In this focused lesson, tonebase Head of Piano Dominic Cheli dives into the art of mastering the smallest yet perhaps most important finger at the keyboard—the pinky. Through insightful demonstrations and clear explanations, Cheli reveals how forearm and hand rotation, positioning, and mindful, targeted relaxation can dramatically improve sound, power, and control. From Hanon exercises to Mozart’s Alberti bass figures and beyond, Cheli shows how to build effective pinky technique without tension or forced motion. These examples are shown on an impressive Shigeru Kawai piano, but are applicable to all instruments. Whether you're beginner or intermediate pianist seeking to understand the hand better, or an advanced player refining your voicing, this lesson offers practical tools to unlock resonance and confidence with your fifth finger.

In this rich and practical lesson, Dominic Cheli uses a beautiful Shigeru Kawai piano to demonstrate how to make chordal passages sing with ease, beauty, and clarity—even in the most technically demanding moments. He demystifies the myth of physical legato for chords and instead introduces an approach rooted in lightness, dynamic shaping, and smart pedaling. Through examples from Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and more, Cheli shows how staccato practice, rubato, and voicing nuance can unlock lyrical expression. The result is a powerful toolkit for playing extended chordal textures without tension—and with maximum musicality.