"That voice! You'll recognize it everywhere. Eli Conley possesses the rare gift of a distinctive vocal timbre that separates him from scores of singer-songwriters in the modern folk ilk.... This is the stuff that long, successful careers are made of."
Tom Semioli, Minor 7th
Tom Semioli, Minor 7th
News
1/11/2021
My emotions have been all over the place this week. Fear, rage, sadness, anxiety, numbness, coming and going like waves on the shore. It's like I am the ocean and the sand at the same time.
I have a centering practice I find really helpful in times like this. It allows me to slow down, notice what's happening in my body, and create space for these big feelings to move through.
The other way I come back to myself is through singing. Sometimes I like to sing simple, soothing songs over and over. Other times I need to put what I'm feeling into words and music to capture it as precisely as I can.
I made a short video to share my centering practice, a soothing song, and one I wrote when I needed a place for my big feelings to go. You can find it on my Instagram -- as well as a recent video of me finding joy where I can right now by sledding very slowly!
My emotions have been all over the place this week. Fear, rage, sadness, anxiety, numbness, coming and going like waves on the shore. It's like I am the ocean and the sand at the same time.
I have a centering practice I find really helpful in times like this. It allows me to slow down, notice what's happening in my body, and create space for these big feelings to move through.
The other way I come back to myself is through singing. Sometimes I like to sing simple, soothing songs over and over. Other times I need to put what I'm feeling into words and music to capture it as precisely as I can.
I made a short video to share my centering practice, a soothing song, and one I wrote when I needed a place for my big feelings to go. You can find it on my Instagram -- as well as a recent video of me finding joy where I can right now by sledding very slowly!
Upcoming Offerings
The Fundamentals of Singing - 3 Spots Left!
A Nine-Week Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Tuesdays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time
January 26th - March 23rd, 2021
Online on Zoom
This is a supportive beginning singing class for transgender, non-binary, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, asexual, and intersex people and our allies who want to develop their singing voices in a fun group setting.
This class teaches you to sing using fun games, group sing-a-longs, and solo songs of your own choosing. You will strengthen your natural singing voice by learning basic vocal technique and developing your chest (low) and head (high) registers. You will learn how to listen to yourself and other singers with a knowledgeable ear and expand your vocal range. You'll also get lots of practice and get more comfortable singing in front of others.
The class culminates with an informal online recital on the last day. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
There's one remaining Pay-What-You-Can spot in this class open for low income trans women & trans femmes, BIPOC, disabled folks, and/or working class folks.
Words from Past Participants:
"This class was the light of my week. I am astounded by how much my voice and my confidence have grown in such a short time."
"Eli's classes are magic: queer community, gender inclusivity, singing, personal expression. It's the safest, most encouraging space to learn to sing. I couldn't imagine growing as much as I have as a singer and as a person without it."
“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!”
"Eli has adapted better than any other teacher I've seen with online learning... He creates a strong and supportive community which is even more needed at a time when we all feel especially isolated. I'm so impressed at how connected I felt to my classmates and how I still felt their creative energy through the screen."
More Info
Register Now
Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting - Class is Full, Waiting List is Open
A 9-Week Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Mondays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time
January 25th - March 22nd, 2021
Online on Zoom
Everyone has songs inside of them. What do yours sound like? Join us to unlock your creativity and let your songs out! This is a supportive online community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people and allies. Whether you've been writing for years or you have never written a song, this class is for you.
This class will get your creative juices flowing! We will explore the way that chords, melody, and lyrics come together to create a song, and learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements. Over the course of the class, participants will share works in progress and receive supportive feedback to help them grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs to understand how music can take listeners on an emotional journey using point of view, rhyme scheme, and different song forms. We'll also cover basic chord theory to help take the guesswork out of choosing the right chords for each song.
Participants should be able to play at least three chords on an instrument (piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, accordion, autoharp, etc), but no other musical experience is necessary. You do not need to read music, have any musical training, or know any music theory. Beginning songwriters are very welcome!
Words from Past Participants:
"What a beautiful and powerful vision: co-create space to literally lift up each other's voices. As a trans person, and as a queer person, I have so embodied the violent belief that my voice does not matter. To have a space to explore my own unlearning was truly a much needed reminder that when I honor my voice, I honor my spirit, my aliveness."
"Such a powerful experience connecting to my voice as a songwriter. Eli's expertise, guidance and ability to draw out strong work and pass on skills was so important."
"I found myself continuously in awe of each person's unique voice, style, and capacity to create in each round of sharing. I felt moved by something in everyone's songs and that was powerful."
More Info
Join the Waiting List
A 9-Week Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Mondays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time
January 25th - March 22nd, 2021
Online on Zoom
Everyone has songs inside of them. What do yours sound like? Join us to unlock your creativity and let your songs out! This is a supportive online community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people and allies. Whether you've been writing for years or you have never written a song, this class is for you.
This class will get your creative juices flowing! We will explore the way that chords, melody, and lyrics come together to create a song, and learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements. Over the course of the class, participants will share works in progress and receive supportive feedback to help them grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs to understand how music can take listeners on an emotional journey using point of view, rhyme scheme, and different song forms. We'll also cover basic chord theory to help take the guesswork out of choosing the right chords for each song.
Participants should be able to play at least three chords on an instrument (piano, guitar, ukulele, mandolin, banjo, accordion, autoharp, etc), but no other musical experience is necessary. You do not need to read music, have any musical training, or know any music theory. Beginning songwriters are very welcome!
Words from Past Participants:
"What a beautiful and powerful vision: co-create space to literally lift up each other's voices. As a trans person, and as a queer person, I have so embodied the violent belief that my voice does not matter. To have a space to explore my own unlearning was truly a much needed reminder that when I honor my voice, I honor my spirit, my aliveness."
"Such a powerful experience connecting to my voice as a songwriter. Eli's expertise, guidance and ability to draw out strong work and pass on skills was so important."
"I found myself continuously in awe of each person's unique voice, style, and capacity to create in each round of sharing. I felt moved by something in everyone's songs and that was powerful."
More Info
Join the Waiting List
Sunday Sing: Songs of Comfort, Songs of Strength
Join me for a free 30 minute online gathering to connect in with your breath, learn songs old as the hills and just born this week, and raise up your voice in community. Special guests sometimes join us to teach a tune as well. Everyone is welcome! No singing experience necessary.
First Sunday of Every Month
5:30 pm Pacific / 6:30 pm Mountain / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern
Sunday February 7th we'll be joined by song leader, minister, and racial justice organizer Nathan Holst.
Register
Join me for a free 30 minute online gathering to connect in with your breath, learn songs old as the hills and just born this week, and raise up your voice in community. Special guests sometimes join us to teach a tune as well. Everyone is welcome! No singing experience necessary.
First Sunday of Every Month
5:30 pm Pacific / 6:30 pm Mountain / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern
Sunday February 7th we'll be joined by song leader, minister, and racial justice organizer Nathan Holst.
Register
