How to work with a Bluetooth page turner pedal

In 2019 I posted an article about how to transition from paper sheet music to a tablet, and since that time several readers have asked me to address the challenges of working with a Bluetooth page turner pedal. It has been five years since I swapped paper for digital and here’s what I experienced: the switch to the tablet was easy; training myself to use the page turner pedal took much more time. I had to learn to work through my natural lack of coordination. I had to learn how the pedal reacted when pressed. Most importantly, I had to learn to trust that it wouldn’t let me down in performances. I adjusted to the first two things in a few months, but it took years for me to feel comfortable using the pedal while performing.

Now that it feels natural to practice and perform with a tablet and a page turner pedal, I find it much easier (and more secure) to work with them than to struggle with paper page turns. If you have recently begun practicing with a tablet and page turner pedal and are finding the pedal challenging, here are some of the things I found helpful during my own (long) learning curve.

Secure the pedal

No one wants to chase the pedal around the floor while trying to play the piano. Make sure it’s sitting on something that gives it a little traction—carpet, a small rubber mat—or attach it to the floor with a bit of tape (if necessary).

Choose between the una corda pedal and the page turner

The shift between the page turner pedal and the una corda pedal still messes me up. If I have a piece that requires frequent use of both, I train myself to turn the pages by tapping the tablet screen with my finger. As much as I think I’m coordinated enough to manage both pedals, it never ends well.

Avoid going backward

Page turner pedals are sophisticated enough that they can flip the pages backward as well as forward. I’m not certain who can manage this without a musical train wreck, but it isn’t me. I’ve learned to scan any repeated pages into the score and just pedal forward. It works much better that way.

Choose shoes carefully

I usually practice in stocking feet, so when I prepare to play publicly, it’s important that I “audition” potential performance shoes, and practice in them for several weeks before I go on stage. I’ve discovered three styles that don’t work well with the page turner pedal: long-toed shoes, super high heels, and anything with a platform.

Turn pages early

Sometimes the pedal turns the page exactly when you tap it. Other times there’s a slight delay. I’ve learned to turn a page a little earlier than I would paper music because of this potential delay.

Tap gently to avoid turning two pages

This took me quite a while to master as my nervous lack of trust in the pedal caused me to stomp on it too hard, resulting in it turning two pages rather than one. Now I know to (gently!) tap the edge of the pedal with my toes rather than using the ball of my foot.

Use fresh batteries if performing

Playing in public requires a great deal of self-confidence, confidence that can be undermined if we’re worrying whether or not the tablet or the pedal will quit working. To combat this fear, charge the tablet to 100% and put fresh batteries in the pedal.

Practice!

As with all things, feeling comfortable using the page turner pedal requires lots of practice. If you’re planning to use it in a performance, I suggest you practice with it for several months before bringing it on stage.

Trouble shooting

If your pedal fails to respond, make sure your tablet is still connected to it via Bluetooth. I’ve learned to cue up my forScore app before I turn on the pedal and since then have not had any connection problems. If your pedal still doesn’t work (and you know your batteries aren’t dead), check the settings on the pedal itself so make sure you didn’t accidentally change something.

I’ve worked with the tablet, forScore app, and the pedal for years yet my learning curve still continues. I’m using just a fraction of the options available and it seems I learn something new every few months. If you have additional tips, please feel free to add them in the comments below.