Private Lessons
During this time when many of us are staying home and sheltering-in-place,
I am teaching all private lessons online on Zoom until further notice.
I am teaching all private lessons online on Zoom until further notice.
I offer private lessons in singing and songwriting online, and at my studio in Berkeley, California. I work with students ages 13 to adult, ranging from complete beginners to professional musicians. I am happy to help students prepare for specific auditions, recording projects, or performances. I also offer group classes for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies, and workshops for groups of all kinds. Please read on for more info about my approach, background, and areas of special interest.
"I always leave these lessons feeling kind of giddy and like I want to sing every single day. I highly recommend checking out Eli's group classes, or trying out private singing lessons. Really, I can't say enough good things." Phoenix S.
Read More Testimonials
Read More Testimonials
Teaching Style
My teaching style bridges my experience as a touring folk/country singer-songwriter, my time as a member of award-winning classical choirs including the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and the International Orange Chorale, and my training in Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™. I continue to study to deepen my practice of this method of vocal pedagogy based on deep listening and voice science to help my students sing freely and expressively in all styles of music.
Singing Lessons
I help my students develop and train their natural voices by learning to identify and strengthen their head (high/falsetto) register and chest (low) register, and build a healthy mix of the two in the middle. This work often includes improving vocal strength, flexibility and stamina, smoothing the transitions between registers, addressing muscle constriction to find more freedom and ease in singing, building breath support and capacity, developing a variety of vocal colors, and deepening expressive song performance. I also work with interested students on harmony singing, songwriting, ear training, sight reading, mic technique, live performance skills, and singing while playing an instrument.
Musical Styles
I teach a variety of contemporary popular styles of singing, including (but not limited to) folk, country, R&B, rock, pop, hip hop, soul, musical theater, jazz, gospel, and cabaret. I encourage my students to sing in multiple styles and to bring in music they're interested in singing.
Please note: Though I have experience with classical singing myself, people looking to sing primarily classical music or opera will likely find a better fit with a teacher who specializes in classical singing. You can find a list of other voice teachers in the area who I recommend here.
Songwriting Lessons
When chords, melody, and lyrics combine to create a song, something magic happens. Songwriting students work with me to learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements of their writing. I give targeted feedback and help my students develop the tools they need to write deeply compelling songs and perform their original music with power and confidence. I also help students work through creative blocks and explore new songwriting territory. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or have many years of experience, I would love to help you take your songwriting to the next level.
My teaching style bridges my experience as a touring folk/country singer-songwriter, my time as a member of award-winning classical choirs including the San Francisco Symphony Chorus and the International Orange Chorale, and my training in Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™. I continue to study to deepen my practice of this method of vocal pedagogy based on deep listening and voice science to help my students sing freely and expressively in all styles of music.
Singing Lessons
I help my students develop and train their natural voices by learning to identify and strengthen their head (high/falsetto) register and chest (low) register, and build a healthy mix of the two in the middle. This work often includes improving vocal strength, flexibility and stamina, smoothing the transitions between registers, addressing muscle constriction to find more freedom and ease in singing, building breath support and capacity, developing a variety of vocal colors, and deepening expressive song performance. I also work with interested students on harmony singing, songwriting, ear training, sight reading, mic technique, live performance skills, and singing while playing an instrument.
Musical Styles
I teach a variety of contemporary popular styles of singing, including (but not limited to) folk, country, R&B, rock, pop, hip hop, soul, musical theater, jazz, gospel, and cabaret. I encourage my students to sing in multiple styles and to bring in music they're interested in singing.
Please note: Though I have experience with classical singing myself, people looking to sing primarily classical music or opera will likely find a better fit with a teacher who specializes in classical singing. You can find a list of other voice teachers in the area who I recommend here.
