment - and have a fabulous week! ;)
PianoCareer I agree with what Susan said. Your videos are a godsend. I discovered them by accident. Now I'll use them as a reference in learning and teaching the piano myself. Thanks so so much.
***** You're very welcome! Thank you for your comment! :))
You're very welcome - I'm glad that my tutorials are helping you in your piano journey! :))) Good luck and enjoy your practice!
I was never taught how to use the pedal, it came completely natural to me. In fact every single pianist I know had the same experience, musically it comes naturally. I bet it was the same for you!
Yes, in life (and in piano playing) some things do come naturally to us... Some people are born with a very good hearing (therefore, they use the pedal quite well without being constantly corrected by their teachers) - others have a great memory, while for others it's very easy to play octaves or chords without tension (and this list could go on). However. If you want to become a good pianist, you must take your knowledge and understanding to a deeper level (instead of only relying on your intuition): you must know the WHYs, the HOWs and the WHATs. You must learn to see the bigger picture, connect all the dots - and also be able to explain all these things to someone else (in case you decide to teach one day). Therefore, while it's great to have some natural abilities and 'insights' (we all have them!) - it is not enough for mastering our art :). I studied for 20+ years to get all my degrees - and still, when it comes to pedaling a very difficult piece, I seek the guidance of great masters :)). Life is a never-ending learning journey!
TRUE
Great piano pedal tutorial ! Miss Vartic you are the first one to explain this so well !
Glad you liked it! 😊
Brand new to piano this year, I use a 4th technique, likely not taught in Musical Conservatories, but well known to us beginners;
I simply keep the pedal pressed down the entire time so I can just worry about my hands. 🙃
Thank you for this wonderful tutorial, I will begin employing proper pedaling techniques immediately.
Yes, I am well familiar with the 4th pedaling technique! hahaha Many of my students are quite attached to it - but studies have showed that it gradually (and naturally) disappears after a couple of months of correct practice :).
@@pianocareer I promise I’ll work on your Pedal Technique 1 daily and, after a few months, I will experience what the studies have shown as you said (haha!!). Thank You for your inspiration and motivation, you are an amazing Pianist and Teacher.
Russian beauty and musical beauty. No better blend possible.
Wonderful tips again! The best piano teacher on youtube! Thanks so much!
Another interesting use of gradual release is a "dirty" cadence, where you hold the sustain pedal and play the second chord, then slowly release the pedal so the sound of the first chord dies away leaving only the new chord.
Also, I seem to remember the notation in one of Dave Brubeck's piano books suggesting to play a staccato chord and quickly press the pedal afterwards for a strange echoing harmonic effect. It's amazing what you can do with that pedal!
Your voice is so relaxing! :) Very knowledgable, thank you!
Thank you very much, Ma'am. Your tutorial on pedalling was very helpful. Thank you so much for enlightening me.
My pleasure! 😊
thanks for all your videos. i've watched many. for me, you are a very good teacher
Thank you, Charlie! ;)
Hi! The pedals of an acoustic piano are not very stiff - but they still allow us to rest our feet on them without pressing them accidentally. The pedals on most digital pianos are the same. I suggest placing the pedals where they were before - and improving your comfort by adjusting the distance between the bench and the instrument. Good luck! ;)
This was really helpful. Especially the explanation, in what situation to lift or not to lift the pedal. Thank you for your clarity!
You're very welcome! :)
Thanks for the great instruction. I'm teaching myself Piano and progressing through the ABRSM exams and videos like this are priceless! Your lesson really helped me perform the Grade 4 piece 'Chez Le Forgeron' which has a certain amount of Pedal work.
You really helped me, thanks! Most How To videos I watched were just about what the pedals did, not how to use them. Thanks again! :)
I know it has nothing to do with being discussed, but you are beautiful! I am subscribed! You give great advice on the piece! Great use of the pedal enhances the articulation of the piece being played.
Thank you! ;)
i would like to sincerely thank you for explaining all this in such detail, and only taking about 10 mins. this has been extremely helpful to me to get to know the different pedaling techniques since i dont have a teacher to explain it for me anymore. no doubt this knowledge will aid me in the future. =)
Awesome class as always Ilinca. Thanks!
You're very welcome! Make sure you also check my newest tutorials! ;)
What a teacher! I wish I had you here.
