Sarah Belle Reid is a trumpet player, composer, educator, and sonic explorer whose work combines classical performance, experimental electronics, and modular synthesis. With a background in conservatory training and a fearless embrace of improvisation and technology, Sarah's music blurs boundaries—merging extended trumpet techniques, custom-built software, and handcrafted synth patches into deeply expressive, often otherworldly performances.

It's great to have Sarah back on the Music Production Podcast! We talk about music as a practice, the joys of unpredictability in modular synthesis, and how constraints lead to creativity. We explore her educational approach and the value of creative curiosity. Sarah reminds us that music-making should be fun and playful!

Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube

Sarah's Upcoming Workshops and Courses:

Sign up for Sarah's FREE Live Workshops: How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG

Sarah is about to open enrollment for her very limited and highly-praised Learning Sound and Synthesis Course. Sign up for the priority notification list to get early access and exclusive early-bird bonuses! Learn more here: https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG

Takeaways:

• Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration.

• Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking "What happens if…?" rather than chasing specific outcomes.

• Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one's tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression.

• Improvisation as Listening – Sarah sees improvisation not as random playing, but as a form of deep listening—responding to yourself, your tools, and your environment in real time.

• Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation.

• Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the "why" of making music—not just the "how."

• Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound.

• Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don't need complexity to create something meaningful.

Links:

• Sarah's Official Site - https://www.sarahbellereid.com/
• Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG
• Live Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG
• How to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG
• Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/
• Sarah's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid
• Sarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas
• Support Sarah on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid
• Sarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid
• Eventide MixerLink - https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv
• Onward Chase Bliss - https://www.chasebliss.com/onward
• Brian Funk Website - https://brianfunk.com
• Music Production Club - https://brianfunk.com/mpc
• 5-Minute Music Producer - https://brianfunk.com/book
• Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit
• Music Production Podcast - https://brianfunk.com/podcast
• Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - https://brianfunk.com/store
• This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - https://performodule.com/

Thank you for listening.

Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider!

And don't forget to visit my site https://BrianFunk.com for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs.

Brian Funk