If you’ve ever had your piano music fall off the piano, get out of order, or mysteriously disappear (seriously, where do those lost pages go?), you are going to love this simple but genius solution: a music binder designed just for piano students.
Read moreThe Best Piano Pedals of 2025: Upgrade Your Keyboard Setup with These Top Picks
The Best Piano Pedals of 2025: Upgrade Your Keyboard Setup with These Top Picks
Beyond Mechanics: The Role of Pedals in Music
The damper pedal, the most commonly used, is essential for creating legato phrasing and rich harmonies. It allows chords and melodies to resonate, blurring the lines between them for a lush, immersive sound. Meanwhile, the una corda pedal shifts the hammer slightly to strike fewer strings, producing a softer, more intimate tone. These tools give pianists the power to transform a single passage into something ethereal or to underscore the dynamic emotions of a piece.
When it comes to playing the piano, having the right tools can make all the difference in your sound, style, and confidence. One of the most critical tools for any pianist is the pedal—or more specifically, the right pedal for your piano and your goals. Electronic pianos have opened up a world of options for players, and with them, a variety of pedal choices to enhance your performance. Here, I’ll walk you through six excellent piano pedals that can help you achieve the sound and skill you’re aiming for—starting with a fantastic budget-friendly option.
disclaimer: this article contains my affiliate links, and I earn commission on qualifying purchases
Pedal #1: The Best Budget Sustain Pedal
Soraco
If you’re looking for a dependable, affordable sustain pedal, this one is a gem. It’s the Sustain Pedal Universal for Keyboard with Polarity Switch, compatible with Yamaha, Casio, Roland, Korg, Behringer, Moog, and other electronic keyboards. With a stellar 4.9 ⭐️ rating, it’s a favorite for good reason.
Let me tell you why I love this pedal. First, it’s simple yet effective. Even though it’s budget-friendly, it doesn’t skimp on quality. The response is smooth, giving you that satisfying sustain effect that enhances your music’s resonance and flow. Whether you’re playing a gentle ballad or a dramatic classical piece, this pedal holds up beautifully.
Pedal #2: My Everyday Pedal
Now, let me tell you about the pedal that I personally own and use every day: the M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal. This pedal has been my go-to for years, and for good reason. It’s incredibly dependable and feels natural, almost like the pedal on a grand piano. If you’re looking for a professional-grade option that delivers a true piano-style action, this is it.
One of the standout features of the M-Audio SP-2 is its construction. It’s solidly built with a weighted mechanism that gives it a responsive and authentic feel. When I press down on this pedal, it’s smooth and consistent, making it a joy to use whether I’m practicing, recording, or performing.
What I love most about this pedal is how it mimics the experience of playing an acoustic piano. The resistance and action feel just right, which makes it easier to translate techniques between an electronic keyboard and a traditional piano. This is especially important if you’re a pianist who switches between the two frequently.
Pedal #3: The Solution to Slippery Pedals
This next pedal made the list for its unique and incredibly practical feature: a non-slip mat. I sometimes have students tell me that their pedal slips away while they’re playing, which can be frustrating and distracting. If you’ve ever experienced that, the Liquid Stands Keyboard Digital Piano Foot Pedal Mat is the perfect solution.
This pedal comes with a 3-inch by 12-inch non-slip mat that keeps it firmly in place, even on smooth surfaces or carpet. The mat is a game-changer, especially for younger students or players who tend to move their feet a lot during practice. It eliminates the hassle of having to reposition your pedal mid-song, allowing you to focus entirely on your playing.
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Pedal #4: The 3-Pedal Unit for an Authentic Piano Experience
Acoustic pianos traditionally have three pedals, and if you want a more authentic piano experience, you might want to consider a three-pedal unit. The Casio SP-34 Portable 3-Pedal Unit is a fantastic choice, especially if you own a Casio CDP-S or Privia PX-S digital piano. With a 4.5 ⭐️ rating and backing from a reputable brand, this pedal unit is a solid investment.
What I love about this option is how it replicates the full range of pedal functions found on an acoustic piano: sustain, sostenuto, and soft. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who plays classical repertoire or simply wants the full expressive range of a traditional piano.
Pedal #5: The Perfect Pedal for Young Players
If you’re working with younger kids who can’t quite reach the pedals yet, the Piano Pedal Extender for Kids is a lifesaver. This solid wood adjustable foot pedal extender is specifically designed to give kids the ability to use all three pedals on an acoustic piano or digital piano, even if their feet don’t touch the floor.
What I love about this pedal extender is how it allows young players to develop proper pedal technique early on. Instead of waiting until they grow tall enough to reach the pedals, they can start learning how to use them right away. This can make a big difference in their overall musical development, as they get to explore dynamics, sustain, and other pedal effects from the start.
