Singing Classes for LGBTQ People and Allies
|
Student Testimonials
“I recommend classes with Eli to all of my friends! Studying singing with Eli is affirming, challenging, and joyful. It’s an opportunity to combine skill acquisition, personal growth and queer community and is grounding and inspiring.” “I would recommend this class – no matter what your singing experience, skill level or interest you will have fun, you will feel safe and cared for and you will improve!” “Great teacher! Everything was clear and interesting – I felt very engaged… He was awesome at making me feel good about where I was at and moving from there.” "I always find Eli's classes to be grounding, humbling, challenging, and exciting. I'm leaving this class with a renewed investment in myself as an artist and a renewed sense of power in my voice. As I've begun [taking testosterone and] transitioning my voice has often felt very uncertain and this has been an exceptionally warm space where I could play with that new instrument until it begins to make sense to me. I feel so much more confident in my voice and excited to perform. I look forward to being able to take more courses with you in the future and to excitedly share my experiences with other people who are interested in exploring their own voices." “A great thing about this class is the environment of a judgment-free, supportive group. Eli sets the tone, and it is so nice. Highlight of my year.” “He’s good at knowing exactly what each singer’s strengths and weaknesses are and knowing exactly how to address them. His weakness – there’s only one of him!” "I have taken Eli's beginner and harmony classes and have grown so much as a singer. I can actually feel the strength in my voice that wasn't there before. It is inspiring to be a student under Eli's tutelage!" |
About the Teacher
Eli Conley is a singer/songwriter and voice teacher based in the Bay Area. He has trained in classical singing at Oberlin Conservatory and jazz vocal performance at Berklee College of Music. Eli performs and tours as a folk musician, and sings tenor with the award-winning International Orange Chorale of San Francisco. He is also a former member of the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus. Along with group classes, Eli also offers private voice lessons for everyone, ages 13 and up. Why are these classes geared toward LGBTQ people? I am a gay transgender man, and I center my group classes intentionally in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning (LGBTQ) communities. I know from personal experience that queer and transgender folks all too often find spaces focused on singing lacking relevance to our lives and awareness of our needs. I believe it is a powerful act for people whose voices are often silenced by oppression to raise our voices together in song, and to listen deeply to each other as we grow as singers. Heterosexual/straight and cisgender allies to the LGBTQ community are welcome in these classes. Want to hear about Eli's LGBTQ & Ally Singing Classes when they're announced each season? |
Past Group Classes
Winter 2013
Harmony, Ear Training and Singing with Accompaniment
Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
January 22nd - March 12th
The Women's Building
3543 18th St, San Francisco
0.4 mi from 16th St BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a class for self-identified transgender, queer, bisexual, lesbian and gay people and our straight allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting.
We will explore solo song performance both a capella and with instrumental accompaniment, singing in harmony on assigned parts as well as coming up with our own harmonies, and beginning ear training, learning to hear and sing a major triad chord and the intervals of a major scale. The class will culminate in an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
This class is designed for people who are already comfortable with singing, whether or not they have performance experience. Previous musical instruction or an ability to read music are not required. Participants should generally be able to stay in tune and hold their part against a different part in a song. Students who wish to work on playing an instrument and singing at the same time are welcome to explore that in this class. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
Class Fee
$200, payable at the first class session, unless you inquire about special arrangements
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $250 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
Sliding scale conversations are available upon request.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents or dryer sheets, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. When in doubt, I recommend unscented Dr. Bronner's castille soap. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration is open now, and is first-come, first-served. The class will be capped at twelve participants, with a waiting list once it is full.
The registration deadline is January 15th.
Write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey. Please return your survey early to reserve your spot!
Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
January 22nd - March 12th
The Women's Building
3543 18th St, San Francisco
0.4 mi from 16th St BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a class for self-identified transgender, queer, bisexual, lesbian and gay people and our straight allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting.
We will explore solo song performance both a capella and with instrumental accompaniment, singing in harmony on assigned parts as well as coming up with our own harmonies, and beginning ear training, learning to hear and sing a major triad chord and the intervals of a major scale. The class will culminate in an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
This class is designed for people who are already comfortable with singing, whether or not they have performance experience. Previous musical instruction or an ability to read music are not required. Participants should generally be able to stay in tune and hold their part against a different part in a song. Students who wish to work on playing an instrument and singing at the same time are welcome to explore that in this class. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
Class Fee
$200, payable at the first class session, unless you inquire about special arrangements
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $250 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
Sliding scale conversations are available upon request.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents or dryer sheets, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. When in doubt, I recommend unscented Dr. Bronner's castille soap. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration is open now, and is first-come, first-served. The class will be capped at twelve participants, with a waiting list once it is full.
