BluesEd gives youth musicians the opportunity to perform live at festivals, community events, and venues across the region — all while learning from professional musicians and clinicians.
What Is The BluesEd Program?
BluesEd is an award-winning youth music program that brings together talented middle and high school musicians from across the Omaha area to learn, perform, and keep the blues alive.
Sponsored by the Blues Society of Omaha, our mission is simple: celebrate the blues, build community, and inspire the next generation of great musicians.
Since 2001, BluesEd has been helping students turn their musical passion into performance excellence. Participants form real working bands, performing live throughout the summer at festivals, community events, and venues across the region. Along the way, they build friendships, grow as artists, and gain stage experience most young musicians only dream about.
Through hands-on workshops led by professional musicians, BluesEd students learn the roots and soul of the blues, the art of improvisation and soloing, how to rehearse like a pro and jam with confidence, stage presence, collaboration, and live performance skills
This is not your average music program — it’s a deep dive into musicianship, teamwork, and creativity.
What It Takes
BluesEd is designed for serious young musicians (ages 12–18) who are ready to challenge themselves and commit to their craft. To join, you’ll need:
Family Support
BluesEd is a non-profit program powered by community — and that includes our incredible parent volunteers. Parents play a key role in helping organize performances, events, and fundraisers that keep the program strong and affordable for everyone.
Join the BluesEd Family
If you’re passionate about music, willing to learn, and ready to take the stage with other dedicated musicians, BluesEd might be the next big step to amplify your musical journey.
Sponsored by the Blues Society of Omaha, our mission is simple: celebrate the blues, build community, and inspire the next generation of great musicians.
Since 2001, BluesEd has been helping students turn their musical passion into performance excellence. Participants form real working bands, performing live throughout the summer at festivals, community events, and venues across the region. Along the way, they build friendships, grow as artists, and gain stage experience most young musicians only dream about.
Through hands-on workshops led by professional musicians, BluesEd students learn the roots and soul of the blues, the art of improvisation and soloing, how to rehearse like a pro and jam with confidence, stage presence, collaboration, and live performance skills
This is not your average music program — it’s a deep dive into musicianship, teamwork, and creativity.
What It Takes
BluesEd is designed for serious young musicians (ages 12–18) who are ready to challenge themselves and commit to their craft. To join, you’ll need:
- Solid playing or vocal skills (not for beginners)
- A good ear and a love of music
- Commitment to practicing, rehearsing, and performing
- A willingness to come prepared, learn charts, and work as part of a band
Family Support
BluesEd is a non-profit program powered by community — and that includes our incredible parent volunteers. Parents play a key role in helping organize performances, events, and fundraisers that keep the program strong and affordable for everyone.
Join the BluesEd Family
If you’re passionate about music, willing to learn, and ready to take the stage with other dedicated musicians, BluesEd might be the next big step to amplify your musical journey.
How is BluesEd different?
More than a music program — it’s a full-on experience. There’s really nothing quite like BluesEd.
24+ Years Strong
Founded in 2001, BluesEd is the longest-running youth blues program in Omaha — and one of the most respected in the Midwest.
Learn from the Pros
Our dedicated clinicians are working musicians who perform and teach across Omaha and the region. They bring real-world experience and mentorship to our rehearsals and shows.
A Full Season, Not a Camp
The BluesEd season runs from April through August, giving students months of meaningful instruction, performance experience, and growth — not just a quick summer session.
Real Gigs. Real Crowds.
Each band performs multiple times throughout the season at venues, festivals, and community events — gaining valuable live experience on a variety of stages.
Check out our schedule to see where we are performing, or contact us to inquire about booking a BluesEd band.
Powered by the Blues Society of Omaha
Our sponsor, the Blues Society of Omaha, provides incredible financial, educational, and support that keeps our program thriving and connects students to the professional music community.
Affordable and All-Inclusive
Tuition is kept low thanks to nonprofit support and volunteers — and includes professional coaching, workshops, and performance opportunities all season long.
A Legacy of Talent
BluesEd alumni have gone on to perform, record, and work professionally in the music industry. Check out our Alumni Page to see where the music has taken them!
On the National Stage
Several BluesEd bands have represented Omaha at the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis — including Crimson Dawn, Mojo Bag, Voodoo Vinyl, Us and Them, The Redwoods, and Vertigo.
Learning from Legends
Our students have jammed and learned alongside world-class artists like Bruce Katz, Rick Vito, Ben Poole, Peter Karp, and Sue Foley, among others.
Industry Recognized Excellence
In 2018, the Blues Foundation in Memphis honored the Blues Society of Omaha with the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award for our outstanding work in music education through BluesEd.
Founded in 2001, BluesEd is the longest-running youth blues program in Omaha — and one of the most respected in the Midwest.
Learn from the Pros
Our dedicated clinicians are working musicians who perform and teach across Omaha and the region. They bring real-world experience and mentorship to our rehearsals and shows.
A Full Season, Not a Camp
The BluesEd season runs from April through August, giving students months of meaningful instruction, performance experience, and growth — not just a quick summer session.
Real Gigs. Real Crowds.
Each band performs multiple times throughout the season at venues, festivals, and community events — gaining valuable live experience on a variety of stages.
Check out our schedule to see where we are performing, or contact us to inquire about booking a BluesEd band.
Powered by the Blues Society of Omaha
Our sponsor, the Blues Society of Omaha, provides incredible financial, educational, and support that keeps our program thriving and connects students to the professional music community.
Affordable and All-Inclusive
Tuition is kept low thanks to nonprofit support and volunteers — and includes professional coaching, workshops, and performance opportunities all season long.
A Legacy of Talent
BluesEd alumni have gone on to perform, record, and work professionally in the music industry. Check out our Alumni Page to see where the music has taken them!
On the National Stage
Several BluesEd bands have represented Omaha at the International Blues Challenge Youth Showcase in Memphis — including Crimson Dawn, Mojo Bag, Voodoo Vinyl, Us and Them, The Redwoods, and Vertigo.
Learning from Legends
Our students have jammed and learned alongside world-class artists like Bruce Katz, Rick Vito, Ben Poole, Peter Karp, and Sue Foley, among others.
Industry Recognized Excellence
In 2018, the Blues Foundation in Memphis honored the Blues Society of Omaha with the “Keeping the Blues Alive” award for our outstanding work in music education through BluesEd.
