Singing: Beyond The Basics - A Class for Queer & Trans Folks & Allies

Mondays, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
February 2nd - March 30th, 2026
In this class for queer and trans folks and allies you will:
- Get personalized coaching to build your vocal technique
- Learn about musical keys and how to put songs in the best spot for your vocal range
- Improve your rhythmic skills
- Develop your expressive song performance
Along the way we'll also play fun musical games and sing group and solo songs.
You can focus on singing while playing an instrument, or sing with karaoke tracks.
Beginner to intermediate singers welcome. You do not need to have any previous musical training.
The class culminates with a celebratory closing performance on March 30th. Glitter will be optional but highly encouraged!
About the Teacher
Eli Conley is a singer-songwriter and teaching artist. As a gay transgender man, he has as deep commitment to working with diverse queer and trans communities to build collective power, creativity, and resilience through music. 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 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.

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. Out of care for our community and 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
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: $376 (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: $476 (Unlimited spots)
This is a pay-it-forward rate. It's an opportunity to not only take this class, but also support your fellow community members in doing so too. 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: $276 (4 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.
Pay What You Can (2 spots)
Two pay-what-you-can spots are available in this class. If you are Black, Indigenous, a Person of Color, Disabled, and/or a trans woman or trans femme and paying more would be a hardship, this option is for you.
​I am grateful to Alexis J. Cunningfolk of and Hadassah Damien of for inspiring my approach to sliding scale.
More Info
See all Eli's upcoming offerings for queer and trans folks and allies
Questions? [email protected]

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