How to learn the sostenuto pedal in online piano lessons

How to learn the sostenuto pedal in online piano lessons begins with understanding what makes this pedal so distinctive. Found on many acoustic pianos and higher-quality digital instruments, it remains one of the least understood yet most fascinating aspects of piano technique.

For many adult learners, the sostenuto pedal may seem advanced or even unnecessary.

In reality, learning how it works can deepen your appreciation of piano playing and prepare you for more sophisticated repertoire.

With guidance from an experienced teacher, it is entirely possible to develop the correct technique through online piano lessons, all from the comfort of your own home.

What is the sostenuto pedal?

The sostenuto pedal is usually the middle pedal on a grand piano.

Unlike the sustain pedal, which allows all the notes being played to continue sounding after the keys have been released, the sostenuto pedal only sustains the notes that are already being held down at the exact moment the pedal is pressed.

Any notes played afterwards behave normally unless the sustain pedal is also being used.

This selective sustaining effect allows pianists to maintain certain bass notes or chords while continuing to play freely above them without creating unwanted resonance.

Why is the sostenuto pedal important?

Although it appears less frequently than the sustain pedal, the sostenuto pedal opens up many musical possibilities.

It allows performers to create rich harmonic textures while maintaining clarity in other parts of the music.

It is commonly used in:

• Advanced classical repertoire
• Contemporary piano works
• Film and theatre music
• Certain jazz compositions
• Organ-inspired piano writing

Many adult learners never encounter it during their early studies, but becoming familiar with its purpose provides valuable insight into more advanced piano performance.

Can you learn the sostenuto pedal online?

Absolutely.

One of the greatest advantages of online piano lessons is the ability to receive detailed demonstrations from your teacher using multiple camera angles.

Your teacher can clearly explain when the pedal should be pressed, how it affects the sound and why composers choose to use it.

If your own instrument includes a sostenuto pedal, your teacher can observe your foot technique in real time and provide immediate feedback.

If your keyboard does not include one, you can still learn the musical concept first.

Understanding when and why the pedal is used is often more important than simply practising the movement itself.

Should you later upgrade your instrument, you will already understand its musical function.

Understanding the difference between the three pedals

Many students initially confuse the three piano pedals because they all influence the sound in different ways.

The sustain pedal (right pedal) lifts all the dampers, allowing every note to continue ringing after the keys are released.

The soft pedal (left pedal) changes the tone colour, producing a gentler and often quieter sound.

The sostenuto pedal (middle pedal) selectively sustains only the notes being held when the pedal is pressed.

Understanding these differences is an important step towards developing greater control over tone, texture and musical expression.

Learning the correct technique

Unlike the sustain pedal, which is used frequently throughout many pieces, the sostenuto pedal requires precise timing.

Your teacher may encourage you to begin with simple exercises before introducing it into the repertoire.

You might first hold a low bass note, engage the pedal and then continue playing scales or melodies above it.

This allows you to hear exactly how the sustained note remains while everything else behaves normally.

As your confidence grows, you can explore pieces that make genuine musical use of the pedal rather than using it simply as a technical exercise.

Does every piano have a sostenuto pedal?

Not necessarily.

Most grand pianos include a true sostenuto pedal, but many upright pianos have a different middle pedal altogether.

Some uprights use the middle pedal as a practice or mute pedal instead.

Similarly, digital pianos vary considerably.

Entry-level keyboards often provide only a sustain pedal, while intermediate and professional instruments may support all three pedals.

If your goal is to explore more advanced repertoire, it is worth discussing your instrument with your online piano teacher before purchasing additional equipment.

Making the most of online lessons

Learning advanced pedal techniques online is highly effective when lessons are well structured.

Before your lesson, ensure your camera clearly shows both your hands and your feet so your teacher can observe your coordination between the keyboard and pedals.

If possible, use headphones or good-quality speakers to hear subtle changes in resonance more accurately.

Recording parts of your lessons can also be useful, allowing you to revisit demonstrations and refine your technique during practice.

With clear instruction and regular guidance, even sophisticated pedal techniques become much easier to understand.

Final thoughts

The sostenuto pedal may not appear in every piece you play, but understanding its purpose broadens your musical knowledge and prepares you for increasingly advanced repertoire.

More importantly, it helps you appreciate the remarkable range of colours and textures that the piano can produce.

At the Online Piano Institute, our experienced teachers guide adult learners through every aspect of piano playing, from the very first notes to advanced techniques such as pedal control, interpretation and expressive performance.

Whether your instrument includes a sostenuto pedal today or not, developing a thorough understanding of its musical role is an investment that will enrich your piano playing for years to come.