Music Classes
for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
ONLINE OFFERINGS
During this time when many of us are staying home and sheltering-in-place,
I am offering all classes and workshops online until further notice.
I am offering all classes and workshops online until further notice.
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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. 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 the Bay Area. 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 voice 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!”
Sing Your Song
A 9-Week Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm Pacific Time
September 29th - November 24th, 2020
This is a community singing class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and/or asexual people and allies. Using fun musical games and exercises, this 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 take this class. The class culminates with an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
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."
Class Fee
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.
The cost of the class is on a sliding scale:
Redistributor: $450
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
Payer Forward: $350
This is 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, 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
Sustainer: $250
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
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots per class. These spots can slide all the way down to free for folks who would otherwise be unable to participate. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and 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.
Register
Space in this class is limited to 12 participants. This class often fills up quickly, so I encourage you to register today!
A 50% deposit is due when you register to reserve your spot in the class. The remaining 50% is due by the first session on September 29th.
A 9-Week Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Tuesdays 6 - 8 pm Pacific Time
September 29th - November 24th, 2020
This is a community singing class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non-binary, queer, intersex, and/or asexual people and allies. Using fun musical games and exercises, this 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 take this class. The class culminates with an informal recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
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."
Class Fee
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.
The cost of the class is on a sliding scale:
Redistributor: $450
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
Payer Forward: $350
This is 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, 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
Sustainer: $250
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
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots per class. These spots can slide all the way down to free for folks who would otherwise be unable to participate. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and 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.
Register
Space in this class is limited to 12 participants. This class often fills up quickly, so I encourage you to register today!
A 50% deposit is due when you register to reserve your spot in the class. The remaining 50% is due by the first session on September 29th.
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. Everyone is welcome to come and sing!
Register and every month you'll receive a link to join us on Zoom. 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. Everyone is welcome to come and sing!
Register and every month you'll receive a link to join us on Zoom. Come as often or as infrequently as you like.
Intermediate Songwriting
A Five-Week Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Sundays 2 - 4:30 pm Pacific Time
September 20th - October 18th, 2020
Class Description
This is a supportive community songwriting class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, non-binary, asexual, and intersex people and our allies.
Building on themes from Eli's beginning songwriting class Unlock the Song Inside, this class offers an opportunity to go more deeply into tools we can use to write compelling songs. Each week there will be a new songwriting prompt, and participants will share works-in-progress and get supportive critique to strengthen their songs. Along the way we'll explore techniques for writing memorable melodies, choosing an intentional point of view, writing an effective bridge, getting your music and lyrics to tell the same story, and setting up your verses so the song takes on deeper meaning as it goes.
Participants should have some previous background with songwriting, but no formal musical training is required.
What past participants had to say:
"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."
"Eli holds safe space for messy, human existence. It was a great environment to share my vulnerable creativity, in any stage."
Cost
Redistributor: $300
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
Payer Forward: $250
This is 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, 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
Sustainer: $200
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
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots per class. These spots can slide all the way down to free for folks who would otherwise be unable to participate. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and 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.
Register
Space in this class is limited to 12 participants. This class often fills up quickly, so I encourage you to register today!
A 50% deposit is due when you register to reserve your spot in the class.
The remaining 50% is due by the first session on September 20th.
A Five-Week Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Sundays 2 - 4:30 pm Pacific Time
September 20th - October 18th, 2020
Class Description
This is a supportive community songwriting class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, non-binary, asexual, and intersex people and our allies.
Building on themes from Eli's beginning songwriting class Unlock the Song Inside, this class offers an opportunity to go more deeply into tools we can use to write compelling songs. Each week there will be a new songwriting prompt, and participants will share works-in-progress and get supportive critique to strengthen their songs. Along the way we'll explore techniques for writing memorable melodies, choosing an intentional point of view, writing an effective bridge, getting your music and lyrics to tell the same story, and setting up your verses so the song takes on deeper meaning as it goes.
Participants should have some previous background with songwriting, but no formal musical training is required.
