On Key

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 personal stories — including a recital where I completely blanked in the middle of a song and couldn’t recover — and how experiences like that shaped me not only as a musician, but as a teacher. We talk about: * Why performance skills are different from practice skills * How adrenaline affects memory and focus * Why even incredible musicians still make mistakes * Learning how to recover and keep going * Grounding techniques and positive self-talk before performances * Focusing on storytelling instead of perfection * Why comparison hurts more than it helps * How parents and teachers can encourage students after performances * Reframing nerves and fear of judgment One of the biggest lessons music has taught me is this: resilience matters more than perfection. Whether you’re a student, performer, teacher, parent, or someone who simply struggles with pressure and self-doubt, I hope this episode encourages you to keep showing up — imperfectly and courageously. Because sometimes the most important thing a performance teaches us is that we can survive being imperfect.

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) each require different coordination, sound, and technical approaches. We’ll talk about: * What all styles have in common * Key differences in technique, including larynx position, vowels, and resonance * How microphones change the way singers use their voice * Why the idea that one style is the “only healthy way” to sing isn’t accurate * The realities of higher education and today’s music industry * How cross-training can help — and when it might not serve your goals Whether you’re a student, teacher, or performer, this episode will help you think more clearly about how to train in a way that supports the music you actually want to sing.

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 real progress. From the power of consistency and working in partnership with a teacher, to the myths about shortcuts, last-minute audition prep, and “magic” warmups, this episode reveals what actually leads to breakthroughs over time. You’ll learn: • Why natural ability is only the starting point — not the finish line • How consistency compounds into confidence and skill • The habits that help students thrive long-term • Why musical growth can’t be rushed (and what helps instead) Whether you’re a student, parent, or performer, this episode will encourage you to focus on the steady, unseen work that makes lasting progress possible. 🎵 Talent may spark the journey — but consistency is what carries it forward.

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 what led her to teaching at Kennesaw State University, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a music major and why a career in music is rarely linear. Together, they discuss the skills that matter most for long-term success in the arts — many of which go far beyond talent alone. This conversation is especially encouraging for young musicians, students, and anyone who has faced setbacks or moments of doubt along the way. Jana offers practical wisdom for lessons, auditions, and practice habits, along with thoughtful advice on navigating challenges and staying resilient in a demanding field. The episode wraps up with Jana sharing about current and upcoming projects and performances at Kennesaw State University, as well as opportunities students can look forward to. * Jana’s musical background and journey into teaching * What it’s really like to be a music major * Why music careers are often non-linear — and why that’s okay * Essential skills for building a sustainable career in the arts * Advice for the practice room, lessons, and auditions * Experiencing setbacks in music and learning how to move forward * Encouragement and wisdom for young musicians * Current and upcoming projects at Kennesaw State University Whether you’re a student, teacher, performer, or simply someone who loves music, this episode is a reminder that growth, resilience, and adaptability are just as important as technique. 🎶 Listen now and join the conversation.

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 persistence, the curiosity, the tiny breakthroughs no one else sees. Drawing from her own childhood determination and her experience as a music teacher, Brianna explores how music teaches patience, resilience, and the art of showing up. This episode is an encouragement to students, parents, and anyone who has ever wondered what actually builds musicianship behind the scenes. If you’ve ever felt discouraged in the long process of learning an instrument—or if you want to better understand the beauty of the practice room—this one is for you.