Music Classes
for Queer & Trans People & Allies
ONLINE OFFERINGS
During this pandemic I am offering all of my classes and workshops online. Though the way we're gathering has changed, the intention is the same: building queer community and resilience through creativity and song. Please see below for my current and upcoming offerings. I'd love to have you join us!
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All too often, queer and transgender folks find spaces focused on singing and songwriting lacking awareness of our needs, relevance to our lives, and a commitment to collective liberation. I believe it is a powerful act for LGBTQIA+ people and allies to raise our voices together in song, and to listen deeply to each other as we grow as singers and songwriters. What does LGBTQIA+ stand for? LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. The plus sign acknowledges that there are myriad ways that people express their gender and sexuality, and even a long acronym can't encompass all of them. Allies are straight, cisgender people who are committed to challenging heterosexism, transphobia and patriarchy. About the Teacher Eli Conley is a singer-songwriter and voice teacher based in Sacramento, California. As a gay transgender man, Eli has a deep commitment to working within diverse LGBTQIA+ communities to build our collective power, creativity, and resilience. Eli is a certified teacher of Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™ who continues to study to deepen his approach to contemporary vocal pedagogy. He has also studied classical singing at Oberlin Conservatory and jazz vocal performance at Berklee College of Music. Eli performs and tours as an indie folk artist, and is a former member of the Grammy award-winning San Francisco Symphony Chorus. In addition to group classes and workshops, Eli also offers private lessons for people of all identities, ages 13 and up. |
Upcoming Classes
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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.”
"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."
"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."
"I felt honored to have been able to see each singer's uniqueness, their strengths and their struggles. What we shared in class with each other was so personal. I felt very connected with the world and appreciative of our diversity afterward."
“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!”
The Fundamentals of Singing
An Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Thursdays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern
July 1st - September 2nd, 2021
No class the week of August 5th
Class Description
This is a supportive online community singing class for queer and transgender people and allies who want to develop their voices in a fun group setting. Beginners are very welcome! No musical experience is necessary.
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 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!
Testimonials
"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!”
Class Fee
Payment is due in two installments: 50% as a deposit to hold your spot when you register, and the remaining 50% on the first day of class. Participants may also request a payment plan to break their payment up into more installments.
The class fee is on a sliding scale:
Payer Forward: $350 - Unlimited spots
Please Note: This is the true cost of the class. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: you sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, are able to buy some new items and thrift others, can travel every couple/few years without burden, have some debt but it does not prevent access to basic needs/wants
Redistributor: $450 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have investments, can afford to travel every year, have expendable income
Sustainer: $250 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: have very limited expendable income, are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 - 2 spots
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, people raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs and paying would be a significant hardship.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this class opens up for registration.
Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting
An Online Songwriting Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
Wednesdays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific / 8 - 11 pm Eastern
June 30th - September 1st, 2021
No class the week of August 4th
Class Description
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 queer and transgender people and allies. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or you've been writing for years, this class will get your creative juices flowing! We'll explore the way that chords, melody, and lyrics come together to create a song, and learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements of our songwriting.
Over the course of nine weeks participants will share works in progress and receive supportive feedback to help them grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs to understand how music takes listeners on an emotional journey. We'll also cover point of view, rhyme, common song forms, and 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) or create their own musical backing tracks, 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!
Testimonials
"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."
"This class was a transformational experience for me. I am constantly humming and making up silly tunes and have felt for a long time like there's something I want to say that needs to come out through song... This space, with its intentional structuring, supportive community building, and insightful and powerfully rendered lessons opened me up in ways I didn't know I needed to grow. I feel so excited to continue to grow as a songwriter and so joyful that I now have this resource to process my world."
"Eli has mastered the art of teaching songwriting. He took us twelve beginning songwriters and helped us feel comfortable enough to actually start writing songs, and created a sense of community within the class that helped see us through... This experience was incredibly powerful and moving for me."
"This class was life changing! I've always wanted to write songs, but was too scared and didn't trust myself. This class has given me a supportive environment, confidence, and the basic knowledge to write 6 original songs, something I never thought I'd be able to do."
