A piano pedal extender raises the controls so a shorter player can reach them while sitting at a suitable keyboard height. Start with the child’s seating position, then choose a platform that fits the instrument’s pedal layout.
My top recommendation is the Soarun Adjustable Piano Pedal Extender (Black). Its three-pedal platform gives a child both a footrest and access to the piano’s pedals.
The Jahn Pedal Footstool is my specialist alternative. Its four screw feet allow fine adjustment for a stable fit under the instrument.
The 2 Best Piano Pedal Extenders (2026)
1. Soarun Adjustable Piano Pedal Extender (Black)
Pros
- Three pedals on one footrest
- Height-adjustable platform
- Black finish suits many acoustic pianos
Cons
- Three-pedal platform is less compact than a single-pedal extension
The Soarun is my first choice for a straightforward three-pedal platform. It combines a raised footrest with mechanisms that transfer the player’s foot movement to the piano’s own pedals. That gives a child somewhere to rest both feet instead of reaching down from the edge of the bench.
The exact version here is the black, three-pedal model. Set its height with the child seated at the piano, then check that the feet can rest comfortably without pulling the knees into an awkward position. The piano bench should be adjusted for the hands and forearms first.
Compatibility depends on more than the number of pedals. The platform must sit securely under the instrument and its contact points must line up with the piano’s pedals. Test each pedal through its full movement and confirm that it releases completely when the foot is lifted.
I would choose the Soarun for home practice where the same child uses the same piano regularly. Ask the teacher to check the setup before making it part of lessons. Digital pedal units, unusually shaped lyres and different clearances all need individual checking.
2. Jahn Pedal Footstool
Pros
- Purpose-built pedal footstool
- Four adjustable feet for leveling
- Provides foot support as well as pedal access
Cons
- Bulkier than a single clamp-on pedal extension
The Jahn Pedal Footstool is a specialist alternative for a child who needs a supported platform. Its four screw feet let you make small adjustments to level the unit against the instrument and floor. That is useful when a simple platform does not sit evenly in the available space.
Thomann identifies an approximate height of 160 mm, with a maximum of 180 mm without the pedals. Treat these as the product’s dimensions, then measure the actual gap at your piano. They do not establish that the stool will suit every child or every instrument.
The footstool raises the pedal operating position while giving the feet somewhere to rest. It is a different purchase from Jahn’s single Pedal Increase accessory, which clamps to one pedal and needs separate foot support. Choose the complete Pedal Footstool when the child needs both raised pedal access and a supported platform.
I would consider it for a teaching room or a piano that benefits from a platform with fine leveling. It takes up more room than a compact clamp-on extension and still needs a careful fit check. Confirm clearance, alignment and full pedal release on the actual piano before the child uses it.
Does Every Child Need a Pedal Extender?
A child needs additional foot support when the feet cannot rest securely with the bench set at an appropriate keyboard height. If the current pieces do not use the pedals, a stable footrest may be sufficient. Once pedaling is introduced, an extender can provide access without lowering the seat just to reach the floor.
The teacher should decide when pedal work belongs in the lesson. Buying an extender does not replace instruction in listening, release timing and controlled movement. Check the child’s posture again as they grow.
How Do You Check the Fit?
Measure the height from the floor to the child’s feet in a comfortable seated position, the space around the piano’s pedals and the clearance under the keyboard or lyre. Compare those measurements with the exact extender, including the position of its contact mechanisms.
Set the extender on a stable surface and check all relevant pedals. A mechanism that keeps a pedal partly depressed changes the instrument’s response even when the child has lifted the foot. Recheck after moving the piano, changing a rug or adjusting the platform.
Platform or Single-Pedal Extension?
A platform combines a footrest and pedal access in one unit. A single extension raises one pedal but leaves you to provide suitable support for the rest of the foot. Choose according to the child’s height, the piece being studied and the space around the piano.
A clamp-on mechanism can be easier to carry, but portability should come after secure fit and comfortable support. Do not attach an accessory to a digital sustain pedal unless that exact combination is supported by its maker.
Verdict
The Soarun Adjustable Piano Pedal Extender (Black) is the straightforward starting point for a home piano. Consider the Jahn Pedal Footstool when its platform dimensions and fine leveling suit the instrument better. Let the child’s seating position and the actual pedal layout decide the fit.