Hi Ilinca, thanks a lot for your explanations! I’m a beginner and exploring the correct usage in Canon in D (Lee Galloway) and your advice on trusting my own instincts and hearing struck me the most! Thank you! :)
My pleasure! I'm really happy that this tutorial was helpful for you! ;)
This is a very clear explanation thanks!
Glad it was helpful! :)
Awesome!!! The presentation of these techniques are very accurate and brilliant in your video ! Congrats!! You are the best one !
Thank you so much, Josimar! ;)
Thank you very much for this very interesting and useful video! I'll put a few things in practice from now on.
Thank you for all you're doing in the realm of piano pedagogy. Have you heard anything regarding a pedaling technique that has 7 degrees or levels of adjustment?
Very helpful. A couple suggestions, if you will: Your demonstration of Delayed Sustain technique would have benefitted greatly from camera closeups of your feet as you were striking sequential chords. We can scarcely see your knee move in these shots.
I am also in need of a detailed explanation of the mechanical, sonic and musical difference between Sustain and _Sostenuto_ (middle) pedal functions. 🌹
Hi! This tutorial is quite old (one of the first videos I ever recorded): at that time, I only had one video camera, and I was doing the best I could given the situation :). All my new tutorials are filmed with 2-3 cameras simultaneously - one of them showing the pedal (whenever necessary). Here is a newer tutorial dedicated to pedaling: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html
Regarding your second question - all you have to do is follow the 2nd link from the Description Box (www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-art/) - it's a detailed article where I also talk about the Sostenuto pedal :).
Thank you! Your explanation is very detailed and easy to understand.
Сласибо большое!
Glad it was helpful!
Ilinca, I was thrilled to play the piano beautifully. I'm very excited and happy to enjoy it! I love it! :)
Very interesting video for pedaling.Bravo!
Thank you!!! :)
Brava * : )
Thanks! ;)
Another great video!
I always love your thorough explanations. Also, your wordings are very beautiful, especially your metaphors and similes. They are on point too.
Cheers from Tokyo!
Thank you so much! :)))
i'm touring in Japan right now, as soon as i get back i will check your website for lessons! :)
Good luck with your tour - and we're looking forward to welcoming you to our community! ;)
Excellent analysis. Thanks!
Glad you liked it! :)
Excellent explanation! Thanks a bunch!
You're very welcome! ;)
I am a self learnt adult amateur piano player.. this is really helpful.. thank you.
This video helped me out so much.. you explained everything so well! Thank you
Tariq Jamille Mahmood You're very welcome! ;)
Thank you so much for taking the time to reply. Will you move to the states and be my personal instructor? I am a beginner at the piano and know very very little. My goal is to learn around a dozen rock/pop songs on the piano to make me more versatile as a musician. I play guitar and sing but I cannot read music. What would you say the most important thing for me learn to play piano would be? Would it be to memorize chords? And more importantly... What is your name?
Anthony
Hi Anthony! LOL - No, I will not move to the US - but you can learn how to play piano by following my step-by-step Video Practice Guide for Beginners (that you can find in the Members Area of my Online Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com). This Practice Guide will help you to learn how to play piano from scratch, in an enjoyable progressive manner - harmoniously developing all your technical/expressive/sight-reading skills :). You'll gradually discover all the professional secrets of the Russian piano school - they will allow you to 'conquer' any piece with ease! ;)
However, this course is not focused on rock/pop songs (or on the very limited task of memorizing chords) - but on the classical repertoire. If you have any questions about this course, or about the functionality of my Coaching Program, don't hesitate to ask (by filling in a Contact Form which you can find at the bottom of the homepage at PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my assistant Natalia will be happy to help :).
The delayed pedal technique is by far the one I've seen the most being used. In fact, before watching this video, the only one I knew that was using preliminary was me when I first got my pedal for my electric piano.
Yes, the delayed technique is indeed the most used one - especially if we talk about romantic or modern rock/pop/jazz music (because it allows us to create a good connection between different harmonies, at the same time maintaining a clear and uncluttered sonority).
Thanks! Really giving some more depth on what you can do with just the pedal already, good video :)
+Randy te Morsche Thank you! :)
I know how to use the pedals too. Great demonstration once again!
You are a breath of fresh air! But a tutorial on pino pedals without showing the pedals and foot action? Why.