Pedal #6: The Page Turner Pedal I Wish I Had as a Kid
This is perhaps the pedal I am most excited about. As a young piano player, I often wished there were a way to turn the page of my sheet music without using one of my hands. Back then, I imagined some sci-fi, futuristic device to solve the problem—and now, it actually exists! The LEKATO Wireless Page Turner Pedal is a game-changer for pianists and musicians who use digital sheet music.
This Bluetooth page-turner pedal is rechargeable and works seamlessly with phones, tablets, and apps. It’s incredibly easy to use: a simple tap of the pedal turns the page forward or backward, allowing you to focus on your playing without interruption. It’s perfect for practice, performances, or even teaching sessions.
What I love most about this pedal is its versatility. It’s not just for piano players—any musician who uses digital sheet music or chord charts can benefit from it. The pedal is lightweight, portable, and has a long battery life, making it ideal for gigging musicians or anyone who moves between practice spaces.
Brighten Your Music This Holiday Season: The Perfect Gift for Piano Players
This year, one standout gift idea is the LED Desk Lamp with Double Heads
Read moreTransform Your Piano Practice with the Smart Galaxy Projector
This projector has the magical ability to turn a simple piano performance into a mesmerizing show.
Read moreIs this the Ultimate Lighting for pianists?
What if the perfect lamp could transform your practice sessions, making every note crystal clear?
Read moreIs This the Ultimate Starter Keyboard for Beginners? Gemini Sound PianoProdigy
Gemini Sound PianoProdigy, a 24-key light-up wireless MIDI keyboard designed specifically with young learners in mind. I recently had the opportunity to test this innovative keyboard, focusing on how effectively it guides beginners through the initial stages of learning to play the piano. Here’s what I found.
Read moreUnboxing My New Digital Piano Donner DDP-60
If you’re considering purchasing a digital piano or just love seeing new tech being set up, this post is for you: from unboxing to my initial thoughts on its performance.
Read moreMaking music with the Donner DDP-60: A tutorial for Rhythms and Auto Chords
Whether you're just starting your musical journey or looking to expand your repertoire, mastering these functions will enhance your creativity and enjoyment: selecting different instrument voices, choosing rhythms, and playing along with auto chords.
Read moreA Symphony in Ink: The Art and Craft of Handwriting Music
As a pianist, composer, or music enthusiast, handwriting music can offer a plethora of benefits beyond the mere act of jotting down notes.
Read moreUnlock Your Musical Potential with this Step-by-Step Video Series
I'm thrilled to introduce you to my Beginner's Piano Course—a step-by-step video series designed to help you learn piano from the comfort of your own home. With my guidance, you'll discover the joy of making music, one keystroke at a time.
Read more10 Piano Resolutions for 2024: Elevate Your Musical Journey
adopting these ten piano resolutions for 2024 will not only enhance your skills but also bring a fresh perspective to your musical endeavors
Read moreCapturing the Essence of the Season: Winter and Holiday Piano Music
The enchanting world of winter-themed piano music, tips on staying warm at the piano, and gift ideas!
Read moreIs it Hard to Learn to play Piano? Guidance for Beginners
For beginners, the piano is one of the friendliest instruments to start with, yet it's also among the most demanding to master.
Read moreEmbracing Mistakes: The Path to Piano Mastery
mistakes at the piano can either be the best way to learn or leave you feeling frustrated and stalled
Read morePiano Players need THESE in Autumn
Here are some things a piano player might need or consider during the autumn season:
Read moreThe ULTIMATE Gift Guide for Piano Players
I've curated a list of 16 cool and creative gifts that are sure to strike a chord with any pianist.
Read moreThe 10 Best 61-Key Keyboards for Aspiring Pianists
The TEN best 61-key keyboards that are sure to inspire your musical journey.
Read moreBeginner's Guide to Classical Music
“Easiest 40: Classical Piano for Beginners”
Unleash your inner pianist and embark on a delightful musical journey with my brand-new publication, 'Easiest 40.' This extraordinary book of sheet music brings you the easiest classical compositions meticulously curated to introduce beginners and enthusiasts alike to the wonders of playing the piano. From timeless masterpieces to enchanting melodies, this collection is designed to inspire, educate, and captivate pianists of all skill levels.
Explore the Beauty of Classical Music: 'Easiest 40' is an invitation to discover the captivating world of classical music. Each piece has been thoughtfully selected to provide a well-rounded introduction to the genre, offering a rich variety of styles, moods, and periods. From the elegance of Mozart to the passion of Beethoven, from the simplicity of Satie to the dramatic flair of Chopin, this book encompasses a wide range of musical treasures.
Perfect for Beginners: Whether you're an aspiring pianist taking your first steps or a seasoned musician seeking a fresh repertoire, 'Easiest 40' offers an exceptional learning experience. The sheet music in this collection has been carefully arranged to accommodate beginners, ensuring that you can quickly grasp the fundamentals while enjoying the beauty of the compositions.
