As a gay transgender man, I have a deep commitment to working within diverse LGBTQIA+ communities to build collective power, creativity, and resilience through music. It is a great joy and privilege for me to help queer and trans folks and allies come together in song and celebrate each other's unique voices.
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My classes weave together participatory discussion, group songs, musical games, topical lessons, and guided exercises to get participants making music consciously and joyfully. I draw on my 20+ years of vocal training and experience as a touring singer-songwriter. I am also active in social justice movements as a musician, song leader, facilitator, fundraiser, and community organizer. I draw inspiration from the many ways social justice movements use music to build community and strengthen organizing for collective liberation.
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 open to being in a queer-centered space, and are committed to unlearning heterosexism, transphobia, and patriarchy. About Me Eli Conley is a singer-songwriter and teaching artist based in Sacramento, California. He 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 a folk/country 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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ongoing
asynchronous
Fall 2024
Winter 2025
spring 2025
occasional
Queer Songwriter Circle (Online)
A Monthly Workshop Group for Queer & Trans Folks & Allies
Registration for the January - June 2025 sessions will open up in December. Please join the email list to be notified when it does.
Sunday Group
2:30 - 5 pm Pacific / 5:30 - 8 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
1st Sunday of the Month
Current Session: July 7, Aug 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1, 2024
Next Session: Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, Jun 1, 2025
Wednesday Group
5:30 - 8 pm Pacific / 8:30 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Current Session: July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 11 (Note: 2nd Wed), 2024
Next Session: Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21, Jun 18, 2025
The Queer Songwriter Circle is a small online workshop group for queer and trans people and allies. At each meeting 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 areas 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.
Each circle is 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 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. Please reach out if you have any questions or want to see if this space is a fit for you.
Testimonials
"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!"
"There’s something magic about this circle. Both my group of peers and the way Eli creates and helps nurture that group. Having positive spaces that are not just about our identities but where we can share queer joy and queer grief is really meaningful. "
"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."
"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!"
"This group has been really important to me for a lot of reasons. Even though I’ve never met any of these people in person, I love it. I feel like I can be a human with them. I have loved being here and not having to explain who I am and just being accepted. And songs! I hadn’t written anything in years, and now I have two entirely new songs and one highly reworked song. It was so cool that I had this obligation that I had chosen to do that would come up once a month."
Cost (Sliding Scale)
At Cost: $330 (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: $375 (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: $285 (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: $110 - $250 (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.
A Monthly Workshop Group for Queer & Trans Folks & Allies
Registration for the January - June 2025 sessions will open up in December. Please join the email list to be notified when it does.
Sunday Group
2:30 - 5 pm Pacific / 5:30 - 8 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
1st Sunday of the Month
Current Session: July 7, Aug 4, Sept 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1, 2024
Next Session: Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4, Jun 1, 2025
Wednesday Group
5:30 - 8 pm Pacific / 8:30 - 11 pm Eastern - Time Zone Converter
3rd Wednesday of the Month
Current Session: July 17, Aug 21, Sept 18, Oct 16, Nov 20, Dec 11 (Note: 2nd Wed), 2024
Next Session: Jan 15, Feb 19, Mar 19, Apr 16, May 21, Jun 18, 2025
The Queer Songwriter Circle is a small online workshop group for queer and trans people and allies. At each meeting 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 areas 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.
Each circle is 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 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. Please reach out if you have any questions or want to see if this space is a fit for you.
Testimonials
"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!"
"There’s something magic about this circle. Both my group of peers and the way Eli creates and helps nurture that group. Having positive spaces that are not just about our identities but where we can share queer joy and queer grief is really meaningful. "
"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."
"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!"
"This group has been really important to me for a lot of reasons. Even though I’ve never met any of these people in person, I love it. I feel like I can be a human with them. I have loved being here and not having to explain who I am and just being accepted. And songs! I hadn’t written anything in years, and now I have two entirely new songs and one highly reworked song. It was so cool that I had this obligation that I had chosen to do that would come up once a month."
Cost (Sliding Scale)
At Cost: $330 (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: $375 (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: $285 (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: $110 - $250 (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.