Class Fee
Payment is due in two installments: 50% as a deposit to hold your spot when you register, and the remaining 50% on the first day of class. Participants may also request a payment plan to break their payment up into more installments.
The class fee is on a sliding scale:
Payer Forward: $350 - Unlimited spots
Please Note: This is the true cost of the class. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount.
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: you sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, are able to buy some new items and thrift others, can travel every couple/few years without burden, have some debt but it does not prevent access to basic needs/wants.
Redistributor: $450 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have investments, can afford to travel every year, have expendable income.
Sustainer: $250 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: have very limited expendable income, are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 - 2 spots
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, people raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs and paying would be a significant hardship.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this class opens up for registration.
Sing Out!
An Online Singing Class for Queer, Trans, and Ally Teens
Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 6 pm Pacific / 7:30 - 9 pm Eastern
June 29th - July 27th, 2021
This is a supportive online singing class for queer, transgender, and ally teens ages 13 - 18. You will learn the ins and out of your voice using fun games, group sing-a-longs, and solo songs of your own choosing. Along the way you’ll get familiar with the different parts of your voice, and build your confidence singing in front of others. Beginners are very welcome! No musical experience needed. On the last day we’ll have an online performance to celebrate. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Cost
This class is offered on a sliding scale:
Standard Rate: $250 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
A Little More: $325 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
A Little Less: $175 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Full Scholarship: 2 spots
Two full scholarship are available for people who could not otherwise participate. Priority is given to teens who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, and teens without financial support from family.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when registration opens up.
An Online Singing Class for Queer, Trans, and Ally Teens
Tuesdays 4:30 pm - 6 pm Pacific / 7:30 - 9 pm Eastern
June 29th - July 27th, 2021
This is a supportive online singing class for queer, transgender, and ally teens ages 13 - 18. You will learn the ins and out of your voice using fun games, group sing-a-longs, and solo songs of your own choosing. Along the way you’ll get familiar with the different parts of your voice, and build your confidence singing in front of others. Beginners are very welcome! No musical experience needed. On the last day we’ll have an online performance to celebrate. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Cost
This class is offered on a sliding scale:
Standard Rate: $250 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
A Little More: $325 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
A Little Less: $175 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Full Scholarship: 2 spots
Two full scholarship are available for people who could not otherwise participate. Priority is given to teens who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, and teens without financial support from family.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when registration opens up.
Queer Songwriter Circle
For Queer & Trans People & Allies
Sundays 2:30 - 5 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
Spring 2021 Session: April 11th, May 2nd, and June 6th
Summer 2021 Session: July 11th, August 8th, and September 12th
In this participatory online workshop group you’re invited to bring songs you're working on and give and receive constructive critique in a warm, supportive setting. Through taking part in this circle you will build community with other queer songwriters, and sharpen your ability to edit your own songs. Each session you'll also get a prompt to get your writing started for next time.
This group is limited to six participants. Each person will have a chance to share one song at every session.
Testimonials
"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."
"I learned so much about songwriting and learned to embrace myself as an artist and musician -- despite thinking beforehand that I was way too amateur to take myself seriously. And maybe best of all is the supportive queer community that Eli brings together, which makes the experience extra special. Thank you, Eli!"
Cost
The cost of this songwriter circle is on a sliding scale:
Payer Forward: $150 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
Redistributor: $180 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
Sustainer: $120 - 1 spot
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can: $30 - $90 - 1 spot
One pay-what-you-can spots is available for people for whom paying more would be a significant hardship. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when registration opens up for the summer 2021 session.
Want to hear about upcoming classes when they're announced?
Our Own Songs: Songwriting Class for Queer & Trans Teens
Tuesdays April 20th - May 18th, 2021
4 - 5:30 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
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 queer and transgender teens ages 14 - 18. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or you've been writing for years, this class will get your creative juices flowing! We'll analyze songs by artists you love to understand how their music takes us on an emotional journey, and learn how to put our own stories into song. We will also explore the way that chords, melody, and lyrics come together, and learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements of our songwriting.