Songwriting Lessons
When chords, melody, and lyrics combine to create a song, something magic happens. Songwriting students work with me to learn strategies to strengthen each of these elements of their writing. I give targeted feedback and help my students develop the tools they need to write deeply compelling songs and perform their original music with power and confidence. I also help students work through creative blocks and explore new songwriting territory. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or have many years of experience, I would love to help you take your songwriting to the next level.
"I have been really impressed at how, with practice and Eli's nurturance, my voice was able to grow and develop into something lovely and unique on its own. I stopped wanting to be like other singers and started focusing on being more like my best self, and that was an incredible gift from our work together." Christine H.
Read More Testimonials
Read More Testimonials
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Teaching Hours
Tuesdays 2:30 - 5 pm Pacific Time Wednesdays 2 pm - 7 pm Pacific Time Thursdays 1:30 pm - 6:30 pm Pacific Time |
Location
In-person lessons take place in south Berkeley just a half mile away from the Ashby BART station. This location is accessible by bus and bike, and there is free street parking. Online lessons take place on Zoom. |
Becoming a Student
At your first lesson we will get to know each other and explore where your voice and/or songwriting is at right now. If we're working on singing, I'll begin to design a vocal exercise program tailored to you and your goals. We'll also take a look at a song.
If you're interested in continuing to work with me, we will setup a regular time for you to come in. I find that weekly lessons allow for the most consistent progress and motivation. Some students work with me every other week because it's a better fit for their schedule or budget.
Students who aren't able to come at a regular time can opt to take an intro lesson and then schedule lessons one at a time as I have availability. Regardless of how often we work together, practicing consistently between lessons is key!
At your first lesson we will get to know each other and explore where your voice and/or songwriting is at right now. If we're working on singing, I'll begin to design a vocal exercise program tailored to you and your goals. We'll also take a look at a song.
If you're interested in continuing to work with me, we will setup a regular time for you to come in. I find that weekly lessons allow for the most consistent progress and motivation. Some students work with me every other week because it's a better fit for their schedule or budget.
Students who aren't able to come at a regular time can opt to take an intro lesson and then schedule lessons one at a time as I have availability. Regardless of how often we work together, practicing consistently between lessons is key!
My Training
I have studied jazz singing at Berklee College of Music and classical singing at Oberlin Conservatory. I also have experience singing folk, indie rock, country, pop, soul, musical theater, classical and contemporary a cappella music. I trained in Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™ at the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute.
As a songwriter, I have been a student of master songwriters Steve Seskin and Caren Armstrong, and I regularly attend the Rocky Mountain Song School.
Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™
Rooted in voice science and voice therapy, Somatic Voicework™ teaches students to use their natural voices in a healthy way in order to sing the types of music they like to sing. The founder, Jeanette LoVetri, has been a fixture in the voice science research community for over 30 years, and has published numerous articles and research papers about contemporary singing. There are over 500 certified teachers in the United States teaching privately and at many of the world's leading conservatories. Those of us who teach this method share the newest research findings, industry news, and teaching ideas with each other. Due to this network of teachers sharing information, the student gets the most up-to-date vocal pedagogy available. More information about Somatic Voicework™.
I have studied jazz singing at Berklee College of Music and classical singing at Oberlin Conservatory. I also have experience singing folk, indie rock, country, pop, soul, musical theater, classical and contemporary a cappella music. I trained in Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™ at the Contemporary Commercial Music Vocal Pedagogy Institute.
As a songwriter, I have been a student of master songwriters Steve Seskin and Caren Armstrong, and I regularly attend the Rocky Mountain Song School.
Somatic Voicework - The LoVetri Method™
Rooted in voice science and voice therapy, Somatic Voicework™ teaches students to use their natural voices in a healthy way in order to sing the types of music they like to sing. The founder, Jeanette LoVetri, has been a fixture in the voice science research community for over 30 years, and has published numerous articles and research papers about contemporary singing. There are over 500 certified teachers in the United States teaching privately and at many of the world's leading conservatories. Those of us who teach this method share the newest research findings, industry news, and teaching ideas with each other. Due to this network of teachers sharing information, the student gets the most up-to-date vocal pedagogy available. More information about Somatic Voicework™.