Fall 2024
Collaborative Songwriting: A Two-Session Workshop (Online)
Sunday, November 24th & Sunday, December 8th, 2024
1 - 2:30 pm PT / 4 - 5:30 pm ET
Join singer-songwriters and frequent collaborators Eli Conley & Talia Cooper to learn how to co-write a song with someone else. You can sign up with a buddy or be paired up with a partner. At the first session we’ll share our approach to collaborative songwriting and co-write a song in real time right in front of you! Then we’ll give you some accessible strategies and guiding steps and turn you loose with a partner. You’ll be asked to set up a time to get together again sometime in the next two weeks to continue writing your song. At the second session each pair will have a chance to share their co-written song, and together we’ll explore questions, roadblocks, and ways to build and maintain creative partnerships going forward.
It is encouraged (but not required) that participants have written at least one song prior to signing up. The workshop will happen live only, and will not be recorded.
Questions? Reach out to Eli or Talia.
Bonus: Check out some of Eli & Talia’s co-written songs: Breathe Deep, We Will Show Up, and I Believe in Us (Bernie Sanders Song).
Cost: $40 - $100 Sliding Scale, No one turned away for lack of funds
Register: Space in this workshop is limited, so advance registration is required. Registration link coming very soon!
Sunday, November 24th & Sunday, December 8th, 2024
1 - 2:30 pm PT / 4 - 5:30 pm ET
Join singer-songwriters and frequent collaborators Eli Conley & Talia Cooper to learn how to co-write a song with someone else. You can sign up with a buddy or be paired up with a partner. At the first session we’ll share our approach to collaborative songwriting and co-write a song in real time right in front of you! Then we’ll give you some accessible strategies and guiding steps and turn you loose with a partner. You’ll be asked to set up a time to get together again sometime in the next two weeks to continue writing your song. At the second session each pair will have a chance to share their co-written song, and together we’ll explore questions, roadblocks, and ways to build and maintain creative partnerships going forward.
It is encouraged (but not required) that participants have written at least one song prior to signing up. The workshop will happen live only, and will not be recorded.
Questions? Reach out to Eli or Talia.
Bonus: Check out some of Eli & Talia’s co-written songs: Breathe Deep, We Will Show Up, and I Believe in Us (Bernie Sanders Song).
Cost: $40 - $100 Sliding Scale, No one turned away for lack of funds
Register: Space in this workshop is limited, so advance registration is required. Registration link coming very soon!
Body Love Creative Writing Workshop
With Eli Conley & Talia Cooper
Sunday, September 8th
2pm - 4pm Pacific Time / 5pm - 7pm Eastern Time
Online on Zoom
Bodies are amazing and weird! Our culture has a lot to say about bodies. Wanna create your own message?
Words, rhythm, and rhyme can have a powerful impact on our subconscious. That's why Eli Conley and Talia Cooper are teaming up again to offer this workshop -- so you get more agency over how you feel about your body.
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, poems, and letters, and leave with our personal body love anthems!
This workshop is for anyone who:
- wants to start or deepen their body acceptance journey
- would like to write a love song, poem, or letter for their body
- enjoys being creative in community
Open to folks who’ve never written a line, lifelong writers, 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.
Cost: $20 - $60 Sliding Scale, No one turned away for lack of funds
Register: Space in this workshop is limited, so advance registration is required.
With Eli Conley & Talia Cooper
Sunday, September 8th
2pm - 4pm Pacific Time / 5pm - 7pm Eastern Time
Online on Zoom
Bodies are amazing and weird! Our culture has a lot to say about bodies. Wanna create your own message?
Words, rhythm, and rhyme can have a powerful impact on our subconscious. That's why Eli Conley and Talia Cooper are teaming up again to offer this workshop -- so you get more agency over how you feel about your body.
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, poems, and letters, and leave with our personal body love anthems!
This workshop is for anyone who:
- wants to start or deepen their body acceptance journey
- would like to write a love song, poem, or letter for their body
- enjoys being creative in community
Open to folks who’ve never written a line, lifelong writers, 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.
Cost: $20 - $60 Sliding Scale, No one turned away for lack of funds
Register: Space in this workshop is limited, so advance registration is required.
