Music Classes
for Queer & Trans People & Allies
ONLINE OFFERINGS
Most of my classes and workshops are currently online. Though we're not gathering in person, the intention is the same: building queer community and resilience through creativity and song. Please see below for my 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 music lacking an awareness of our needs 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 musicians. 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 interested in being in a queer-centered space, and are committed to unlearning and challenging heterosexism, transphobia, and patriarchy. About the Teacher Eli Conley is a singer-songwriter and teaching artist based in Sacramento, California. As a gay transgender man, Eli has a deep commitment to working within diverse LGBTQIA+ communities to build 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 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 and songwriting coaching for people of all identities, ages 13 and up. |
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Classes
For Adults:
For Teens:
Coming Up
Queer Singing Circle -- IN PERSON!
Saturday, December 31st
1 - 2:30 pm
Outdoors in a backyard in Oakland, CA
1 mile from Fruitvale BART
Join singer-songwriter and teaching artist Eli Conley for an outdoor gathering to connect with your breath and raise up your voice in queer community. Eli will teach rounds, songs in simple two and three-part harmony, and songs he improvises on the spot for the group to sing. Total beginners to experienced singers are welcome. No prior musical experience is needed. While this space centers queer, trans, and non-binary voices, it is open to all.
Cost: $5 - $30 Sliding Scale
Location: We'll meet in the backyard of a house 1 mile from Fruitvale BART, near the intersection of Foothill Blvd & Fruitvale Ave. This location is accessible by bus and bike, and there is free street parking. The exact address will be shared with registered participants a few days before we meet.
COVID Care: Out of love for our immunocompromised and disabled community members, masks and proof of bivalent/Omicron Covid booster are required.
Accessibility: This backyard is flat and wheelchair accessible. The bathroom in the house is also wheelchair accessible up a ramp. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register.
Queer Writing Party (Online)
January 1, 2023
1 - 3 pm PT / 4 - 6 pm ET
$5 - $30 Sliding Scale
Online on Zoom
Come be in community while you journal, work on a song, poem, essay, story, or whatever you like. No prior writing experience needed. At the beginning we'll gather to check in and set intentions for our writing practice. There will be an optional writing prompt, and we'll all take some time to go write on our own. At the end we'll come back together and there will be space to share. You're also welcome to just stay and listen. This is a queer and trans-centered space, and allies are also very welcome to join us.
Queer Writing Party (Online)
January 1, 2023
1 - 3 pm PT / 4 - 6 pm ET
$5 - $30 Sliding Scale
Online on Zoom
Come be in community while you journal, work on a song, poem, essay, story, or whatever you like. No prior writing experience needed. At the beginning we'll gather to check in and set intentions for our writing practice. There will be an optional writing prompt, and we'll all take some time to go write on our own. At the end we'll come back together and there will be space to share. You're also welcome to just stay and listen. This is a queer and trans-centered space, and allies are also very welcome to join us.
Sing Your Song (Online)
A Singing Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Thursdays, January 12th - March 9th, 2023
6 - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
Class Description
Build on your strengths and transform your vocal blocks in this online singing class for queer and trans folks and allies. You can focus on singing while playing an instrument, or singing with karaoke tracks. Beginners and karaoke lovers welcome! Along the way we'll play fun musical games, sing group and solo songs, explore vocal exercises, and you'll get personalized vocal coaching. We'll put a particular focus on understanding musical "keys" as a singer, embodying rhythm, and developing your expressive song performance.
Participants should be able to carry a tune, but you do not need to have any previous musical or vocal training. The class culminates with an online recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Testimonials
"Eli's classes are life changing. His encouragement and teaching style are welcoming and just the right amount of challenging to help you grow as a singer. Eli taught me to love my voice and the gift that music is."
"Eli's classes teach equal parts technique and grace. His accessible, generous, inclusive approach encouraged me to explore my voice with more compassion and bravery than I knew was possible. I want to take every class he teaches!"
"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
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% deposit when you register
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $350 (Unlimited spots)
Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for you. You might choose this rate if you are regularly able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare) and have some expendable income, you can travel every few years without burden, and you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to pay in order to cover my costs and pay myself a living wage.
A Bit More: $450 (Unlimited spots)
Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare), own the home your live in or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have paid or pay for private education, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or can afford to travel every year. This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with more folks who need a lower rate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet!