Thank you! This is one of my first videos, recorded almost 3 years ago - and at the time I only had one camera :). But you can also watch the first part of this video - where I DO show the pedals, their mechanism and the correct foot action (How to Use the Piano Pedals - Mechanism and Functions 1/2). All my current videos are recorded with 3 cameras simultanesouly - 2 different angles for the keyboard AND the pedal. You can see a double camera format in this free tutorial - Christmas Piano Lesson for Intermediates. The Christmas Song. Good Swing Wenceslas. - where at about 42:40 the overhead cam is being replaced with the pedal cam. My most recent videos on PianoCareerAcademy.com have a triple format :).
Is it normal that the keys feel like the lag under your fingers if the tequiniqe when pedalin isnt perfect? It seams, If I press the keys, in the middle of pedaling, the key isnt possible to press down smoothly, but it sort of skips once on the way down! Anyone?
Hi! I'm not sure I understand your question completely - but the sustain pedal should not affect the mechanics of the keyboard. The pedal simply raises the dampers so that the strings will vibrate longer. So if pressing the pedal does weird things with the keys LOL, my recommendation is to call your tuner so that he will check if the entire piano mechanism is working properly :).
PianoCareer Thank you! Yes, If I hit the key in that sweet spot where the dampers are off the strings, the key will stick for a very brief moment, lag behind! I think the tention is to tight, cause playing staccato will result in double strikes all the time as well! I did contact a tuner, and he will arrive here on Monday! Thank you for your reply!:)
Thanks For Your Video It Really Help me.!
One Question
How long does an average person needs to learn to be able to play like Advance levels?
Thanks in Advance
Hi! You’re very welcome! :-) For reaching the advanced level (but please don’t forget that levels are relative and there is no such thing as perfect piano mastery), it usually takes at least 10 years of regular, correct, persistent practice combined with the guidance of a good teacher :). Also, a true piano journey never stops: no matter how well we can play at a certain moment, there is always room for improvement (as all great pianists always say). Piano playing is a never ending journey, full of exciting discoveries, fulfillment, spiritual growth and lots of joy. Good luck! :-)
Thanks You So Much For Answering My Question.
*****
:)))
I hope to improve with your words, thank you!
Thanks for this helpful tutorial!
Very informative. Thanks for sharing!
You're very welcome! :)
Great tips as always! Keep it up. Thanks a ton.
+Tyler Nguyen Thank you, Tyler! ;)
I'll follow your advices. By the way, i loved the part about right and wrong but aproppiate. Thanks for the help.
You're very welcome! Happy Holidays!!! :)
Oh miss! In 6:34 you'd give me a nice example for a piece that i'm playing actually! Thank you Illinca!
You're very welcome! ;)
Very well explained. Great tutorial, thank you :)
You're very welcome! :)))
I love watching your hands while you play piano...
Thanks for the nice lesson.
+Midi Man You're very welcome! ;)
Great tips. Thanks!
Paul Barnes You're welcome, Paul! :)
Hi. This sounds like a stupid question. Apologies.:) I am a beginner, just planning to buy a digital piano for now. But the digital piano (Yamaha P-45) comes with just one sustain pedal. I intend to just play classical and romantic period music. My question to you is, is just sustain pedal enough for my genre of music that I intend to play? And instead of soft pedal, can't I just softly press the keys? Sorry for stupid question. I have never played a piano/keyboard but intend to buy one. Please guide me. Thanks :) Subscribed :)
Bala Subramanian Hi Bala! The sustain pedal is the most important one - and it is more than enough for a beginner, for at least several years :). By the way, you can find out more about digital pianos (their pros and cons) by reading my answer to question No. 24 from our super-detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/). Also, since you're a beginner, you could take a look at question No. 17, where I describe my step-by-step Video Course for Beginners. Good luck! ;)
PianoCareer Thank you so much for taking your time to reply. Your linked helped me a lot :) Thanks a ton for all the wonderful stuffs u r doing :) God bless :)
I'm really happy to hear that! You're welcome!!! ;-)
thank you so much for the tutorial! can i know how deep down i need to press the pedal? should i press all the way down (say 100%)? or i just press a bit more than half way?
And same question for releasing the pedal, should the pedal be releases all the way up where the pedal touches the wood? or say 90% up only?
You are very welcome! The answers to your questions can be found in these free tutorials:
www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-art/
www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/bio-mechanics-healthy-piano-pedaling-technique/
www.pianocareer.com/piano-pedal/piano-pedals-style/
Really like the Tchaikovsky piece - great sound!
Thank you, Erik! ;)
what pedaling technique would you recommend for chopins waltz in a minor? I'm a novice pianist whom is trying to form a good piano technique, and your videos have been very helpful. Thank you!