What past participants had to say:
"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."
"Eli holds safe space for messy, human existence. It was a great environment to share my vulnerable creativity, in any stage."
Cost
Redistributor: $300
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
Payer Forward: $250
This is 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, 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
Sustainer: $200
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
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots per class. These spots can slide all the way down to free for folks who would otherwise be unable to participate. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and 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.
Register
Space in this class is limited to 12 participants. This class often fills up quickly, so I encourage you to register today!
A 50% deposit is due when you register to reserve your spot in the class.
The remaining 50% is due by the first session on September 20th.
Want to be notified when the dates for future classes are announced and registration opens up?
The Fundamentals of Singing
A 9-Week Online Class for LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Tuesdays 6 pm - 8 pm Pacific Time
July 7th - September 8th, 2020
No class the week of August 4th
Online on Zoom
This is a supportive community singing class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, asexual, and intersex people and our allies who want to develop their singing 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 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 an educated ear and expand your vocal range. The class will also focus on getting 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
Standard Rate: $350
$175 is due when you register to hold your spot in the class. The remaining $175 is due at our first session.
Sliding Scale Rate: $200 - $325
I reserve some need-based sliding scale spots in each class for low income participants. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, people raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. More information.
Registering
This class is now full and registration is closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified next time it's offered.
Unlock the Song Inside
A Nine-Week Online Songwriting Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
Next Session TBA
Join the e-mail list to be notified next time this class is offered.
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 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.
Each session will begin with a fun writing exercise to 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 give supportive feedback to help each other grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs by some of our favorite artists to understand how songs take listeners on an emotional journey using point of view, rhyme scheme, meter, and different song structures. We'll also cover basic chord theory to help take the guess work 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. Beginners 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."
"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."
Unlock the Song Inside
A Nine-Week Online Songwriting Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
Next Session TBA
Join the e-mail list to be notified next time this class is offered.
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 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.
Each session will begin with a fun writing exercise to 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 give supportive feedback to help each other grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs by some of our favorite artists to understand how songs take listeners on an emotional journey using point of view, rhyme scheme, meter, and different song structures. We'll also cover basic chord theory to help take the guess work 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. Beginners 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."
"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."
Summer Songwriter Circle
For LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Sundays 2 - 4:30 pm Pacific Time
July 12th, July 26th, August 9th, & August 23rd, 2020
Description
Bring a song you're working on and get supportive feedback and critique from Eli and the group in a facilitated space. Through workshopping your own and others' songs, you will gain tools and perspectives to deepen your songwriting. Each session you will also be given an optional prompt to get your writing started for next time.
Testimonials
"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!"
"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."
Cost
$120 ($30 per session)
Payment for all four sessions is due when you register to hold your spot in the group.
Sliding Scale Policy
I reserve some need-based sliding scale spots in each circle for low income participants. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, people raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. More information.
Registration
This circle is now full and registration is closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified about the next circle.
For LGBTQIA+ People & Allies
Sundays 2 - 4:30 pm Pacific Time
July 12th, July 26th, August 9th, & August 23rd, 2020
Description
Bring a song you're working on and get supportive feedback and critique from Eli and the group in a facilitated space. Through workshopping your own and others' songs, you will gain tools and perspectives to deepen your songwriting. Each session you will also be given an optional prompt to get your writing started for next time.
Testimonials
"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!"
"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."
Cost
$120 ($30 per session)
Payment for all four sessions is due when you register to hold your spot in the group.
Sliding Scale Policy
I reserve some need-based sliding scale spots in each circle for low income participants. Priority is given to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, people raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. More information.
Registration
This circle is now full and registration is closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified about the next circle.
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 Nine-Week Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class is currently 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.
First Congregational Church of Oakland - Choir Room
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
0.7 Miles from 19th St BART
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 Nine-Week Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class is currently 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.
First Congregational Church of Oakland - Choir Room
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
0.7 Miles from 19th St BART
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.