On the last day we'll have a closing concert to celebrate. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Wanna try it out and get a feel for the class? Come to a free online songwriting workshop for queer & trans teens on Tuesday, April 6th, 4:30 - 5:30 pm PST / 7:30 - 8:30 pm EST.
Class Cost
This class is offered on a sliding scale. The actual cost of the class is $250. Spaces below that rate are limited. Please read my sliding scale guide below before choosing what rate you will pay.
$250 is the actual cost of the class.
Unlimited spots available
If you choose a rate below this tier you are receiving a discount.
The Pay-It-Forward rate is $325.
Unlimited spots available
This rate is higher than the actual cost of the class. That extra money allows me to offer spots on the lower end of the sliding scale. It's an opportunity to not only take the class, but also help make it accessible to more folks.
The middle rate is $175.
3 spots available
This rate is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice, but it would not create hardship.
The low rate is $100.
2 spots available
This rate is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying more for this class would be a significant hardship.
Full Scholarship
2 spots available
These spots are for folks who would not otherwise be able to participate in the class.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Tuesdays April 20th - May 18th, 2021
4 - 5:30 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
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 queer and transgender teens ages 14 - 18. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or you've been writing for years, this class will get your creative juices flowing! We'll analyze songs by artists you love to understand how their music takes us on an emotional journey, and learn how to put our own stories into song. We will also explore the way that chords, melody, and lyrics come together, and learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements of our songwriting.
On the last day we'll have a closing concert to celebrate. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Wanna try it out and get a feel for the class? Come to a free online songwriting workshop for queer & trans teens on Tuesday, April 6th, 4:30 - 5:30 pm PST / 7:30 - 8:30 pm EST.
Class Cost
This class is offered on a sliding scale. The actual cost of the class is $250. Spaces below that rate are limited. Please read my sliding scale guide below before choosing what rate you will pay.
$250 is the actual cost of the class.
Unlimited spots available
If you choose a rate below this tier you are receiving a discount.
The Pay-It-Forward rate is $325.
Unlimited spots available
This rate is higher than the actual cost of the class. That extra money allows me to offer spots on the lower end of the sliding scale. It's an opportunity to not only take the class, but also help make it accessible to more folks.
The middle rate is $175.
3 spots available
This rate is for those who are able to meet their basic needs but have little-to-no expendable income. Paying for this class may qualify as a sacrifice, but it would not create hardship.
The low rate is $100.
2 spots available
This rate is for those who struggle to meet basic needs and paying more for this class would be a significant hardship.
Full Scholarship
2 spots available
These spots are for folks who would not otherwise be able to participate in the class.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Sunday Sing: Songs of Comfort, Songs of Strength
Free 30 Minute Online Singing Circle
The First Sunday of Every Month
5:30 pm Pacific / 6:30 pm Mountain / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern
Join singer-songwriter and songleader Eli Conley for a monthly online gathering to connect in with your breath and raise up your voice in community. Eli teaches songs old as the hills and songs just born that week. Sometimes special guests also join us to teach a tune. No experience necessary -- everyone is welcome to come and sing!
Register and each month you'll receive an e-mail with the link to join us on Zoom. You're welcome to come as often or as infrequently as you like.
Free 30 Minute Online Singing Circle
The First Sunday of Every Month
5:30 pm Pacific / 6:30 pm Mountain / 7:30 pm Central / 8:30 pm Eastern
Join singer-songwriter and songleader Eli Conley for a monthly online gathering to connect in with your breath and raise up your voice in community. Eli teaches songs old as the hills and songs just born that week. Sometimes special guests also join us to teach a tune. No experience necessary -- everyone is welcome to come and sing!
Register and each month you'll receive an e-mail with the link to join us on Zoom. You're welcome to come as often or as infrequently as you like.
Sing Your Song
A 9-Week Online Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Tuesdays, April 13th - June 8th, 2021
6 - 8 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
This is a community singing class for queer and trans people* and allies. Using fun musical games and exercises, this online class will help you get more comfortable singing in front of others while accompanying yourself on an instrument, or singing with a backing track. Karaoke lovers welcome!
