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:
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
