PODCAST · music
On Key
by Brianna Westland
Welcome to On Key, hosted by Brianna Westland, where we explore the personal stories of musicians, educators, and artists who have made music their passion. Through engaging interviews, we uncover their journeys, mentors, and challenges. Each episode offers insights into their experiences and triumphs. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a music lover, join us for conversations that celebrate the transformative power of music. Tune in and get inspired!
Episodes
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Stuck in a Rut with Music: Remembering Why You Fell in Love With It
Have you ever felt like music has become more work than joy? Between practicing, preparing for performances, auditions, classes, and the pressure to keep improving, it's easy to lose sight of what made you fall in love with music in the first place. In this episode of On Key, we're talking about...
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Music and Taking Risks: Finding Courage
Why can making music feel so vulnerable? Whether we're singing in front of someone, performing on stage, auditioning, trying a difficult piece, or simply allowing ourselves to be heard, music asks us to take risks. And those risks can bring up nerves, self-consciousness, fear of failure, and even...
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How to Practice When Life Gets Busy
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...
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What Recitals Are Really About
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...
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Why Genre Matters in Vocal Training
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)…
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The Truth About Talent: The Iceberg of Growth
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...
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Professor Jana Young on Finding Your Path in Music
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...
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How Music Teaches Us Patience and Discipline
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...
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When You Stop Comparing, You Start Singing
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...
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Why Music Belongs in Every Life - With My Nephew, Jettson
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…
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What I’ve Learned from My Students This Year
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…
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Can I Still Pursue Music as an Adult? – with Erin Milligan
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…
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Happy World Voice Day! (with a special guest—my nephew Cove!)
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...
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When Things Don’t Go as Planned on Stage
🎤 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...
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How to Choose a Song to Play or Sing
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…
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Finding Your Voice in Worship: Confidence, Calling, and Authenticity with Aaron Schneider
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...
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Exploring the Connections Between Theatre and Music: with Matthew Hendrix
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…
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Grace Johnston on Burnout, Choosing Teachers, and Inspiration
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...
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Reflections for the New Year
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…
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Celebrating Diversity in Music: A Conversation with Christina Vehar
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…
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Songwriting, Challenges, and Finding Your Voice with Carrie King
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...
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A Journey of Music, Faith, and Unwavering Passion with Mrs. Debbie Brink
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,...
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Navigating Detours: Carly Wingfield on Resilience, Growth, and Finding New Paths in Music
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...
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Staying True to Your Unique Voice with Amy Wallace
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...
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My Journey to Creating On Key
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...
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Welcome to On Key!
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...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to On Key, hosted by Brianna Westland, where we explore the personal stories of musicians, educators, and artists who have made music their passion. Through engaging interviews, we uncover their journeys, mentors, and challenges. Each episode offers insights into their experiences and triumphs. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or a music lover, join us for conversations that celebrate the transformative power of music. Tune in and get inspired!
HOSTED BY
Brianna Westland
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does On Key have?
On Key currently has 26 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is On Key about?
Welcome to On Key, hosted by Brianna Westland, where we explore the personal stories of musicians, educators, and artists who have made music their passion. Through engaging interviews, we uncover their journeys, mentors, and challenges. Each episode offers insights into their experiences and...
How often does On Key release new episodes?
On Key has 26 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to On Key?
You can listen to On Key on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts On Key?
On Key is created and hosted by Brianna Westland.
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