Hi,

Im doing my grade 7 piano soon, and was just wondering if its ok to use the pedal in some parts when it does not state it. For example, my third piece (C:3 The Tide Came In) I think I should use the pedal for more expression otherwise it sounds to staccato becase your basically playing the same note an octave apart in the right hand. On the recording Ive heard it does sound smooth. Anyone know if this is ok??

My second piece (B:1 Landscape) indicates where to use pedal, but there are sections where I think maybe it should be used as well, e.g. end of bars 7 to end of bar 9 where the musical phrase starts at end of bar 7 to end of bar 9 (hope that makes sense)

Anyway my question is mainly about the 3rd piece...the Tide Came In...is anyone doing this? Don't get me started on the aural and sight reading :-(

I advise my students to use pedal as they wish, the pedalling in a piece is usually just the editor's opinion and everyone has different ideas on how to play something as it should be individual. If you think it needs it then I would say do it although I don't know the piece. Make sure you're playing as legato as possible also.

There are mentions of pedal in the teaching notes for this piece so one would assume that it is ok to use it. Couple of mentions are bar 1 for the added 6th chords and the forte passage on the second page.

ohh thank you so much, that has put my mind at rest a bit! thank you all for replying, I guess I will go with my gut instinct, I think I will get myself the teaching notes next time.

My exam is on Monday noodle, so its probably a bit late but thankyou!!

Best of luck!