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 <a href= "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/music-production-podcast/id1212124420"> Apple</a>, <a href= "https://open.spotify.com/show/2R5hFhExyUzbI7jD7eauck">Spotify</a>, <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk4jo7_Rx2-2mjUoTXTL4u0iUH5_XqBYi">YouTube</a> 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) - <a href= "https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG">https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG</a> 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:  <a href= "https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG">https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG</a> Takeaways: <ul> <li> Modular as Playground – She uses modular synths not to replicate traditional instruments, but to build interactive environments for sonic exploration. </li> <li> Start with Curiosity – Whether teaching or performing, Sarah emphasizes the power of asking “What happens if…?” rather than chasing specific outcomes. </li> <li> Constraints Create Freedom – Limiting one’s tools or techniques can paradoxically unlock deeper creativity and more personal expression. </li> <li> 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. </li> <li> Bridging Tradition and Tech – With a conservatory background and a DIY ethos, Sarah integrates academic rigor with playful experimentation. </li> <li> Teaching the Inner Artist – Her courses focus on helping students reconnect with joy, experimentation, and the “why” of making music—not just the “how.” </li> <li> Sound as Emotional Language – Sarah uses synthesis to explore emotion and identity, encouraging others to find their own voice through abstract sound. </li> <li> Every Patch is a Performance – Even small synth patches hold potential for deep expression. You don’t need complexity to create something meaningful. </li> </ul> Links: <ul> <li>Sarah's Official Site - <a href= "https://www.sarahbellereid.com/">https://www.sarahbellereid.com/</a></li> <li>Learning Sound and Synthesis Course - <a href= "https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG">https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028332/2H9xLyBG</a></li> <li>Live Workshop - How to Finally Start Making Music with Synths (Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Getting Lost in Gear) - <a href= "https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG">https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148058115/2H9xLyBG</a></li> <li>How to Design Your First Modular Synth Patch Free Course - <a href= "https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG">https://www.soundandsynthesis.com/a/2148028330/2H9xLyBG</a></li> <li>Sarah's Instagram - <a href= "https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/">https://www.instagram.com/sarahbellereid/</a></li> <li>Sarah's YouTube - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid">https://www.youtube.com/@sarahbellereid</a></li> <li>Sarah and Andrew Huang "No Listening" Collaboration - <a href= "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWPg2Sb1Zas</a></li> <li>Support Sarah on Patreon - <a href= "https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid">https://www.patreon.com/sarahbellereid</a></li> <li>Sarah on Music Production Podcast #334 - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid">https://brianfunk.com/blog/sarah-belle-reid</a></li> <li>Eventide MixerLink - <a href= "https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv">https://amzn.to/4fGgLvv</a></li> <li>Onward Chase Bliss - <a href= "https://www.chasebliss.com/onward">https://www.chasebliss.com/onward</a></li> <li>Brian Funk Website - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/">https://brianfunk.com</a></li> <li>Music Production Club - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/mpc">https://brianfunk.com/mpc</a> </li> <li>5-Minute Music Producer - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/book">https://brianfunk.com/book</a></li> <li>Intro Music Made with 16-Bit Ableton Live Pack - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit">https://brianfunk.com/blog/16-bit</a></li> <li>Music Production Podcast - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/podcast">https://brianfunk.com/podcast</a></li> <li>Save 25% on Ableton Live Packs at my store with the code: PODCAST - <a href= "https://brianfunk.com/store">https://brianfunk.com/store</a></li> <li>This episode was edited by Animus Invidious of PerforModule - <a href="https://performodule.com/" target="_blank" rel= "noopener">https://performodule.com/</a></li> </ul> Thank you for listening.  Please review the Music Production Podcast on your favorite podcast provider! And don’t forget to visit my site <a href="https://www.brianfunk.com/">https://BrianFunk.com</a> for music production tutorials, videos, and sound packs. Brian Funk

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