Sing Your Song
A Singing Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
September 9 - November 4, 2024
Sacramento Friends Meeting House
890 57th St (@ Elvas Ave), Sacramento, CA
Calling all shower singers, guitar strummers, and karaoke lovers! In this class you'll learn body-based singing technique, how to put songs in the best key for your voice, and improve your rhythm. Along the way we'll play fun musical games, sing group and solo songs, and you'll get personalized coaching. You can focus on singing while playing an instrument, or sing with karaoke tracks. Beginner to intermediate folks welcome. You do not need to have any previous musical training. The class culminates with a recital on November 4th. 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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
COVID Care
Singing is unfortunately a high risk activity for virus transmission, and rates are especially high as we enter the fall. Out of care for the health of all participants, including disabled and immunocompromised folks, this class requires N95, KN95, or KF94 masks. Lightweight duckbill-style N95s that are more comfortable for singing will be provided, or you can wear your own mask. You're welcome to reach out with any questions.
Accessibility
All of the exercises in this class are designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types, and disabled and neurodivergent folks are very welcome! Most of our time will be spent sitting in sturdy chairs without arms. Participants will stand occasionally, but remaining seated is always an option. The Sacramento Friends Meeting House is a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible space with no steps and a parking lot right outside. We are the only people in the building during class, and there is a dark, quiet room if you need to take a break. There are two single stall ADA accessible all gender restrooms in the building. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
Cost (Sliding Scale)
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% when you register, to hold your spot
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $370 (Unlimited spots)
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. 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/or you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly.
Higher Rate: $470 (Unlimited spots)
This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with folks who need a lower rate to participate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet! 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.
Lower Rate: $270 (4 spots)
This is a discounted rate. Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
A Singing Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
September 9 - November 4, 2024
Sacramento Friends Meeting House
890 57th St (@ Elvas Ave), Sacramento, CA
Calling all shower singers, guitar strummers, and karaoke lovers! In this class you'll learn body-based singing technique, how to put songs in the best key for your voice, and improve your rhythm. Along the way we'll play fun musical games, sing group and solo songs, and you'll get personalized coaching. You can focus on singing while playing an instrument, or sing with karaoke tracks. Beginner to intermediate folks welcome. You do not need to have any previous musical training. The class culminates with a recital on November 4th. 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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
COVID Care
Singing is unfortunately a high risk activity for virus transmission, and rates are especially high as we enter the fall. Out of care for the health of all participants, including disabled and immunocompromised folks, this class requires N95, KN95, or KF94 masks. Lightweight duckbill-style N95s that are more comfortable for singing will be provided, or you can wear your own mask. You're welcome to reach out with any questions.
Accessibility
All of the exercises in this class are designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types, and disabled and neurodivergent folks are very welcome! Most of our time will be spent sitting in sturdy chairs without arms. Participants will stand occasionally, but remaining seated is always an option. The Sacramento Friends Meeting House is a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible space with no steps and a parking lot right outside. We are the only people in the building during class, and there is a dark, quiet room if you need to take a break. There are two single stall ADA accessible all gender restrooms in the building. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
Cost (Sliding Scale)
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% when you register, to hold your spot
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $370 (Unlimited spots)
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. 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/or you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly.
Higher Rate: $470 (Unlimited spots)
This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with folks who need a lower rate to participate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet! 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.
Lower Rate: $270 (4 spots)
This is a discounted rate. Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family.
I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of Worts and Cunning Apothecary and Hadassah Damien of Ride Free Fearless Money for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
Unlock the Song Inside: Beginning Songwriting (Online)
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
Tuesdays, 6 - 8 pm PT / 9 - 11 pm ET
September 3rd - October 29th, 2024
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 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 rhyme, melody, common song forms, hooks, 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!"
Accessibility
This class is designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types. Neurodivergent and disabled folks are very welcome and encouraged to join us! Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
Cost (Sliding Scale)
The cost of this class is on a sliding scale, and payment is due in two installments:
- 50% when you register, to hold your spot
- 50% on the first day of class
At Cost: $370 (Unlimited spots)
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.
Higher Rate: $470 (Unlimited spots)
This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with folks who need a lower rate to participate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet! 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.
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, and/or disabled 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.
