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Press Reviews - Testimonials - Awards - Commissions - Residencies
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Press Reviews
“The seven pieces comprising COVER are that rare lush gray area where the cerebral and the naturally simply beautiful not only coexist, but dance around as lovers do.”
--Primetime A&E
“Belinda Reynolds’ beautiful, spirited CIRCA serves as a …manifesto- artful minimalist counterpoint clothed in the transparent textures of Baroque chamber music…”
Joshua Kosman, The San Francisco Chronicle
“Belinda Reynolds’ Interference Patterns was a ravishing interlude of soft harmonics with a destination clearly in sight. The piece was an island of contemplation in a sea of busyness.”
Allan Ulrich, San Francisco Examiner
“Belinda Reynolds’ opener, CIRCA, is a sensuous textural experiment…”
Josef Woodard, Los Angeles Times
“The most entertaining essay was Belinda Reynolds’ Over and Out, which diffracted a dance like pattern…through a continual variety of meters and tempos with a convincing sense of direction.”
Kyle Gann, The Village Voice
“Reynolds’ music stands out…for its elegant polish, the persuasive pacing of its metamorphosis, the complete absence of false steps or miscalculations.”
Kyle Gann, CHAMBER MUSIC MAGAZINE
“…Reynolds's works strategically use receptive, often intricate rhythmic structures to elicit a wide ran of emotional responses, from disorientation and melancholy to coy delight.”
Molly Sheridan, Time Out New York
“It is this flair for personification that allows Belinda Reynolds to surpass all of the minimalist imitators and enter a class of her own
-- Carol Minor Sequenza 21
“There should be a better term than "post-minimalist" for this music, which absorbs the repetitive interlocking patterns and harmonic simplicity of Philip Glass into a varied design, rich in contrast.
The Nashville Music Scene
“California composer Belinda Reynolds's "Turns"…proved quite charismatic with its singing lines and warm texture.”
Jim Lowe Times Argus
“Turning classical music on its edge might be a good definition for the labels used to categorize Reynolds's works.”
Olivia Boler, Noe Valley Voice
“Another particularly beautiful work was California composer Belinda Reynolds's "Dust". [written in memorial of 9/11]. The lament, made striking by its quiet dissonance, is austere and forlorn.”
Jim Lowe, Times Argus
“These duets are reflective of contemporary musical styles and at the same time are pedagogical in nature. They are playful and creative.”
Caroline Fraser, American Suzuki Journal
“Alto flute and piano intertwine…as diaphanous as chiffon and as gently floating in Belinda Reynolds’ SHARE.”
Carol Furtwangler, The Post and Courier
“Reynold’s PLAY for piano and marimba … came along as a welcomed intermezzo relief from the intensities surrounding it.”
Heuwell Tircuit, San Francisco Classical Voice
“Belinda Reynolds'’ COVER… showed a strong command of ensemble writing and the gradual building of texture. The piece closed with a refreshing and humorous perfect cadence..."
--Ken Durling, San Francisco Classical Voice,
“Smart, funny…the music draws on minimalism as though it were already a relic for rediscovery…The results are deeply enjoyable.”
Joshua Kosman, The San Francisco Chronicle
“Multitudinous Verses …made an almost “romantic” impression, with long phrases and great expression…creating miniatures of luring sensuality. How beautiful electronic music can sound!”
Westfälische Nachrichten
“Reynolds made full use of the character of each instrument, adding touches of both rustic and refined joviality. The end result was some of the most forward music of the evening.”
Thomas Goss, 20TH CENTURY MUSIC
Over and Out by Belinda Reynolds featured a kaleidoscopic development of a series of lines and fragments…sort of like a hip ‘Moldau’.”
Steve Metcalf, The Hartford Courant
“Belinda Reynolds’ Initiation, was original…For all this aggressive propulsion… the music is strangely calming.”
Gwendolyn Freed, New Haven Register
“Belinda Reynolds’ Multitudinous Verses’ multilayered harmonies were sensuous and gentle, evocative at times of the gamelan…its mood was poignant and compelling.”
