Composer and Educator
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Composer
Belinda Reynolds is a dynamic composer, organizer, and teacher who is dedicated to bringing new music to diverse audiences and mediums. She earned her Doctorate at Yale University under the tutelage of renowned composers Martin Bresnick, Jacob Druckman, Jonathan Berger, and Tania León. Her musical education includes an M.A. and B.A. from the University of California, Berkeley, where she studied primarily with Andrew Imbrie and John Thow.
Throughout her career, Belinda has received numerous accolades for her compositions. She has been honored with awards from esteemed organizations such as ASCAP, the International League of Women Composers, the NACUSA Young Composers Competition, and the CMTA Composition Competition, among others.
Her music has been showcased at renowned festivals and venues including the Spoleto USA Music Festival, Lincoln Center's Great Performers Series, and Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall. Notable musicians and ensembles, such as Tara O'Connor (flute), the Cecilia Quartet, Da Capo Players, New Music Consort, The New Millennium Ensemble, and the Albany Symphony's Dogs of Desire, have performed her works across the Americas, Australia, and Europe.
Belinda has also been recognized as an Artist in Residence at prestigious institutions such as Djerassi Colony, Banff Centre for the Arts, The Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the MacDowell Colony.
In recent years, she has been particularly productive, receiving a Music Alive Residency with The Denver Young Artists Orchestra for their 30th Anniversary season. She has also received commissions from notable organizations such as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, The ECHO Chamber Orchestra, and guitarist David Tanenbaum. In addition to her work in classical composition, Belinda has also composed for film and television. Her music has been featured in independent documentaries such as The New Metropolis and Trip to the Fridge.
Belinda has released several albums, including her CD "COVER" on the Innova Recordings label, which garnered critical acclaim and radio play. Her latest release in 2020 on New Focus Recordings showcases new works composed during the pandemic and premiered via live stream by Armenian guitarist Amalia Miler and American cellist Natalie Raney.
As an organizer, Belinda serves as Vice-President of the composers' cooperative, Common Sense. The group, now in its twenty-fifth year, is dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to conceiving and presenting new works. Common Sense has commissioned over 50 compositions for organizations such as the Albany Symphony and the Meridian Arts Ensemble. Their collaborative efforts resulted in a celebrated CD, "Shock of the Old," recorded on CRI's Emergency Music label featuring works from their collaboration with the Bay Area Ensemble American Baroque, Shock of the Old was one of the winners of the Chamber Music America/WQXR Best Chamber Music composition by Belinda Reynolds.
Belinda’s multifaceted career reflects her unwavering commitment to expanding the boundaries of contemporary music, educating young musicians, and creating compelling compositions that resonate with a wide range of audiences.Add app snippets or other Liquid code to create advanced customizations.
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Educator
Ms. Reynolds is a highly sought-after professional renowned for her work nationwide, collaborating with schools and communities to foster music creation among students. She has made significant contributions as a Meet-the-Composer-in-Residence for public schools, as well as prestigious institutions such as the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Additionally, she has shared her expertise and insights as a teacher and guest lecturer at esteemed institutions like Dartmouth College and Yale University.
Ms. Reynolds has served on the state board of the Music Teachers National Association, demonstrating her commitment to advancing music education at a broader level. Her dedication to supporting young players is evident through her role as a weekly columnist for the American Music Center's NewMusicBox webzine, where she focuses on the art of composing music for young musicians.
With a passion for innovation, Ms. Reynolds is the creative force behind the pioneering commissioning series, CUSTOM MADE MUSIC, published by PRB Productions. This groundbreaking collection of instrumental music caters to student-level players, with each piece uniquely tailored and "customized" to address specific instrument repertoires.
Ms. Reynolds leads a studio that offers comprehensive instruction in composition, piano/keyboard, music theory, harmony, ear training, and musicology. Her pedagogical approach accommodates both beginners and professionals, fostering growth and artistic development.
Ms. Reynolds's musical works have garnered recognition and are published by reputable entities such as Dover, HeShe Music, Kithara Editions, Les Productions d'OZ, and PRB Productions. Her recorded compositions can be found on various respected labels, including Albany, Innova, and Trance.
In summary, Ms. Reynolds stands as an influential figure in the field of music, bringing her expertise, passion, and dedication to empower students, contribute to the advancement of music education, and create impactful compositions embraced by performers and audiences alike.Watch Video on Mentoring ComposersAdd app snippets or other Liquid code to create advanced customizations.