i've been playing the piano for like 6-7 years now and i stopped lessons like 2 years ago. I think i've gradually developed an over usage of pedal. There was a half a year-ish gap when i didn't play the piano so i think i 'lost the touch'.

Anyway, I was wondering if you guys can give me some pointers.
When i want to play legato...

a) and my right hand (which is playing melody) is simply repeating the note, i need to use the pedal to connect it right?

b) and my left hand is playing like 8th/16th notes harmony and i cant reach all the notes without disconnecting the sound, i need to use the pedal for the phrase right?

or should i just use an anchor note even though the music doesnt say it..

c) if the above doesn't occur and i want legato sound, i should NOT use the pedal right?

Thanks for the help.:heh:

You have a very common situation when it comes to pianists wondering about repeated notes, and quick (usually spread) notes that are harder to reach without it sounding disconnected in any way. When playing repeated notes, it's key to variate your fingerings on the note: 1-2-3-1-2-3 for however long the note is repeated (or if it's a series of repeated notes). However, do not trying to tense your hand or arm-try to just play the note/s without thinking about it too much.

As for your second question: You've seen many pianists move their entire forarms around while playing passages like the one you explained, correct? That's because it's a technique, not just for show. See, when you move your arm around, you can move your hand across the keyboard to get to the notes that you couldn't normally reach. And, again, when it's done with a relaxed arm/hand, it will sound softer and (possibly) more connected.

Also, with the pedal, I don't really call it a "sustain" pedal, even though it does sustain notes-but, my teacher has gotten me to unlock th potential of the "sustain" pedal, but using it as a "tone-color" pedal. Especially with Chopin and Debussy, you don't just sustain notes, you create a setting and a feeling of how the notes coexist to create a color.

Hope this helps. :)