In this class you will get personalized voice coaching to help you build on your strengths and transform your vocal blocks. We'll put a particular focus on body-based singing technique, finding the right keys for your voice, understanding and embodying rhythm, and developing your expressive song performance.
Beginners are very welcome. You do not need to have any prior musical training to participate. The class culminates with an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
*This includes but is not limited to lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people.
Testimonials
"As someone who loves to sing but struggles to do so publicly, I found Eli's class to be incredibly safe and affirming. I learned how to have faith in my voice and musicianship while getting to know lots of lovely folks! Eli is an incredibly skilled teacher."
"It was so heartening to work with a group of queers and allies finding their voices and sharing their talents and growing exponentially in their performance skills due to the enthusiasm and specificity that Eli provides."
"I always played instruments growing up and enjoyed singing along to them. I haven't been doing that recently until I found this class. It was a perfect place with a wonderful community. Eli is a great coach and knows how to make you feel comfortable and safe while singing."
"Classes with Eli have been a delightful part of my life over the last several years. I so appreciate the queer and trans community space, the experience of singing in a group, and Eli's highly skillful teaching -- technically deep, celebratory and supportive."
Cost
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: the first half as a deposit to hold your spot when you register, and the remaining half on the first day of class. Participants may also request a payment plan to break their payment up into smaller chunks.
Payer Forward: $350 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
Redistributor: $450 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
Sustainer: $250 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 - 2 spots
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available for people for whom paying more would be a significant hardship. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when dates for the fall 2021 session are announced.
Intermediate Songwriting
An Online Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
5:30 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
Every Other Thursday: April 8th, April 22nd, May 6th, May 20th, June 3rd, and June 17th, 2021
Building on themes from Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting, this online class offers an opportunity for queer and trans people* and allies to learn some more advanced songwriting tools. We'll explore techniques for writing memorable melodies, choosing an intentional point of view, understanding meter, writing an effective bridge, getting your music and lyrics telling the same story, and setting up your verses so the song takes on deeper meaning as it goes. Every session there will be a new songwriting prompt, and participants will share works-in-progress and get supportive critique to strengthen their songs.
Each participant will also get a one hour private coaching session with Eli focused on performance, singing, music business, teaching, in-depth songwriting feedback, or another topic of their choice.
No formal musical training is needed, but participants should have some previous background with songwriting and be able to accompany themself on an instrument or create their own backing tracks.
The class culminates with an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
*This includes but is not limited to lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people.
Testimonials
"This class has been a tremendous help in building my confidence and discipline as a songwriter as well as a sense of community. I can't recommend it highly enough."
"This class helped make music make sense to me in a way it never has before. It felt a little like a magician showing me how to pull the rabbit out of the hat, and Eli is a master magician. The combination of teaching the theory of songwriting and the practice of songwriting was great, with Eli showing us actual examples of the theory through other people's songs as well as our own. Eli creates a very safe space to explore songwriting, and I will always be grateful to him."
"Eli holds safe space for messy, human existence. It was a great environment to share my vulnerable creativity, in any stage."
"Eli is such a wonderful teacher! I feel like I grow with each lesson he gives. His feedback is specific and kind and he's always open to whatever style you bring to the table."
Cost
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: the first half as a deposit to hold your spot when you register, and the remaining half on the first day of class. Participants may also request a payment plan to break their payment up into smaller chunks.
Payer Forward: $350 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
Redistributor: $450 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
Sustainer: $250 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 - 2 spots
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available for people for whom paying more would be a significant hardship. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when dates for the fall 2021 session are announced.
An Online Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
5:30 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time - Time Zone Converter
Every Other Thursday: April 8th, April 22nd, May 6th, May 20th, June 3rd, and June 17th, 2021
Building on themes from Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting, this online class offers an opportunity for queer and trans people* and allies to learn some more advanced songwriting tools. We'll explore techniques for writing memorable melodies, choosing an intentional point of view, understanding meter, writing an effective bridge, getting your music and lyrics telling the same story, and setting up your verses so the song takes on deeper meaning as it goes. Every session there will be a new songwriting prompt, and participants will share works-in-progress and get supportive critique to strengthen their songs.
