On Key

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 music and growth, this episode is a celebration of the quiet, beautiful ways we all learn from one another.

💛 Topics include:
– Finding joy in music again
– Trying new genres (and loving them!)
– Breakthroughs in vocal technique
– Overcoming internal narratives and fear
– What growth really looks like in the studio

Tune in for encouragement, storytelling, and a heartfelt reminder that music is never just about the notes—it’s about people.

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 challenges of growing musically outside of a formal profession, and how music can remain a life-giving presence in every season.

Whether you’re a lifelong musician, someone who sings in secret, or a listener who’s just curious what it means to live a creative life, this conversation is full of encouragement, honesty, and heart.

Topics we cover:

• Taking voice lessons as an adult

• Leading worship with voice and keys

• Writing songs as personal expression

• Making time for music outside of a music career

• Letting go of perfection and embracing joy in creativity

🎧 Tune in and be inspired to reconnect with the music you love—on your terms.

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 challenges, and shares a few thoughts that are sure to make you smile.

We talk about:

• Why your voice is like your very own built-in instrument

• How to take care of your voice

• Some fun (and surprising!) voice facts

• A listener challenge to encourage someone using your voice today

So grab some water (your voice will thank you), press play, and come celebrate with us!

🎧 Let’s use our voices to spread a little kindness today.
✨ Happy World Voice Day!

🎤 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 moments when things don’t go as planned. Whether it’s a technical issue, nerves, or just a simple mistake, I’ll give you my best tips on staying calm, recovering smoothly, and not letting a rough performance shake your confidence.

🎹 How I adapted when a keyboard unexpectedly shifted octaves
😂 The time I had to improvise with an invisible prop on stage
🎤 How to handle voice cracks, forgetting lyrics, or missing a cue
💡 8 practical tips for bouncing back from performance mishaps
🎶 Why mistakes don’t define you as a performer

📲 Follow me on Instagram: @BriannaWestlandsMusicStudio
💬 Share your own funny or unexpected stage moments—I’d love to hear them!
📩 Subscribe for more episodes on music, performance, and interviews with amazing musicians.

🎙 Coming Soon: I’ll be interviewing one of my students and sharing other exciting solo and guest episodes—stay tuned!

Thanks for listening to On Key! If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and share with a fellow musician who could use some encouragement. Keep making music and embracing the unexpected!

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 vocal range and adjust keys if needed

• The importance of choosing songs that align with your skill level

• How to connect with lyrics and make a song your own

• The benefits of challenging yourself with different genres to grow as a musician

If you're looking for guidance on picking the perfect song, this episode is for you! Tune in and get inspired to explore new music and find songs that truly fit your voice and style.

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to subscribe to On Key for more episodes!

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 worship and leading a congregation
• Building confidence in your musical gifts and staying true to your sound
• The impact of mentors and musical influences on his journey

Aaron’s story is one of passion, growth, and faithfulness, and I know you’ll be encouraged by his insights.

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 of storytelling to transform lives.

Matthew shares his journey from acting and singing in his home church in Upstate South Carolina to his work as a director, playwright, and educator. We discuss the twists and turns of creative careers, the joy of seeing students find their confidence, and what it really takes to thrive in the arts.

This episode is packed with wisdom, practical advice, and heartfelt inspiration for artists, educators, and anyone passionate about storytelling.

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your friends. Your support helps us bring you more inspiring conversations with artists, educators, and storytellers like Matthew Hendrix.

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 musicians can recognize, navigate, and recover from burnout.
- Tips for students choosing the right teacher when pursuing music in higher education.
- Staying inspired as both a musician and a teacher while balancing multiple roles.

Grace also shares her personal journey, the lessons she learned from her incredible mentors like Angele Lawless and Dr. Jubal Fulks, and her approach to fostering a lifelong love for music in her students. Whether you’re a student, teacher, or music enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories.

Key Topics in This Episode:
- Grace’s journey in music and her teaching philosophy.
- How to avoid and recover from burnout as a musician.
- What to look for in a teacher when pursuing music in higher education.
- Finding balance and staying motivated in a demanding career.

About Our Guest:
Grace Johnston is a violin and viola teacher based in Northern Colorado. She is Suzuki-certified and specializes in helping students develop strong technique and posture, particularly for those aiming to pursue music at a collegiate level. Her students have achieved incredible milestones, including studying abroad, earning principal positions in youth orchestras, and being recruited for prestigious undergraduate programs.

In addition to her teaching, Grace is a freelance musician who performs regularly with symphonies in Northern Colorado and Wyoming. You can connect with her on Instagram at @jotemdownstringstudio.

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 who loves music or is charting their own creative path. Join me for a heartfelt start to the new year as we explore how music shapes us.

Connect with me: Share your thoughts or your own musical journey on Instagram @BriannaWestlandsMusicStudio or on Facebook. Let’s keep the conversation going!

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 musical theatre to her advocacy for ADEIBR (Accessibility, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging, and Restoration), Christina offers invaluable insights into the power of music to bring people together and change lives.

Together, we discuss:

Whether you’re a music student, educator, or simply a lover of music, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace your unique journey and use your voice to make a difference.

About Christina Vehar:

Key Takeaways:

Resources and Links:

Closing Thoughts:

Don’t forget to connect with us on social media and let us know your thoughts on today’s episode. Stay tuned for more stories that inspire and uplift!

Until next time, keep making music and embracing the journey!