One more thing. Ive used the delayed pedal, but I'm not so sure that is the appropriate technique.
lol I watched a little bit further, and I think ive found the answer. Direct pedal?
Hi Mikey! I'm happy to hear that my tutorials are helpful for you! :) I actually have a detailed video tutorial dedicated to Chopin's Waltz in A Minor, op. posth. - it is available in the Members Area of PianoCareerAcademy.com :). To answer your last question - no, the direct (also called 'simultaneous') pedal is not what I recommend for this piece. A smartly applied delayed pedal (combined with some occasional 'direct' pedals) will create much better results. More details in my tutorial! By the way, this Waltz is an intermediate piece - so if you're still a beginner, I recommend investing some time in learning the fundamentals correctly (including the basics of pedaling). If you want to learn more about my Piano Coaching Program, don't hesitate to take a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially at my answers to questions No. 1-6 (find out how PianoCareerAcademy works, what is included in the membership etc.) and No. 17 (a description of our Video Course for Beginners). Good luck! ;)
Hi. Do you have any video about exercises to improve the delayed pedal technique? Or maybe at least tell me a good way to practice?
Yes, you will find detailed tutorials on this topic (filmed with 3 cameras simultaneously [with a separate camera for the pedal, like you can see in this video - ruclips.net/video/JVSwudYbitY/видео.html, at 05:05]) in the Members Area of my Piano Coaching Program at PianoCareerAcademy.com. You can find out more about PianoCareerAcademy and its functionality by taking a look at our detailed FAQs (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/) - especially at my answers to questions No. 1-6 (find out how
PianoCareerAcademy works, what is included in the membership etc.) and No. 17 (a description of the Video Course for Beginners).
PianoCareer Iti multumesc mult. Tocmai ce am aflat ca vorbesti romana uitandu-ma prin videourile tale. Mult succes in cariera.
Multumesc mult! ;)
@Rienei Hi! The pedal sounds 'dirty' only in one case: when you're 'mixing together' on the same pedal two or three different dissonant chords! So the pedal cannot be 'dirty' if the 4 chords are all the same. It it does, it means that you didn't change the pedal in the beginning of the bar and you're still left with the 'echoes' of the chords from the previous bar! For making sure that your pedal is 'clean', you have to change it on EACH NEW HARMONY. For more info, visit my site! ;)
i am playing Lento by Fibich from moods impression and souveniers no 139, op 41. can i skip finger pedalling while using the sustain pedal. Does finger pedal matter when we are using the sustain pedal.
I am not familiar with this piece - but I just answered your question about finger pedaling under another one of my pedaling tutorials :).
@junksabs Thank you - I'm really glad I could help! ;)
awesome, good lesson
Thank you, Vladislav! ;)
Excellent video. About the gradual pedal release, I disagree. My teacher says that the last note should only last as long as it is, and the sound should be clean and I agree. A performance, ended when you choose to.
Thank you! Regarding the 'gradual pedal release' vs the 'clean ending': there cannot be any mechanical formulas in our art :). Every piece is unique - and has its own artistic concept, dramaturgy and circle of images/characters. Obviously, we cannot end every single piece with a gradual pedal release - just like it would be inappropriate to end all of them with a 'clean pedal cut'. For example - if the piece ends peacefully and softly, with a long chord (which also has a fermata sign) - then a gradual release would be very appropriate from an artistic/expressive point of view. If, on the other hand, it ends with a 'sparkly' fast passage, or with a short forte chord, or with a series of playful staccato notes etc.... then, of course, we will use less pedal (sometimes none at all) - adapting everything we do to our exact expressive tasks :).
PianoCareer Thank you for the reply. It is open to interpretation, of course, but I would still disagree. I think that all pieces are better ended by a clean cut, but that is just my opinion. Thank you.
Also thanks from me. Great lesson. Now you explained it so nice and easy. Seems I did it right automatically, afterall.
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed this tutorial! :)
Wonderful as usual, than you..
Сижу, уши устали английский воспринимать, просто слушаю голос и звуки, релаксирую. И тут вдруг "Запаздывающая педаль" :). Проснулся. А если серьезно - полезный урок, мадам, спасибо :) Приятно вас и слушать и наблюдать.
Spasibo bol'shoe! Ia rada chto vam ponravilsea etot urok! :)) By the way, the more you read (and listen) in English, the better you will become at it :). I keep learning on a regular basis as well. Practice makes perfect! ;)
Thank you for the video. You can also say “ muddy “ instead of dirty.