Each participant will also get a one hour private coaching session with Eli focused on performance, singing, music business, teaching, in-depth songwriting feedback, or another topic of their choice.
No formal musical training is needed, but participants should have some previous background with songwriting and be able to accompany themself on an instrument or create their own backing tracks.
The class culminates with an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
*This includes but is not limited to lesbian, bisexual, gay, transgender, two-spirit, non-binary, queer, intersex, and asexual people.
Testimonials
"This class has been a tremendous help in building my confidence and discipline as a songwriter as well as a sense of community. I can't recommend it highly enough."
"This class helped make music make sense to me in a way it never has before. It felt a little like a magician showing me how to pull the rabbit out of the hat, and Eli is a master magician. The combination of teaching the theory of songwriting and the practice of songwriting was great, with Eli showing us actual examples of the theory through other people's songs as well as our own. Eli creates a very safe space to explore songwriting, and I will always be grateful to him."
"Eli holds safe space for messy, human existence. It was a great environment to share my vulnerable creativity, in any stage."
"Eli is such a wonderful teacher! I feel like I grow with each lesson he gives. His feedback is specific and kind and he's always open to whatever style you bring to the table."
Cost
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: the first half as a deposit to hold your spot when you register, and the remaining half on the first day of class. Participants may also request a payment plan to break their payment up into smaller chunks.
Payer Forward: $350 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class, and the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You sometimes stress about meeting basic needs but still regularly achieve them, you are able to buy some new items and thrift others, you can travel every couple/few years without burden, you have some debt but it does not prevent access to your basic needs/wants.
Redistributor: $450 - Unlimited spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, you own a newer car and/or a home or rent a higher end property, you have access to financial savings, you have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, you have investments, you can afford to travel every year, you have expendable income.
Sustainer: $250 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You have very limited expendable income, you are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet basic needs, you have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, you have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 - 2 spots
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available for people for whom paying more would be a significant hardship. Priority is given to folks who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Register
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when dates for the fall 2021 session are announced.
Free Songwriting Workshop for Queer & Trans Teens
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this workshop is offered again.
Why is it that some songs stay with us long after we've heard them? In this online workshop for queer and trans folks ages 14 - 18, we'll explore tools you can use to create your own meaningful, memorable songs. Beginners very welcome!
At the end there will be space to learn more about the upcoming 5-week class Our Own Songs: Songwriting for Queer & Trans Teens.
Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this workshop is offered again.
Why is it that some songs stay with us long after we've heard them? In this online workshop for queer and trans folks ages 14 - 18, we'll explore tools you can use to create your own meaningful, memorable songs. Beginners very welcome!
At the end there will be space to learn more about the upcoming 5-week class Our Own Songs: Songwriting for Queer & Trans Teens.
Body Love Creative Writing Workshop
With Talia Cooper and Eli Conley
Please join the e-mail list to be notified next time this workshop is offered.
Join us for an online workshop on body love through creative writing led by body liberation coach and musician Talia Cooper and singer-songwriter and teaching artist Eli Conley. We will counteract the negative messages we’ve received about our bodies with new information and community support. Then we’ll write a slew of songs and poems and leave with our personal body love anthems!
This workshop is for anyone who:
· wants to learn to accept their body
· would like to write a love song or poem for their body
· believes in body positivity theoretically, and wants to start on the path of embracing it more fully
· enjoys being creative in community with others
Open to folks who’ve never written a line, lifelong poets and songwriters, and everyone in between.
This workshop is for all bodies: all sizes, genders, races, ages, abilities, and sexualities. Wherever you are at with your creativity and feelings about your body, you are welcome here.
What past participants had to say:
"What a special and vulnerable container to get some much-needed reminders about the importance of body love and the power of being supported in writing words/music. Well worth having carved out the time to do this workshop because it already has my wheels spinning for ways to continue thinking about many of these themes into the future. What a special group and so beautifully facilitated!"
"This workshop helped me reconnect with my childlike joy! it reminded me that having a body is a gift. it was wonderful to connect with other people who are on similar body love journeys."