Ignite Passion and Inspiration: Playing classical music on the piano is a deeply rewarding experience that can ignite a lifelong passion for music. 'Easiest 40' encourages creativity and self-expression, enabling pianists to connect with the soul-stirring emotions embedded within each composition. As you navigate the enchanting melodies and harmonies, you'll find yourself inspired, uplifted, and transported to a world where music knows no boundaries.
buy this book on amazon
5 Winter Piano Pieces for a Snowy Day
5 pieces of classical music inspired by Winter
Musical interpretations of the falling snow and frozen landscape are ever-present in classical repetoire.
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It’s time to get cozy with these wintry classics which have been edited for intermediate level piano.
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5. Émile Waldteufel - “Skater’s Waltz”
Les Patineurs Op. 183 (1882)
This piece was inspired by a rink of skaters
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The introduction to the waltz can be likened to the poise of a skater, and the rapid runs invoke
scenes of a wintry atmosphere.
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4. Claude Debussy - Footprints on the Snow
Preludes book 1, prelude no. 6 (1910)
Debussy: “This rhythm should have the sonorous value of a sad and frozen landscape.”
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4. Sergei Rachmaninoff - I. The Silver Sleigh Bells
The Bells Op. 35 (1913)
inspired by the poetry of Edgar Allen Poe.
a high-spirited sleigh ride through a cold winter’s night—
Listen to the snow flurries, glittering stars and the thrill of speeding over a wintery landscape.
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3. Pyotr Tchaikovsky - Scene 9, The Waltz of the Snowflakes
The Nutcracker Op. 71 (1892)
This piece starts with little individual flute snowflakes. Other instruments like harps and a triangle join in for
extra snow magic.
Winds increase and they propel us towards a full-on blizzard.
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1. Claude Debussy - The Snow Is Dancing
Children’s Corner L. 113 (1908)
This delightful piano miniature captures the swirling effect of
snowflakes in the wind.
8 Autumn Inspired Melodies in Classical Music
8 pieces of classical music inspired by Autumn
The changing of the seasons, and the weather it brings with it, has inspired many wonderful pieces of classical music.
Autumn, with its golden leaves and misty mornings, is here.
8. Amy Beach - In Autumn
Four Sketches Op. 15 (1892)
No. 1 In Autumn
Each piece starts with a quote from a French poet.
POEM: “L’automne” by Alphonse de Lamartine “With yellowing leaves scattered on lawns”
KEY: F-sharp minor. It is a dance-like work in a minor mode suggesting nostalgia and melancholy for the fall season.
Level 2 Early Intermediate
Check out Amy Beach’s other pieces from Four Sketches:
PHANTOMS ★ DREAMING ★ FIREFLIES
each pieces has:
sheet music (“sheet music” page)
recording (“listening” page)
video tutorial (on YouTube)
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7. Alexander Glazunov - Petit Adagio
The Seasons, Op. 67 (1899)
Tableau 4: A Landscape in Autumn
“Leaves from autumn trees rain upon their merriment”
The primary melody is presented, developed, then carried forth by various voices before each ascends, then dissolves, signifying the falling of the autumn leaves.
Level 2 Early Intermediate
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6. Modest Mussorgsky - Baba Yaga
Pictures at an Exhibition (1874)
No. 9 “The Hut on Fowl’s Legs” is a
nightmarish portrayal of the
cackling witch Baba-Yaga
on the prowl for her prey.
VIDEO TUTORIAL
free SHEET MUSIC
Level 2 Early Intermediate
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5. Wilson G. Smith - Wayside Flowers
Autumn Sketches (1912)
No. 3 Wayside Flowers
Wilson G. Smith’s book, Autumn Sketches, includes poetry and illustrations
A book of Autumnal impressions for the piano
SHEET MUSIC video tutorial coming soon!
Level 2 Early Intermediate
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4. Edward Macdowell
Woodland Sketches (1895)
No. 8 A Deserted Farm
SHEET MUSIC
video tutorial coming soon!
Level 2 Early Intermediate
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3. Antonio Vivaldi
The Four Seasons (1718)
No. 3 Autumn, III. Allegro
SHEET MUSIC
video tutorial coming soon!
Level 1 Easy
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2. Pyotr Tchakovsky - October
The Seasons, Op. 37 (1875)
No. 10 October: Autumn Song
“Autumn, our poor garden is all falling down,
the yellowed leaves are flying in the wind.” -Aleksey Konstantinovich Tolstoy
Level 2 Early Intermediate
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1. Fanny Mendelssohn - November
Das Jahr “The Year” (1841)
No. 11 “November”
“The trees are already rustling as though it is winter, The dreams of life are fleeing away,
– From “Trauer” by Ludwig Tieck
Level 3 Intermediate