Songwriting Coaching
When melody, lyrics, and chords combine to create a song, something magic happens.
I love helping folks discover the songs that only they can write.
I love helping folks discover the songs that only they can write.
In private songwriting coaching I'll help you find your voice as a songwriter. Whether you're totally new to songwriting or you've been writing songs for years, I'll meet you right where you're at, and help you develop the tools you need to create deeply compelling songs. We'll look at all sides of songwriting, from lyrical considerations like imagery, point of view, rhyme scheme, and metaphor; to musical elements like crafting the chord progression and melody and shaping your song's arc.
We'll also talk about the emotional side of songwriting, addressing creative roadblocks and using exercises and prompts to explore new ways into the writing process. Along the way I'll provide constructive feedback on your work, and help you learn to perform your original music with power and confidence. If you're interested we can also discuss recording, booking shows, and other elements of sharing your music with the world.
We'll also talk about the emotional side of songwriting, addressing creative roadblocks and using exercises and prompts to explore new ways into the writing process. Along the way I'll provide constructive feedback on your work, and help you learn to perform your original music with power and confidence. If you're interested we can also discuss recording, booking shows, and other elements of sharing your music with the world.
"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."
Location
Online sessions take place on Zoom.
In-person sessions take place in Sacramento, CA, in the Tahoe Park area.
Time
Songwriting coaching sessions can be 30 or 60 minutes.
If you're doing both songwriting and voice coaching, our sessions will be 60 minutes.
Accessibility & Allergen Info
There are three stairs up to the porch to enter my house. I have a chair without arms available for students to sit.
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 an air purifier the day of your lesson.
If you have other access needs or requests, please let me know when you sign up for lessons and I will do my best to accommodate.
Online sessions take place on Zoom.
In-person sessions take place in Sacramento, CA, in the Tahoe Park area.
Time
Songwriting coaching sessions can be 30 or 60 minutes.
If you're doing both songwriting and voice coaching, our sessions will be 60 minutes.
Accessibility & Allergen Info
There are three stairs up to the porch to enter my house. I have a chair without arms available for students to sit.
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 an air purifier the day of your lesson.
If you have other access needs or requests, please let me know when you sign up for lessons and I will do my best to accommodate.
"Eli holds safe space for messy, human existence. It was a great environment to share my vulnerable creativity, in any stage."
Rates (Sliding Scale)
At Cost: $110 / hour, $60 / half hour
This is the true cost of lessons. Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for your household. You might choose this rate if you are able to regularly meet your basic needs and have some expendable income, can travel every 2 - 3 years without burden, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly.
A Little More: $130 / hour, $70 / half hour
Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own the home you live in or rent a higher end property, have paid or pay for private education, travel recreationally, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have reliable work or do not have to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or have increased earning privilege due to your race, gender, or education. This rate sustains me in working with folks who need a lower rate.
A Little Less: $90 / hour, $50 / half hour
Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, have little or no access to financial support from family, have significant debt, and little or no access to savings. This is a discounted rate.
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.
At Cost: $110 / hour, $60 / half hour
This is the true cost of lessons. Consider paying this amount if doing so would be an investment, but not create hardship for your household. You might choose this rate if you are able to regularly meet your basic needs and have some expendable income, can travel every 2 - 3 years without burden, and have some debt but are able to pay it regularly.
A Little More: $130 / hour, $70 / half hour
Please consider paying this amount if you are comfortably able to meet your basic needs, own the home you live in or rent a higher end property, have paid or pay for private education, travel recreationally, have access to financial savings and/or investments, have reliable work or do not have to work to meet your needs, have inherited wealth, and/or have increased earning privilege due to your race, gender, or education. This rate sustains me in working with folks who need a lower rate.
A Little Less: $90 / hour, $50 / half hour
Consider paying this amount if you have limited expendable income, have little or no access to financial support from family, have significant debt, and little or no access to savings. This is a discounted rate.
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.