Singing on T (Online)
A 5-Week Class for Trans, Nonbinary, &/or Intersex Folks on Testosterone
Tuesdays, November 12th - December 10th, 2024
6 - 8 pm Pacific / 9 - 11 pm Eastern
Online on Zoom
This class will open up for registration in October. Please join the email list to be notified when it does. In the meantime, I encourage you to view the Singing on Testosterone Info Session. You may also be interested in my Vocal Exercises for Singers on Testosterone.
Join longtime trans voice teacher and singer-songwriter Eli Conley for a five-week class that will help you understand how testosterone affects your voice, debunk some common myths about singing and T, and address the joys and challenges of singing with a changed or changing voice. Along the way Eli will share exercises to help you find more ease and freedom in your singing, and create space to build community with folks on a similar journey. Each participant will get one-on-one coaching from Eli, and leave with tools to continue training their voice going forward. Whether you've just started hormones, taken them for decades, or been on and off over time, you are welcome here! Folks with all levels of singing experience (or lack thereof) are welcome to participate.
Accessibility
This online class is designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types. Neurodivergent and disabled folks are very encouraged to join us! All classes will have autocaptions enabled, and a transcript will be made available afterward. Live attendance is encouraged, but all classes will also be recorded and available to watch for one week after each session. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
Cost (Sliding Scale)
At Cost: $275 (Unlimited spots)
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. 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/or you have some debt but are able to pay it regularly.
A Bit More: $325 (Unlimited spots)
This is a pay-it-forward rate. The extra money goes toward allowing me to work with folks who need a lower rate to participate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. Sweet! 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.
A Bit Less: $225 (3 spots)
This is a discounted rate. Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, little or no savings, significant debt, and little or no access to financial support from family.
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, and/or disabled 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.
asynchronous
Singing on Testosterone
An Info Session for Transmasculine, Nonbinary, and Intersex Folks Who Sing
Exciting News: This popular online info session attended by 400+ people in over a dozen countries is now available to watch whenever you like!
Join trans voice teachers Eli Conley and Peter Fullerton to learn about the effects of testosterone on the singing voice. You'll hear about the various stages of vocal transition, some common challenges with singing on T, and tips for how to address them. The recording also includes a thoughtful Q&A with participants. When you purchase the video you will also gain access to a detailed article on the typical stages of vocal transition, and all the slides used in the info session so you can refer back to them at any time.
This info session is intended for transmasculine, intersex, and/or non-binary folks who take, have taken, or are considering taking testosterone. It will be helpful for serious singers, shower singers, and folks who would like to learn to sing with a changed or changing voice.
A Note to Voice Teachers & Music Educators
Please note that this info session is intended only for transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people who are taking or considering taking testosterone. This is not a resource for voice teachers and music educators who are not personally taking or considering taking testosterone.
If you are a music educator who would like to learn more about vocal pedagogy for the transmasculine, nonbinary, and intersex community, we invite you to read Peter's writing and collected resources on this topic, contact Peter directly to book a consultation, check out Eli's articles Creating Gender Liberatory Singing Spaces and Transmasculine People, Testosterone, and Singing: Some Advice, and/or sign up for Eli's newsletter to be in the loop if we offer sessions for music educators in the future. You can also check out the excellent professional development resources from The Voice Lab.
About The Presenters
Eli Conley (he/him) is a singer-songwriter and voice teacher based on Nisenan, Miwok, and Maidu land (Sacramento, CA). As a gay trans man, he has a deep commitment to working within diverse queer and transgender communities to build collective power, creativity, and resilience through music. Eli has 14 years' experience teaching transgender singers, and is a certified teacher of Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™ who continues to study to deepen his approach to contemporary vocal pedagogy. He offers online singing and songwriting classes for LGBTQIA+ folks and allies, as well as private voice lessons and songwriting coaching.
Peter Fullerton (he/him) is a transmasculine singer, voice teacher, and accompanist located in Portland, OR. After 8 years of voice training as a classical soprano, he began testosterone in 2009, and subsequently spent many additional years retraining as a musical theater tenor. Now, he offers voice lessons and vocal coaching (in person and over Zoom) to singers and speakers of all levels, from professional performers to karaoke lovers to anyone who wants to learn to sing. He is a specialist in transgender voice training, with a niche interest in testosterone's effect on the voice, and offers transition consulting services for vocalists. www.peterfullerton.com
Want to hear about upcoming offerings when they're announced?
