On Key

Do you ever skip practicing because you don't have enough time? Maybe you think if you can't fit in a full 30, 45, or 60-minute session, it's not worth practicing at all. In this episode, we're talking about how to make meaningful musical progress during busy seasons of life. Whether you're balancing work, school, family responsibilities, or simply a packed schedule, you'll...

Performance anxiety, mistakes, adrenaline, comparison, pressure… if you’ve ever performed music, chances are you’ve experienced at least one of these. In this solo episode of On Key , I’m talking about the emotional side of performance and what recitals really teach us beyond just music. I share personal stories — including a recital where I completely blanked in the middle of a song and couldn’t...

Not all singing is the same — and the way we train shouldn’t be either. In this episode, we’re diving into genre-specific vocal training and what that really means for singers. While there are shared foundations across styles, classical, musical theatre, and contemporary commercial music (CCM) each require different coordination, sound, and technical approaches. We’ll talk about: What all styles h...

We often celebrate “talent” in music — the big notes, quick learners, and impressive performances. But what we don’t see is the massive foundation underneath every successful musician. In this episode, Brianna breaks down the iceberg of musical growth and why talent alone isn’t enough to create real progress. From the power of consistency and working in partnership with a teacher, to the myths abo...

What does it really take to build a life in music? In this episode of On Key , Brianna sits down with her former voice teacher, Jana Young , to talk honestly about the realities of being a musician — from the practice room to the professional world. Jana shares her personal background in music and what led her to teaching at Kennesaw State University , offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it’...

In today’s episode, Brianna dives into a side of music education that often gets overlooked—the quiet, unseen moments that shape a musician long before they ever step onstage. While performances are exciting and worth celebrating, the real transformation happens in the daily discipline: the persistence, the curiosity, the tiny breakthroughs no one else sees. Drawing from her own childhood determin...

Every voice has something unique to offer. Instead of comparing, what if you leaned into what your voice does best? This episode is all about finding confidence in your sound, embracing authenticity, and learning to love your own musical fingerprint — even as you keep growing and discovering new strengths along the way.

Music isn’t just a hobby—it’s a part of being human. In this episode, Brianna and her nephew Jettson talk about why music matters for everyone, not just musicians. From boosting memory and learning to creating joy and connection, they explore how music shapes our lives in powerful ways. Tune in for fun facts, laughs, and a fresh reminder of why music truly belongs in every life.

In this solo episode, Brianna reflects on some of the most meaningful moments from her past year of teaching voice and piano. From lightbulb breakthroughs in vocal technique to the joy of watching students conquer stage fright, she shares real stories (anonymously, of course!) that have shaped her both as a teacher and as a musician. Whether you're a teacher, student, or someone who loves musi...

In this episode of On Key , I sit down with my good friend and student, Erin Milligan , to talk about what it looks like to carry music with you throughout life—not necessarily as a career, but as a calling. Erin shares her journey of returning to voice lessons as an adult, leading worship in church settings, and writing songs as a creative and spiritual outlet. We talk about the joys and challeng...

In this fun episode of On Key , we’re celebrating World Voice Day —a day to appreciate the amazing gift of our voices! Whether you’re a singer, speaker, storyteller, or a professional silly-sound-maker, your voice is uniquely yours and worth celebrating. Joining me today is a very special guest—my 9-year-old nephew, Cove ! He helps me explore what makes the voice so cool, tries out some fun vocal...

🎤 Host: Brianna🎧 Podcast: On Key Every performer has been there—something unexpected happens on stage, and you have to think fast! In this episode, I share some of my own real-life performance mishaps, from keyboards shifting octaves to voice cracks, tripping off stage, and even pretending to hold an invisible mirror in a musical. 😆 But more importantly, I’ll talk about how to handle those mome...

In this solo episode of On Key , Brianna breaks down the process of choosing the right song to play or sing. Whether you're preparing for a performance, an audition, or just singing for fun, finding a song that fits your voice and style is key to a great musical experience. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why listening to a variety of music helps refine your taste How to consider your v...

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Schneider, the Service Programming + Worship Director at Reliant Ministries in Dallas, GA. Aaron shares his journey into worship ministry, from growing up in a music-loving family to discovering his calling at a Phil Wickham & Steve Fee concert. We dive into topics like: The importance of finding your own voice in worship The difference between personal w...

What It Means to Do the Work: Exploring the Connections Between Theatre and Music In this episode of On Key , I’m joined by the talented Matthew Hendrix, Theatre and Technical Director at North Cobb Christian School, for a deep dive into the art of doing the work—both on stage and off. Together, we explore the connections between theatre and music, the importance of character work, and the power o...

In this episode of On Key, we sit down with Grace Johnston—an accomplished violin and viola teacher, freelance musician, and mentor based in Northern Colorado. With over a dozen years of teaching experience and a passion for helping students succeed, Grace brings a wealth of insight to our conversation. We dive deep into topics that every musician and music educator can relate to, including: - How...

As we step into 2025, I’ve been reflecting on my journey with music—the lessons, the struggles, and the growth it’s brought me over the years. In this episode of On Key , I’m sharing the advice I wish I could give my younger self as a musician. From staying consistent to embracing your unique voice, and even navigating the highs and lows of praise and criticism, these reflections are for anyone wh...

In this inspiring episode of On Key , I sit down with Christina Vehar, a passionate music educator and advocate who has dedicated her career to making music accessible, inclusive, and transformative. Christina shares her unique journey into music education, the pivotal moments that shaped her path, and the mentors who have guided her along the way. From her work in elementary music education and m...

In this episode of On Key , I sit down with the incredibly talented Carrie King, a session vocalist, composer, and music educator. Carrie shares her journey as a songwriter and performer, reflecting on the challenges we face as singers and the power of finding and trusting your unique voice—both literally and spiritually. We dive into: The art and heart behind songwriting, and how Carrie’s creativ...

In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Debbie Brink, a recently retired music educator whose passion for music and heart for teaching have left an incredible mark on the North Cobb Christian School community and beyond. Debbie shares her love, wisdom, and lifelong dedication to music, recounting stories from her earliest memories singing in church to building the orchestra program at NCCS...

Title : "Navigating Detours: Carly Wingfield on Resilience, Growth, and Finding New Paths in Music" Description : Join us for a powerful conversation with soprano and voice teacher Carly Wingfield as we explore the unexpected twists and turns of her music journey. From early rejections that led her to life-changing experiences in Germany, to groundbreaking research using virtual reality in perform...

In this episode of On Key , I sit down with Amy Wallace, Vocal Arts Director at North Cobb Christian School and someone who has played a pivotal role in my own musical journey. With over 22 years of experience teaching and leading worship, Amy shares her story of discovering her unique voice in a world that often pushes conformity, especially in the arts. We dive deep into the challenges of not "f...

On Key - Episode 1: The Story Behind the Music In this first episode of On Key , host Brianna Westland shares her own musical journey and the inspiration behind starting the podcast. From early beginnings to the pivotal moments that led her to create On Key , Brianna opens up about her passion for music and what listeners can expect from future episodes. Whether you're a musician, music lover, or...

In the On Key podcast, host Brianna Westland explores the personal stories of musicians, teachers, and artists. Each episode dives into their musical journeys, the challenges they've faced, and the moments that have shaped them into the artists they are today. Whether you're a musician, a music lover, or someone curious about the arts, On Key offers inspiring conversations about the power of music...