The registration deadline is January 15th.
Write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey. Please return your survey early to reserve your spot!
Fall 2012
Beginning Vocal Technique and Performance
Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
October 2nd - December 4th, with no class November 6th
La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
0.3 Miles from Ashby BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a supportive community singing class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, and gay people and our allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting. Beginner to intermediate singers are welcome!
This class focuses mostly on solo singing and includes one group song. Students will strengthen their natural singing voices by developing breath control and learning basic vocal technique. They will learn how to listen to themselves and other singers, and expand their vocal range. The class will also focus on getting comfortable singing in front of others. Students are welcome to take this class multiple times. The class will culminate in an optional informal recital. Glitter will also be optional but highly encouraged!
Class Fee
Standard Rate: $225, payable in up to three installments
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $275 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration opens August 10th. Registration is first-come, first-served until the class is full with twelve participants. Once the class is full, there is a waiting list. Please register early to ensure your spot.
To register, write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey.
Tuesdays 6:30 - 8:30 pm
October 2nd - December 4th, with no class November 6th
La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
0.3 Miles from Ashby BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a supportive community singing class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, and gay people and our allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting. Beginner to intermediate singers are welcome!
This class focuses mostly on solo singing and includes one group song. Students will strengthen their natural singing voices by developing breath control and learning basic vocal technique. They will learn how to listen to themselves and other singers, and expand their vocal range. The class will also focus on getting comfortable singing in front of others. Students are welcome to take this class multiple times. The class will culminate in an optional informal recital. Glitter will also be optional but highly encouraged!
Class Fee
Standard Rate: $225, payable in up to three installments
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $275 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration opens August 10th. Registration is first-come, first-served until the class is full with twelve participants. Once the class is full, there is a waiting list. Please register early to ensure your spot.
To register, write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey.
Fall 2012
Beginning Harmony and Ear Training, Continuing Vocal Technique
Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:30 pm
October 2nd - December 4th
La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
0.3 Miles from Ashby BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a class for self-identified transgender, queer, bisexual, lesbian and gay people and allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting. This level two class is for people who are already comfortable with singing, whether or not they have performance experience. We will explore singing in harmony, beginning ear training, and performing a song with instrumental accompaniment. The class will culminate in an optional informal recital on December 4th. Glitter will also be optional but highly encouraged!
Participants should generally be able to stay in tune and feel comfortable learning songs with simple harmony parts. Previous musical instruction or an ability to read music are not required. Students who wish to work on playing an instrument and singing at the same time are welcome in this class. People who have taken previous classes with Eli are encouraged to participate.
If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
Class Fee
Standard Rate: $225, payable in up to three installments
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $275 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration opens August 10th. This class will be held if a minimum of six students register. Registration is first-come, first-served until the class is full with twelve participants. Once the class is full, there is a waiting list. Please register early to ensure your spot.
To register, write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey.
Tuesdays 3:30 - 5:30 pm
October 2nd - December 4th
La Peña Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley
0.3 Miles from Ashby BART
Wheelchair Accessible
Class Description
This is a class for self-identified transgender, queer, bisexual, lesbian and gay people and allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting. This level two class is for people who are already comfortable with singing, whether or not they have performance experience. We will explore singing in harmony, beginning ear training, and performing a song with instrumental accompaniment. The class will culminate in an optional informal recital on December 4th. Glitter will also be optional but highly encouraged!
Participants should generally be able to stay in tune and feel comfortable learning songs with simple harmony parts. Previous musical instruction or an ability to read music are not required. Students who wish to work on playing an instrument and singing at the same time are welcome in this class. People who have taken previous classes with Eli are encouraged to participate.
If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
Class Fee
Standard Rate: $225, payable in up to three installments
Sponsorship Rate: For students who have a steady income and/or access to wealth, I invite you to pay at the $275 sponsorship rate. Paying at this rate makes it possible for me to offer scholarships to the class for low- and no-income students.
***Fragrance-Free Notice***
Please join me in making preparations to ensure this class is accessible for community members with environmental illness. On class days, I ask that you refrain from wearing scented products, including colognes and perfumes, clothing washed in scented detergents, and hair and body products with fragrance, including essential oils. More info about how to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here.
Registration
Registration opens August 10th. This class will be held if a minimum of six students register. Registration is first-come, first-served until the class is full with twelve participants. Once the class is full, there is a waiting list. Please register early to ensure your spot.
To register, write SingWithEli@gmail.com for a registration survey.
