On Key

About On Key

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!

Publisher

Brianna Westland

Category

music

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

11 Oct 2024

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

26 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   12 Oct 2026

   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 finding your way back to that joy, navigating difficult seasons as a musician, and learning how to pursue excellence without losing the love that brought you here. Whether you're a college music student, a performer, a teacher, or simply someone who loves making music, this is a reminder to make time for the music that inspires you, reconnect with the things that make you feel alive, and remember why you started in the first place. Because the work matters, but so does the joy.

2. 

   13 Aug 2026

   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 fear of being judged. In this episode of On Key, I’m exploring the vulnerability that comes with making music, and why that vulnerability is actually part of what makes music so powerful. What responsibility do we have as music educators when we're asking students to be vulnerable? Research on music education emphasizes the importance of emotionally safe learning environments, spaces where trust and respect allow students to experiment, take risks, and express themselves. A safe music classroom doesn't mean a place where students never feel uncomfortable. It means creating a place where students feel safe enough to be uncomfortable: to try, to fail, to recover, and to try again. Because music requires risk. And risk gives us an opportunity to practice something we need far beyond music: Courage. Why making music can feel uniquely vulnerable The connection between music, emotion, thought, and physical expression Why singing and making music with others can create a sense of connection The importance of emotionally safe environments in music education Why students need permission to make mistakes The difference between confidence and courage How performing can teach students to recover when things don't go as planned Why our job as music educators isn't to eliminate discomfort, but to help students navigate it How the courage we practice in music can extend far beyond the music room On Key is a podcast about music, teaching, learning, performance, and the people behind the music. Hosted by Brianna Westland.

3. 

   22 Jun 2026

   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 balancing work, school, family responsibilities, or simply a packed schedule, you'll learn practical ways to stay connected to your instrument and continue growing as a musician. We'll explore why consistency matters more than perfection, how short practice sessions can still be effective, and simple strategies for making the most of the time you have. Remember: music isn't about waiting for the perfect moment to practice. It's about finding ways to keep showing up, one small step at a time. Even five focused minutes can make a difference.

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

45

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact On Key

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.