Thank you, Yuliana! Indeed, 'muddy' is a good term! :)
can you give us an example by play a song with the pedal shot?
Its amazing thanks
Thank you! :)
Do I put my heel on the floor? What if my ankle is hurting? Am I doing something incorrectly? Not stretching maybe? :D :)
It would be very useful if the camera showed foot work too.
Hi Dorota! This is one of my first video tutorials (recorded back in 2011). At that time, I only had one video camera :). Since 2013, most of my tutorials are recorded with 2-3 cameras simultaneously. Here is a good example (it shows the pedal, the keyboard, and also the usual 'side view'): ruclips.net/video/JVSwudYbitY/видео.html. If you go to 47:34, you will see a good example of this recording setup :).
PianoCareer thank you. The video is very informative anyway.
Замечательный, качественный учебный материал, сайт тоже сделан старательно и со вкусом. Небольшая ремарка насчёт русского акцента (товарищ внизу тоже заметил), от него легко избавиться если захотеть и понять главный принцип - англичане, особенно американцы, издают звуки большей частью через нос. Направляете все гласные туда, на этот канал цепляете согласные, и от нативного спикера будет не отличить, голос станет более певучим и появятся красивые обертоны. Процветания!! )))
Great video, thank you! :D
@Wang2000 Check out my last video - "Using the Piano Pedals Depending on the Style of the Composer" - there you can see the pedal AND how I play :)
I really Love your beautiful boots, can you please tell me where did you get it?
I bought those boots in my country (local shop), many years ago LOL. Please notice that this video was posted in 2011 (it's one of my earliest tutorials).
Thank you
You're very welcome! ;)
Hi! LOL, yes, I think there is a little resemblance between me and Karolina :). See you soon on the Private Members Forum! ;)
Thanks! :)
Спасибо большое! Очень интересный совет насчет акцента - обязательно попробую! :)))
Hi! For registering for my Piano Coaching Program, you have to go to the home page (the link is in the description box), wait for the video to load and then select a membership option below the video. After choosing a membership, you'll be directed towards a Forum Account Creation page. Then I will activate your account - and you'll be able to enjoy all the exclusive resources of our forum, ask questions and receive detailed professional answers! ;)
i followed like what u said : change padle on different cords. But my piece is just like 4:55 where i have 4 same cords in a bar. But mine sounds "dirty" messy and noisy. I cant seem to get it right! oh please save me haha (it is a slow song) thanks in advance
You're very welcome! ;)
Wow nice
Thank you! :)
Hello, I love your videos. I’m not a classical pianist, although I love classical. In my band we play 1970s rock, blues, and some jazz.
I have a practice method that’s unconventional. I’ve never heard/read of it. I wonder what you will think of it.
When I play in performances I always use a damper pedal. But when I’m practicing alone I NEVER use it. Of course it sounds choppy, and it is frustrating to me. This causes me to compensate with my fingers. I have to be more nimble, sustain certain notes with fingers, make better use of rhythm, etc. to compensate for the lack of a pedal.
When I’ve learned to make a song sound good without any pedal use, it improves my technique. And then, when I play with a pedal, it sounds much better that it did in the past, when I practiced with a pedal.
I do play one beginner classical piece: Gurlitt’s Miniature in F Major. I’ve gotten to where I can play it smoothly with no pedal, except for one bass note which is a big reach.
Does this make sense to you? I’ve never heard of it from any piano teacher.
Thanks,
Jonathan Rice
+twelvmnkys Hi Jonathan! Thank you for your comment and for sharing your experience! :) The practice method you described (practicing without pedal) is actually a CLASSICAL approach that we use all the time in the Russian piano school (for reasons very similar to the ones you mentioned!). Of course, we also practice WITH PEDAL a lot - but most of the time, when we learn a new piece, we set a stable 'no-pedal' foundation first - for having an objective assessment of what really goes on in that piece, for developing our hearing, for expressive clarity, technical control etc. :). It's wonderful that you discovered this method on your own, without the help of a teacher!
+PianoCareer: Thank you so much, Ilinca! I had no idea that this was a real method of practice in Russia. For many years I've preferred the sound of Russian pianists over British and others. Because, to my ear, Russians have a full balance of passion and precision. For example, I have a Beethoven CD by a British pianist and he plays the 3rd movement of piano concerto #3 very well. But I also have Evgeny Kissen's version and it is stunningly good. It's so precise and powerful that I sometimes wonder if Kissen is a man or a machine.