Winter 2025
The Fundamentals of Singing (In Person)
A 9-Week Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
This class will next be offered in 2025 in Sacramento. Please join the email list to hear about it when dates are announced.
Class Description
This is an in person 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 solo in front of others.
The class culminates with a 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 and snobbery. 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!"
COVID Care
Singing is unfortunately a high risk activity for virus transmission. We will meet in a large open room and always have an air purifier running. Out of love for our immunocompromised and disabled community members, this class will also require N95 or KN95 masks, and proof of updated COVID vaccination. Lightweight duckbill-style N95s that are more comfortable for singing will be provided, or you can wear your own mask. You're welcome to reach out with questions.
Winter 2025
Intro to Harmony Singing (In Person)
A 9-Week Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class will next be offered in 2025 in Sacramento. Please join the email list to be notified when dates are announced.
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 learn how to sing harmony by ear.
We will explore rounds and other big group songs, 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 are asked to meet with their duet partner to practice their song at least twice outside of class over the course of the eight weeks.
This class is designed for people who are generally able to carry a tune, aka stay in key when singing solo. Beginners are welcome -- all learning will be done by ear, so you do not need to have any musical training or know how to read music. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
The class will culminate with a celebratory performance on May 27th. 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 out of our comfort zones, enough to build our self-confidence over time. 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."
COVID Care
Singing is unfortunately a high risk activity for virus transmission. Out of care for our community and the health of all participants including disabled and immunocompromised folks, this class requires:
Lightweight duckbill-style N95s that are more comfortable for singing will be provided, or you can wear your own mask. You're welcome to reach out with questions.
Accessibility
All of the exercises in this class are designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types, and disabled and neurodivergent folks are very welcome! The Sacramento Friends Meeting House is a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible space with no steps and a parking lot right outside. Students will sit in sturdy chairs without arms. There are two single stall ADA accessible all gender restrooms in the building. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
A 9-Week Class for LGBTQIA+ People and Allies
This class will next be offered in 2025 in Sacramento. Please join the email list to be notified when dates are announced.
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 learn how to sing harmony by ear.
We will explore rounds and other big group songs, 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 are asked to meet with their duet partner to practice their song at least twice outside of class over the course of the eight weeks.
This class is designed for people who are generally able to carry a tune, aka stay in key when singing solo. Beginners are welcome -- all learning will be done by ear, so you do not need to have any musical training or know how to read music. If you have any questions about whether this class is right for you, please contact Eli.
The class will culminate with a celebratory performance on May 27th. 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 out of our comfort zones, enough to build our self-confidence over time. 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."
COVID Care
Singing is unfortunately a high risk activity for virus transmission. Out of care for our community and the health of all participants including disabled and immunocompromised folks, this class requires:
- N95 or KN95 masks
- Proof of updated vaccination with the shot that was released in September 2023
Lightweight duckbill-style N95s that are more comfortable for singing will be provided, or you can wear your own mask. You're welcome to reach out with questions.
Accessibility
All of the exercises in this class are designed to work for people with a broad range of abilities and body types, and disabled and neurodivergent folks are very welcome! The Sacramento Friends Meeting House is a wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible space with no steps and a parking lot right outside. Students will sit in sturdy chairs without arms. There are two single stall ADA accessible all gender restrooms in the building. Please let me know about your specific access needs when you register. You're also welcome to reach out with any questions about accessibility.
Intermediate Songwriting (Online)
A Class for Queer & Trans People & Allies
This class will next be offered January - March 2025. Please join the email list to hear about it when dates are announced.
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, crafting compelling chord progressions, writing an effective bridge, and setting up the verses so your songs deepen in meaning as they go on. Along the way there will be songwriting prompts, in class writing exercises, and space to share about songs you love. Every other session will be a workshop day where participants share songs-in-progress and the teacher and the group help each writer strengthen their work in a warm, supportive setting.
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 a celebratory online performance on June 4th. 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."
Queer Writing Party (Online)
Please join the email list to hear about the next Queer Writing Party.
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.
Please join the email list to hear about the next Queer Writing Party.
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.