[HAM] Learning pedals

[BO]

Thank you, Doug, for the great anecdote on the need to wear shoes. I'll
definitely keep my shoes on. Thanks also for the valuable pointers. You're a
great asset to this list.

Brent Owen
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From: Doug Irvine

I remember Tom Thompson at one concert he gave for me at my Hammond 
Organ Studio in Kelowna BC when he sat down at the B-3 we had provided 
for him, and first thing he did was remove his shoes, <snip>. He made his
point, and told the audience NEVER to play with bare, or stocking feet.
<snip>
So, Brent...do not remove the shoes. Do practice heel and toe, DO run 
scales with heel and toe.So what if you hit the wrong pedal? Not world 
end. And also do use both feet on those pedals, use the right foot, 
after setting the expression  pedal where you want it and practice the 
pedals with the right foot as well. However concentrate on the left foot 
more as it is the most important one, unless you will be doing classical 
stuff, hardly likely.
Sitting at the organ! Sit on the bench with your rump back far enough so 
that your feet swing clear of the floor and pedal clavier. Sit in the 
MIDDLE of the bench, and ensure that your feet are sitting above the 
pedals. You should be able to swing your feet either direction, just 
scraping pedals slightly. The  when you want a C you can go away to your 
left and hit low C. Start from there and you will see how easy it is IF 
  you are sitting correctly to go to any pedal, sharp or natural with 
heel and toe.   Have fun, you may find it difficult at first, but 
persevere and it will become easier as you become more proficient with 
the foot work.....Gadzooks, seems like I am back 30 years with one ofmy 
students!
Cheers, old Doug in BC