I'm from USA but live in India. For almost a year I had the privilege of studying under India's topmost piano teacher. But then he died of a stroke. This was over 10 years ago. Since then I've been on my own. Your videos are finally giving me some badly-needed instruction again. I'm very grateful to you.
Finally, I have one more question: Is the "Hanon Virtuoso Pianist" book used in Russia? Do you have any opinion for or against it?
Thank you again for everything,
Jonathan Rice
+twelvmnkys Hi Jonathan! Ragarding Hanon - you will find a detailed free article on this topic in our FAQs at PianoCareerAcademy.com (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/), question No. 30. I receive this question ALL the time :), so I decided to answer it in a very detailed manner in our FAQs. I also recommend reading my newest article from the FAQs (which I published yesterday, question No. 34) - it is focused on the controversial topic of 'piano technique' - and I describe the holistic approach we use in the Russian piano school. You will actually find several other useful articles in the FAQs (all of them are free) - I hope you enjoy them! ;)
Warmest wishes,
Ilinca
+PianoCareer Thank you so much!!!
@TodayTheSkyIsBlue You're welcome! ;)
AWESOME VIDEO & well you are BEAUTIFUL !!!
Thank you very much, Rafael! ;)
Thank you!!! :)))
You're welcome! ;)
What if your playing a song that uses 3 octaves of the piano?
You're very welcome! ;-)
What is the name of the song you played in the middle of the video?
I announce the piece (composer, title etc.) at 04:32 :))). Another piece is announced at 06:35 :)
PianoCareer The one from 6:35. Please
that piece is announced at 06:35
have fun!
It would be more helpful if you have a camera showing the petal.
Hi! This tutorial is quite old (one of the first videos I ever recorded): at that time, I only had one video camera, and I was doing the best I could given the situation :). All my new tutorials are filmed with 2-3 cameras simultaneously - one of them showing the pedal (whenever necessary). Here is a newer tutorial dedicated to pedaling: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html
You're welcome! ;-)
You're welcome! :)))
this will help me a shitload (:
You have a lovely accent
Are you from Serbia?
LOL No, why would I be from Serbia? You can find out more about me (where I am from, my degrees and work experience etc.) by reading my detailed answers to questions No. 27 and 28 from our FAQs at PianoCareerAcademy.com (www.pianocareeracademy.com/faqs/).
I believe she's from Moldova.
Yes, my location (and also degrees and work experience) are all listed in answers No. 27 and 28 from the FAQs (as I mentioned in my reply above).
You are beautiful :) oh and a great teacher too :)
I usually like your videos very much, but I found this one to be frustrating. It would have been much, much more instructive if you had let us see your right foot as you used the pedal. You did so from 0:15 to 0:59, but then for all of the other complicated examples you gave, we couldn't see what your foot was doing! For you, the sound may have made what you were doing with the pedal obvious, but not to me watching and listening to the video. In another of your pedal videos ("Using The Piano Pedals Depending on the Style of the Composer"), you do show us your foot, which is very helpful. Please keep making videos!
Well, Kent, your comment would have been very helpful - but I found it to be uninformed (pardon my quoting you - couldn't help myself! haha). Before writing a critical comment, the first thing you should do is check the DATE of the video. This tutorial was one of my very first - recorded in October 2011 (before my video focused on the style of the composer). And, if you take a look at a couple of my recent videos, you will see that the ones where the pedal is relevant is filmed with THREE cameras (one of them showing a close-up of the foot). Here is a good example: ruclips.net/video/NCEoARNqh6s/видео.html. Also, since then I have recorded almost 1000 tutorials (most of them available on PianoCareerAcademy.com) - and my entire recording setup is very different from 2011 (when I only had one camera, limited studio time and zero recording experience). By the way, being a musician is not just about playing well. First and foremost, it's about compassion, kindness, nobility and fairness. Good luck!
@@pianocareer I apologize. I'm just starting to learn how to use the pedals and let my frustration carry over to you, but I shouldn't have. I should have noticed the date and figured you've made improvements over the years. You still look so young, it didn't occur to me that it was from 9 years ago! I do enjoy your videos very much, and learn a lot from them. I gave the video in question a thumb up, as I do all of your videos I've watched. Again, my apologies. Keep up the good work.
@@mtview48 Thank you very much - and no worries! :)
@@pianocareer Whew! That's a relief! Keep making videos.
Thanks. You’re beautiful ❤️