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
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.
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