A Bit Less: $250 (3 spots)
Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no access to savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family. This is a discounted rate.
Pay-What-You-Can: $90 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. If you are Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, a trans woman, and/or a trans femme and paying more would be a significant hardship, this option is for you.
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.
Intermediate Songwriting (Online)
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Tuesdays January 10th - March 7th
No class the week of February 14th
5:30 pm - 8 pm Pacific / 8:30 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
Get your creative juices flowing in this online songwriting class for queer and trans folks and allies! We'll explore techniques for writing memorable melodies, choosing an intentional point of view, writing an effective bridge, crafting compelling chord progressions, getting your music and lyrics to tell the same story, and setting up the verses so your songs deepen in meaning as they go on. Every session there will be a new songwriting prompt, and participants will share works-in-progress and get supportive critique to strengthen their songs.
No formal musical training is needed, but participants should have some previous background with songwriting. It is recommended (but not required) that participants be able to sing a simple song and play an instrument at the same time, or create and sing over their own beats/musical backing tracks.
The class culminates with an online recital. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Testimonials
"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."
"Eli is a warm and skilled teacher who also sometimes acts as a community healer. His ability to create space for all the baggage and trauma that often inspires or informs our music is sensitive and accessible and kind. It is so much more than just learning tips for songwriting. It's also about sharing our gifts and stories with members of our community and holding our precious experiences with love and gratitude. The space he created for us has helped me in ways I couldn't have imagined."
"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."
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% deposit when you register
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $400 (Unlimited spots)
Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for you. You might choose this rate if you are regularly able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare) and have some expendable income, you can travel every few years without burden, and you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to pay in order to cover my costs and pay myself a living wage.
A Bit More: $500 (Unlimited spots)
Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare), own the home your live in or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have paid or pay for private education, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or can afford to travel every year. This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with more folks who need a lower rate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet!
A Bit Less: $300 (3 spots)
Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no access to savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family. This is a discounted rate.
Pay-What-You-Can: $100 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. If you are Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, a trans woman, and/or a trans femme and paying more would be a significant hardship, this option is for you.
Optional Add-On - Private Coaching Session: $60 for half an hour, $110 for one hour
Participants have the option to add a private coaching session with the instructor focused on in-depth song feedback, performance, singing, guitar, music business, teaching, music theory, or related topics of their choice.
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.
Queer Songwriter Circle (Online)
For Queer & Trans People & Allies
Sunday Session
2:30 - 5 pm Pacific / 5:30 - 8 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
January 15th, February 12th, March 12th, April 16th, May 14th, & June 11th, 2023
Monday Session
5:30 - 8 pm Pacific / 8:30 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
January 30th, February 27th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, & June 12th, 2023
Participants in the Monday group have the option of signing up for the half session (January - March) or the full session (January - June).
5:30 - 8 pm Pacific / 8:30 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
January 30th, February 27th, March 27th, April 24th, May 22nd, & June 12th, 2023
Participants in the Monday group have the option of signing up for the half session (January - March) or the full session (January - June).
The Queer Songwriter Circle is a small online workshop group for queer and trans people and allies. At each session participants share a song they're working on and receive feedback from the teacher and the group in a warm, supportive setting. We use a method inspired by Liz Lerman's Critical Response Process: We start by sharing what we love about each song, then explore what's working and what could be revised to make the song stronger, tailoring our feedback to the songwriter's questions and places they would like help. Everyone participates in this process, and the goal is for all of us to learn something from each song we look at.
Sessions are limited to six participants so we can take a deep dive into each person's work and build an ongoing creative community. Most people play live in class so we can try out changes in real time, but you can also play a recording of your song. Every month there is an optional prompt to help get your writing started for next time. It is recommended (but not required) that participants have taken at least one songwriting class with Eli prior to joining a circle.
Testimonials
"This writing circle is such a great way to continue my songwriting practice and challenge myself to write consistently. Everyone has been super open to my songs whether they are just written an hour before or on their fifth draft. I love the feedback, flexibility, and community."
"Eli's songwriter circles are a delightful space where queer community, creativity, music, and mutual support all come together in beautiful ways. I highly recommend this circle for songwriters of all levels of experience who want support and motivation to keep writing!"
