Pedal awareness without blur

Why this matters

The sustain pedal can make piano sound rich — or muddy. Knowing when to lift it (on chord changes) is what separates 'music' from 'mush'.

What you should be able to do

Pedal 6 slow chord changes with clean releases and no overlapping harmony blur.

Estimated focus time: 1.5h

How to practice this on your piano today

1. 1. Play a 4-chord progression: C-Am-F-G, each held 2 beats.
2. 2. Pedal: depress AS the new chord lands. Release JUST BEFORE the next chord.
3. 3. The pattern: 'down on the 1, up just before the next 1'.
4. 4. Listen carefully — if you hear two chords ringing together, you released too late.
5. 5. Aim for 6 chord changes with clean, separated pedaling.