"Talia and Eli helped me unlock a world of body love and liberation that I didn't know was lurking beneath the surface of all these thoughts I was already having. They created a safe, brave, and vulnerable space for growth, reflection, and body love."
"This is a manual for how to love your body, all our bodies, with some simple tools you can put into practice right in the moment!"
Intro to Harmony Singing
A Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class is on hold until it is safe to sing together in person. Join the e-mail list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
Class Description
This is a fun community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and/or asexual people and our allies who want to develop their ability to sing harmony by ear.
We will explore rounds, singing in harmony on assigned parts in small groups, and coming up with your own two-part harmony for a duet. You will learn how to hear and sing major triad chords, and build a basic understanding of how chords form the basis of harmony singing. Participants will be expected to practice 15 - 30 minutes a day, and to meet with their duet partner at least twice outside of class over the course of the nine weeks.
This class is designed for people who are comfortable with singing, and are generally able to stay in key when singing by themselves. Beginners are welcome -- all learning will be done by ear, so you do not need to have any musical background or know how to read music. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact me.
The class will culminate in an informal recital on the last day. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
What Past Participants Have To Say
"I highly encourage anyone who has ever felt in awe of a choir in harmony or an intimate duet to take this class and feel the joy of making that aural alchemy yourself. Singing has brought me so much joy."
"After having spent many many years feeling uncertain about how to harmonize, this course helped to demystify harmonizing for me. Eli pushes us just a little our of comfort zones, enough to build, not ruin our self-confidence. I highly recommend it!"
"Eli is a fantastic, patient, and kind teacher, and the class was such a joy to be in. I learned a lot too! I felt supported and encouraged the whole time."
Accessibility
This class is in a wheelchair and scooter accessible space, and students sit in cushioned chairs that do not have arms. All of the exercises are designed to work for people of a broad range of abilities and body types. The class is a fragrance free space (see below for more info). Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register.
Fragrance Free
All participants are asked to attend this class 100% fragrance free by refraining from wearing hair and body products with fragrances, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and clothing washed in scented detergents and/or dryer sheets. With your help, we can ensure that our class is a healthy, accessible space for people with multiple chemical sensitivities. More info on how and why to be fragrance free is here.
A Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class is on hold until it is safe to sing together in person. Join the e-mail list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
Class Description
This is a fun community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and/or asexual people and our allies who want to develop their ability to sing harmony by ear.
We will explore rounds, singing in harmony on assigned parts in small groups, and coming up with your own two-part harmony for a duet. You will learn how to hear and sing major triad chords, and build a basic understanding of how chords form the basis of harmony singing. Participants will be expected to practice 15 - 30 minutes a day, and to meet with their duet partner at least twice outside of class over the course of the nine weeks.
This class is designed for people who are comfortable with singing, and are generally able to stay in key when singing by themselves. Beginners are welcome -- all learning will be done by ear, so you do not need to have any musical background or know how to read music. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact me.
The class will culminate in an informal recital on the last day. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
What Past Participants Have To Say
"I highly encourage anyone who has ever felt in awe of a choir in harmony or an intimate duet to take this class and feel the joy of making that aural alchemy yourself. Singing has brought me so much joy."
"After having spent many many years feeling uncertain about how to harmonize, this course helped to demystify harmonizing for me. Eli pushes us just a little our of comfort zones, enough to build, not ruin our self-confidence. I highly recommend it!"
"Eli is a fantastic, patient, and kind teacher, and the class was such a joy to be in. I learned a lot too! I felt supported and encouraged the whole time."
Accessibility
This class is in a wheelchair and scooter accessible space, and students sit in cushioned chairs that do not have arms. All of the exercises are designed to work for people of a broad range of abilities and body types. The class is a fragrance free space (see below for more info). Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register.
Fragrance Free
All participants are asked to attend this class 100% fragrance free by refraining from wearing hair and body products with fragrances, including shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and clothing washed in scented detergents and/or dryer sheets. With your help, we can ensure that our class is a healthy, accessible space for people with multiple chemical sensitivities. More info on how and why to be fragrance free is here.