"This is a wonderful, warm, supportive and beautifully Queer space to continue to grow as a songwriter. Eli cultivates a sense of community that encourages everyone to show up exactly where they are at. And it is a lot of fun!"
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% deposit when you register
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $310 for the Full Session, $160 for the Half Session (Monday group only) (Unlimited spots)
Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for you. You might choose this rate if you are regularly able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare) and have some expendable income, you can travel every few years without burden, and you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly. This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to pay in order to cover my costs and pay myself a living wage.
A Bit More: $350 for the Full Session, $180 for the Half Session (Monday group only) (Unlimited spots)
Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, transportation, childcare), own the home your live in or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have paid or pay for private education, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or can afford to travel every year. This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with more folks who need a lower rate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet!
A Bit Less: $270 for the Full Session, $140 for the Half Session (Monday group only) (2 spots)
Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no access to savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family. This is a discounted rate.
Pay-What-You-Can: $100 - $230 for the Full Session, $55 - $120 for the Half Session (Monday group only) (1 spot)
If you are Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, a trans woman, and/or a trans femme and paying more would be a significant hardship, this option is for you.
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.
Current Classes
The Fundamentals of Singing (Online)
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Wednesdays, October 12th - December 7th, 2022
6 - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
Class Description
This is an online community singing class for queer and transgender people and allies who want to develop their voices in a warm, supportive group setting. Beginners are very welcome! No musical experience is necessary.
Learn to sing using fun games, vocal exercises, group sing-a-longs, and solo songs of your own choosing. You will strengthen your natural voice by learning the fundamentals of vocal technique and developing your chest (low) and head (high) registers. You'll get personalized coaching, and learn how to listen to yourself and other singers with a more knowledgeable ear. You'll also get lots of practice and get more comfortable singing in front of others.
The class culminates with an 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."
"This class opened up a new world for me. I have always harbored a desire to sing with the confidence I see in many of my friends but due to anxiety I've always shut myself down, held my voice back. This class helped me to open up to my voice, to give it space to just be what it is and to start to love and value it. I'm so grateful and so excited to see what other changes this leads to in my life."
"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 rarely sang before this class, although I was an experienced cellist. I felt myself improving and growing in confidence from the very first week, and despite a critical ear and brain, came to truly enjoy the sound of my own voice and the experience of singing, thanks to Eli's amazing teaching style and skill. I immediately signed up for a second class, and recruited several friends to join me."
"I have dreamt of a place free of shame, snobbery, and evaluation of musical talent. I found it! This class brought me to a community of folks centered in love of song and voice that was encouraging in a realistic way. I learned so much about music and voice. This is another reminder what queerdos can create for each other in community!"
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: a 50% deposit when you register, and 50% on the first day of class.
Payer Forward: $350 (Unlimited spots)
Please Note: This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to choose to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the rate above this level, you are helping support the participation of lower income folks.
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: You 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: $100 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class for folks who would not otherwise be able to participate. Priority is given to people 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. 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
Registration is now closed. Please join the email list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Wednesdays, October 12th - December 7th, 2022
6 - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
Class Description
This is an online community singing class for queer and transgender people and allies who want to develop their voices in a warm, supportive group setting. Beginners are very welcome! No musical experience is necessary.
Learn to sing using fun games, vocal exercises, group sing-a-longs, and solo songs of your own choosing. You will strengthen your natural voice by learning the fundamentals of vocal technique and developing your chest (low) and head (high) registers. You'll get personalized coaching, and learn how to listen to yourself and other singers with a more knowledgeable ear. You'll also get lots of practice and get more comfortable singing in front of others.
The class culminates with an 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."
"This class opened up a new world for me. I have always harbored a desire to sing with the confidence I see in many of my friends but due to anxiety I've always shut myself down, held my voice back. This class helped me to open up to my voice, to give it space to just be what it is and to start to love and value it. I'm so grateful and so excited to see what other changes this leads to in my life."
"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 rarely sang before this class, although I was an experienced cellist. I felt myself improving and growing in confidence from the very first week, and despite a critical ear and brain, came to truly enjoy the sound of my own voice and the experience of singing, thanks to Eli's amazing teaching style and skill. I immediately signed up for a second class, and recruited several friends to join me."
"I have dreamt of a place free of shame, snobbery, and evaluation of musical talent. I found it! This class brought me to a community of folks centered in love of song and voice that was encouraging in a realistic way. I learned so much about music and voice. This is another reminder what queerdos can create for each other in community!"
