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I'm using the John Thompson modern course second grade book. The Etude on page 16 indicates to hold the damper/sustain pedal down for all 6 beats in each bar, yet in each bar there is rest in bass clef part for beats 4,5,6 . So by holding the pedal down you can't strictly observe the rest. I've noticed the same thing in other examples. I guess it's a trade off. Is it common practice to hold the pedal down even though there are rests ?
thanks
GT

Yes; try it with and without the pedal, and with and without the rest - you will hear a difference, although it will be subtle.

thanks Gill, I found a thread on another forum on this subject also. The impression I'm getting is that it's open to interpretation in a lot of cases.

It depends on context. Usually I observe rests as silence but sometimes its not possible. However, you must always FEEL the rest even if it isn't striclty HEARD.

Ditto.

I would do the same.