My almost 9 year old child is 48.5 inches tall. When she started playing pieces requiring a pedal about a year ago, I asked her instructor about the possibility of using a pedal extender with 2 pedals:

http://www.cpsimports.com/foot_pedal_stool.html

Her instructor didn't seem very impressed with the idea - I think mostly because he is very particular about pedaling technique and perhaps feels the use of an extender would interfere with this. My daughter is still resistant to the idea.

A few other instructors observed her playing the piano last week. Although I didn't bring up the pedal extender subject, almost all of them recommended that she start using one in order to reduce the chances of injury. Some felt she would immediately improve her playing by using one, too.

I don't think my daughter will be able to play the piano without her elbows below the keyboard, forearms parallel to the floor, shoulders relaxed, etc., without accessories for at least another 2 years. She does play at least 90 minutes almost every day.

Opinions?

Should we be concerned about injury without the use of a pedal extender?

Should we be concerned about compromising pedaling technique with the use of a pedal extender?

I'm also looking for URLs or books about this.


TIA

I'll let the piano teacher's give their opinions.

But if you decide to use pedal extensions,
you may want to consider a less expensive option...
Pedal Extensions

Disclaimer:
PianoSupplies.com is owned by Piano World, host of these forums.

Hey alamodemer2003,

I second the above recommendation from Piano World. I ordered those same pedal extenders from Frank (www.PianoSupplies.com), and they are excellent -- great design and very solid.

Bootsy

Could you just buy her a pair of really thick shoes?

I have a pair similar to the ones Frank recommended. I think I bought from his website. My children don't need them anymore. PM me if you want to buy at a steep discount

The problem with the pedal extensions is that it is not natural and not how you would pedal if you could reach. If you could reach you foot will be on the floor and with the extensions it is not. But with platform you not only raise the pedal but in essenxe you also raise the floor. I have asked around a lot about this isssue and the one with the platform seems to be preferred by many of the teachers I have asked. So when it came time to buy one for my daughter I bought the one from cps imports. Even my piano tuner was impressed when he saw it. But for sure you should ask your piano teacher