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: a 50% deposit when you register, and 50% on the first day of class.
Payer Forward: $350 (Unlimited spots)
Please Note: This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to choose to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the rate above this level, you are helping support the participation of lower income folks.
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: You 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: $100 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class for folks who would not otherwise be able to participate. Priority is given to people 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. 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
Registration is now closed. Please join the email list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting (Online)
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Tuesdays, October 11th - December 13th, 2022
No class the week of December 6th
6 - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
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 an 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.
It is recommended (but not required) that participants be able to sing a simple song and play an instrument at the same time, or create and sing over their own beats/musical backing tracks. No other musical experience is necessary. You do not need to read music or know any music theory to participate. 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."
"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!"
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: a 50% deposit when you register, and 50% on the first day of class.
Payer Forward: $350 (Unlimited spots)
This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to choose in order to cover my costs and pay myself a living wage. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the rate above this level, you are helping make the class more accessible for low income participants.
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: You 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: $100 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. Priority is given to people who are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs and paying more 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
Registration is now closed. Please join the email list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
Everyone has songs inside of them. What do yours sound like? Join us to unlock your creativity and let your songs out!
This is an 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.
It is recommended (but not required) that participants be able to sing a simple song and play an instrument at the same time, or create and sing over their own beats/musical backing tracks. No other musical experience is necessary. You do not need to read music or know any music theory to participate. 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."
"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!"
Class Fee
The class fee is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments: a 50% deposit when you register, and 50% on the first day of class.
Payer Forward: $350 (Unlimited spots)
This is the true cost of the class, and the rate I need most people to choose in order to cover my costs and pay myself a living wage. If you choose a rate below this level, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the rate above this level, you are helping make the class more accessible for low income participants.
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: You 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: $100 - $200 (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. Priority is given to people who are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, folks raised working class or poor, and people with disabilities. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs and paying more 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
Registration is now closed. Please join the email list to be notified the next time this class is offered.
Want to hear about future classes when they're announced?
OTHER CLASSES
Sing Out! (Online)
A 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. I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach:
Standard Rate: $250 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class. If you choose a level below this rate, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the level above this rate, you are helping make this class accessible to more participants. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: Your family sometimes stresses about meeting basic needs (food, housing, medicine, childcare) but still regularly achieves them, your family is able to buy some new items and thrift others, your family can travel every 2 - 3 years without burden, your family has 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: Your family is comfortably able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, medicine, childcare), your family owns a newer car and/or a home or rents a higher end property, your family has access to financial savings, you parent or guardians have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your family's needs, your family has investments, your family can afford to travel every year, your family has expendable income.
A Little Less: $175 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: Your family has very limited expendable income, your parents or guardians are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet your family's basic needs, your family has little or no access to savings or financial support from your extended family, your family has higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Full Scholarship: 2 spots
Full scholarship spots are available for participants who are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, and teens who don't have financial support from family.
Register
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this class is offered again.
A 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. I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach:
Standard Rate: $250 - Unlimited spots
This is the true cost of the class. If you choose a level below this rate, you are receiving a discount. If you choose the level above this rate, you are helping make this class accessible to more participants. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: Your family sometimes stresses about meeting basic needs (food, housing, medicine, childcare) but still regularly achieves them, your family is able to buy some new items and thrift others, your family can travel every 2 - 3 years without burden, your family has 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: Your family is comfortably able to meet your basic needs (food, housing, medicine, childcare), your family owns a newer car and/or a home or rents a higher end property, your family has access to financial savings, you parent or guardians have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your family's needs, your family has investments, your family can afford to travel every year, your family has expendable income.
A Little Less: $175 - 3 spots
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: Your family has very limited expendable income, your parents or guardians are unemployed or have unstable employment but are still able to meet your family's basic needs, your family has little or no access to savings or financial support from your extended family, your family has higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Full Scholarship: 2 spots
Full scholarship spots are available for participants who are Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color, trans women and trans femmes, and teens who don't have financial support from family.
Register
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this class is offered again.
Our Own Songs: Songwriting Class for Queer & Trans Teens (Online)
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
Registration is now closed. Please join the e-mail list to be notified if this class is offered again.
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.
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!"