Gender and the Voice
I am a part of Bay Area transgender, queer, and social justice activist communities, and so are many of my students. I work with singers of all genders, including genderqueer and non-binary people, agender people, trans women and people on the trans feminine spectrum, and trans men and people on the trans masculine spectrum. You can find my advice regarding transgender men, testosterone and singing in this blog post. In working with me, your gender, body, and boundaries will be respected.
I focus my work on the singing voice. If you are looking for a voice coach to work with you on your speaking voice in the Bay Area, I highly recommend Wendy Vastine in Berkeley and Oneida Chi in San Francisco. If you're a member of Kaiser Permanente, you may be able to receive speech therapy through their Multi-Specialty Transitions Department in Oakland. If you are low income, Gender Health San Francisco may be able to help you receive low cost voice coaching.
If you're not in the Bay Area, you can find a comprehensive list of voice coaches and therapists who work with transgender people at Transgender Pulse.
Working with a coach in person is generally the most effective, but if you can't find a voice coach in your area, my friend Peter Fullerton in Portland, Oregon is a wonderful teacher who is transgender and genderqueer himself. He offers speech and singing training online, and I recommend him highly. You can also check out the teachers at Tru Voice Lessons, many of whom are also transgender.
Accessibility & Allergen Info
My teaching studio is up a flight of twenty stairs with railings on both sides. There is a chair without arms available for students if you need to sit during your lesson.
My home is completely fragrance-free, but I do have some students who wear body products with fragrances. There is a cat in the house who is not allowed in my teaching studio. If you have chemical sensitivities or a severe feline allergy, please let me know and I will run the air purifier the day of your lesson.
"Eli has truly been one of the best teachers my daughter has ever had, in any subject." Katherine H.
Read More Testimonials
"Eli has truly been one of the best teachers my daughter has ever had, in any subject." Katherine H.
Read More Testimonials
Cost
Lessons are one hour, and students pay on a sliding scale:
Redistributor: $120
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, own a newer car, own your home or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have investments, can afford to travel every year, have expendable income.
Payer Forward: $100
This is the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: you sometimes stress about meeting basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, childcare, etc) but still regularly achieve them, are able to buy some new items and thrift others, can travel every couple/few years without burden, have some debt but it does not prevent access to basic needs/wants.
Sustainer: $80
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 such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots on my calendar per month. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. If that's true for you, I would be happy to talk you about becoming a pay-what-you-can student.
Lessons are one hour, and students pay on a sliding scale:
Redistributor: $120
Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: You are comfortably able to meet your basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, own a newer car, own your home or rent a higher end property, have access to financial savings, have reliable work or do not need to work to meet your needs, have investments, can afford to travel every year, have expendable income.
Payer Forward: $100
This is the tier I need most people to choose in order to cover my expenses and pay myself a living wage. Consider paying at this level if one or more of the following apply: you sometimes stress about meeting basic needs (food, housing, healthcare, childcare, etc) but still regularly achieve them, are able to buy some new items and thrift others, can travel every couple/few years without burden, have some debt but it does not prevent access to basic needs/wants.
Sustainer: $80
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 such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare, have little or no access to savings or financial support from family, have higher debt that requires some sacrifices on needs/wants.
Pay-What-You-Can
I reserve two pay-what-you-can spots on my calendar per month. Please consider this option only if you struggle to meet your basic needs such as food, housing, healthcare, and childcare. If that's true for you, I would be happy to talk you about becoming a pay-what-you-can student.
Gift Certificates
Singing lessons can be a wonderful way to treat the singer (or singer-to-be) in your life. I offer gift certificates for private lessons and group classes. Contact me for more information.
Singing lessons can be a wonderful way to treat the singer (or singer-to-be) in your life. I offer gift certificates for private lessons and group classes. Contact me for more information.
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Eli Conley Vocal Music Studio
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