About Us
What is GBSP?
The Great Blue Song Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that brings the power of songwriting to people coping with illness or grief - no musical skills required. We match individuals and families with singer-songwriters who can give voice to their stories, including the parts that cannot be expressed by words alone.
Our Mission
To make great music that inspires people to live their best lives - no matter how much time they have left.
Our Vision
Through the songwriting process, we create a space for people to rediscover their light (their music), connect with family and friends, share their voice, encourage others, and foster community.
Meet Arnie
Our Spirit Animal
The Great Blue Song Project was inspired by a woman named Nicole, who was a master of unconditional love. Each day as she left her job as a social worker in a prison, she noticed that a Great Blue Heron stood watch as her protector. Nicole left her body in 2016 after a long battle with a mysterious chronic illness, but her legacy of healing those around her lives on.
Great Blue Herons symbolize self-determination, balance, connection to earth, and exploration.
Photo courtesy of Gregory Wagner
Our Team
Jamie Wyman, MA, JD
Executive Director
After weaving her way through nonprofit and government agencies, Jamie discovered that music is her best tool for helping people transform pain into peace. Jamie started her path as a helping professional as an advocate for sexual assault survivors. In 2003 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from St. Cloud State University with a B.A. in Psychology and French. In 2008, she earned a law degree and an M.A. in Women’s Studies in from the University of Arizona. Jamie went on to pass the Kentucky Bar and serve as the Supervisor of the Legal Justice Team at the Center for Women and Families in Louisville, KY, where she led a team of anti-violence advocates in law enforcement and court settings. In 2011, she returned to her hometown to serve as a Child Protection Specialist for the State of Montana and joined her first band. Jamie now combines her passion for helping people with her passion for music as a singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and Executive Director of The Great Blue Song Project.
Valley Lopez
Project Coordinator & Producer
A longtime member of the Montana music scene, Valley Lopez is a singer, songwriter, drummer, producer, and guitarist. He has played and collaborated with over 30 bands and is known for creating music in a wide variety of genres. He fronts the indie rock band Middle Sea, who released their debut album in the fall of 2019.
Help Us Grow
Your donations will help us bring on additional staff.
Our volunteers and independent contractors are great, but we need more help. We are working hard to raise the funds to hire a small but dedicated staff. Your unrestricted donation will help us do that. Our wishlist includes a staff producer, a program coordinator, and an administrative assistant.
Click here to help us grow so we can reach more people.
Our Board of Directors
Paula
Greenstein
President
Rachel
Starr
Secretary
Nicholette
Bee
Treasurer
Secretary
Songwriters
Click here to meet the songwriters for our breast cancer album.
Are you a songwriter who wants to make a big difference with your music?
Do you easily connect with people? Are you comfortable holding space for someone going through a hard time? Do you like to use your music to give voice to the experience of others? Do you have experience in a helping profession?
The Great Blue Song Project is growing and if you are feeling called to connect with us, we want to hear from you.
