Singing Classes for LGBTQIA People and Allies
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All too often, queer and transgender folks find spaces focused on singing lacking awareness of our needs, relevance to our lives, and a commitment to collective liberation. I believe that 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. What does LGBTQIA stand for? LGBTQIA stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. Allies are people who don't fall into any of these groups who are committed to challenging heterosexism, transphobia and patriarchy. About the Teacher Eli Conley is a singer-songwriter and voice teacher based in the San Francisco 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 level III certified teacher of Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™ who continues to study to deepen his practice of this voice science supported method of teaching singing. 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. |
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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.”
"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!”
Current Class
The Fundamentals of Singing
A Nine-Week Class for LGBTQIA People and Allies
7 - 9 pm Tuesdays
March 27th - May 29th, 2018
No class on April 17th
First Congregational Church of Oakland - Choir Room
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
0.7 Miles (15 min walk) from 19th St BART
Wheelchair accessible
Free parking at the church
Class Description
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 focuses mostly on solo a capella singing and includes one group song. Students will strengthen their natural singing voices by learning basic vocal technique and developing their chest (low) and head (high) registers. They will learn how to listen to themselves and other singers and expand their vocal range. The class will also focus on getting comfortable singing in front of others. Students are welcome to take this class multiple times.
The class will culminate with an informal recital on the last day. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Accessibility
This class is in a wheelchair 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 room where the class meets is a bit musty, and students with asthma and dust allergies are sometimes sensitive to the space. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register.
Fragrance-Free
An increasing number of people in our community are harmed by a variety of common chemicals and fragrances, including “natural” fragrances and aromatherapy products such as essential oils. Due to allergies, asthma or other chemical sensitivity, they may have difficulty breathing, migraine headaches, flu-like symptoms and more. When we come to class having used products on our bodies or clothing that include fragrances or chemicals, those who are allergic or sensitive are faced with the choice to stay and get sick, or leave and be excluded.
For this reason, I ask all students to join me in making preparations to attend each class session completely fragrance free. With your help, we can ensure that our class is a healthy, accessible space for all participants.
If you haven't been fragrance free before, it can take a little pre-planning. On class days, you'll need to refrain from smoking tobacco or marijuana, and wearing products with added fragrances. This includes colognes and perfumes, but also less obvious things like hair and body products containing chemical fragrances and/or essential oils, and clothing washed in scented detergents.
The easiest way to be fragrance free is to start using a scent free laundry detergent, and purchase some unscented shampoo and soap to use on class days. More info about how and why to be scent-free and a list of scent-free products is available here and here. If you have any questions about this, please contact me.
Class Fee
Standard Rate: $400
A $200 deposit is due when you register to hold your spot in the class. The remaining $200 is due at the first class on March 27th.
Sliding Scale Rate: $375 - $200
I reserve some need-based sliding scale spots in each class for low income participants. More information.
Registration
This class is now in session and registration is closed.
The next session of The Fundamentals of Singing will be in spring 2019. See below for other classes coming up this year!
Upcoming Classes
Unlock the Song Inside
A Nine-Week Songwriting Class for LGBTQIA People and Allies
7 - 9 pm Tuesdays
August 28th - October 23rd, 2018
First Congregational Church of Oakland - Choir Room
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
0.7 Miles (15 min walk) from 19th St BART
Wheelchair accessible
Free parking at the church
Class Description
Everyone has a song inside of them. What does yours sound like? Join this class to unlock your creativity and let your songs out!
This is a supportive community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual people and our 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 aspects of our songwriting. Over the course of the class, we will share our works in progress with each other and give supportive feedback to help each other grow as songwriters. We'll analyze songs by some of our favorite artists to understand point of view, rhyme scheme, meter, song structure, and how to take listeners on an emotional journey. We'll also cover basic chord theory to help take the guess work out of choosing the right chords for each song. The class will culminate with an informal recital on the last day.
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!
Registration
Registration will open in early August. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this happens.
Singing with Instruments
A Five-Week Class for LGBTQIA People and Allies
Tuesdays 7 - 9 pm
November 13th - December 11th, 2018
First Congregational Church of Oakland - Choir Room
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
0.7 Miles (15 min walk) from 19th St BART
Wheelchair accessible
Free parking at the church
Class Description
This is a supportive community singing class for transgender, queer, lesbian, bisexual, gay, asexual, and intersex people and our allies. Participants should be able to carry a tune, but the ability to play an instrument is not required.
Using fun singing games and exercises, this class will help you become more comfortable singing and playing an instrument at the same time, or singing while the teacher accompanies you on an instrument. Participants will also grow as singers by improving their vocal technique, rhythm, and expressive song performance. The class culminates with an informal recital on the last day. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Registration
Registration will open in mid-October. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this happens.
Want to be notified when the dates for future classes are announced and registration opens up?
Intro to Harmony Singing
A Nine-Week Class for LGBTQIA People and Allies
January - March 2019
Exact Dates TBA
Class Description
This is a fun community class for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, 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. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
Registration
Registration will open in December. Please join the e-mail list to be notified when this happens.