Rocky Lepin, The Montclarion
“Belinda Reynolds’ Weave was as rigorously structured as a Bach invention…”
Wynne Delacoma, Chicago Sun-Times
Student Testimonials
Belinda is an absolutely amazing composition teacher. I studied with her for many years, and she is the reason I was accepted into a Master's program for composition. She's incredibly supportive, patient, and non-judgmental. She will never try to write your piece for you, but rather has a wonderful talent for helping you craft your piece in your own voice. I always left the lesson inspired and excited to write more music. She's also great with younger students, and has fun ideas of how to incorporate creative compositional ideas into her lessons, whether they be for theory, composition, or piano. Highly recommend!
Julie Barwick
As a teacher, creative partner and source of inspiration, Belinda's expertise extends far beyond musicianship and composition, into the vast realm of possibility. Deeply reflective about the creative process itself, Belinda understands students intuitively, deeply and compassionately, which enables her to manifest the best possible conditions for learning and progress. Never heavy-handed, Belinda gently and productively nudges students toward mapping their own musical narrative. Her unspoken principle? Even the most humble, novice student has a musical story to tell. Belinda's genius is in creating space for them to tell that story. Lesson after lesson, Belinda displays an unwavering, joyful belief in her students' potential. As she leads students through the process of discovery in composition, Belinda brings precision, a uniquely fine ear, high standards and, perhaps most important, a sense of excitement in what students have to offer, now and into their futures. The power of Belinda's instruction stays with you long after the lessons end, and is truly life-changing.
Kim Green
Belinda is a fantastic teacher. She has decades of experience as both a published composer and as a master teacher. Her lessons are full of inspiration and practical suggestions. My son has studied with Belinda for over five years and he has blossomed under her tutelage. Their lessons together include composition, theory, editing and revision, and listening to music. We give Belinda the highest recommendation.
Sigrid Anderson-Kwun
Belinda lives and breathes music and truly embodies in her life all the inspiring principles she teaches. She’s kind, patient, funny and very supportive. She helped me get over my childhood resistance to playing the piano and showed me a whole new approach to composing that feels engaging, fulfilling and sustainable. I just want to keep learning more! Warmly recommended!
Anna Seva
Awards - Grants - Prizes
ASCAP Standard Award
SF Arts Commission Grant
Margaret Jory Fairbank
Copying Assistance Grant
ASCAP Standard Award
Jim and Jeanne Newman Fellowship
California Association of Professional Music Teachers Commissioning Award
Mary Flagler Charitable Trust Commissioning Grant
Meet the Composer Grant
Meet the Composer Grant
Mary Flagler Charitable Trust Recording Grant
American Composers Forum
Performance Incentive Fund
Zellerbach Fund
International League of Women Composers- New Music
Meet the Composer-New England Foundation for the Arts Grant
Charles Finch Dalton
Memorial Prize- Yale University
University of California Equal Opportunity Fellowship
DeLorenzo Prize in Music Composition- UC Berkeley
UC Regents’ Eisner Prize for the Creative Arts
NACUSA Young Composers Competition
CMTA Composition Competition- 1st Prize
Commissions
2023 EXCAVATE
Multimedia UT Austin Percussion Ensemble - Commission by Thomas Burritt
2023 OFTEN
OCCO Chamber Orchestra
2022 ECHOS
ECHO Chamber Orchestra
2022 TEN PIECES FOR TRUMPET
CUSTOM MADE MUSIC, PRB Prds
2021 SHARP
North American Early Keyboards Society
2021 WORDS
NAC 2021, for video, tape, and piano
2020 PUSH
Amalia Miler, guitar
2020 TEN PIECES FOR CELLO
PRB Productions
2020 NERVE
Mana Saxophone Quartet
2019 SECRET
David and Holly Nadal Duo
2019 INTENTION
Yuri Liberzon, guitarist
2018 GEOMETRY
PRB Productions
2018 STORIES
Sergio Puccini, guitar
2017 THE TV ON THE CURB/HUSBANDS
Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble
2018 FIVE QUARTETS FOR CLASSICAL GUITAR
CUSTOM MADE MUSIC, PRB Prds
2016 STEPS
Kathleen Supové, piano
2015 RED PIANO
Zev Wasserman, clarinet
2014 EDGES
Mobius Trio
2013 SIX WORKS FOR Bb CLARINET
CUSTOM MADE MUSIC, PRB
2010 OPEN
BANFF and Common Sense Composers
2009 BEGIN
David Tanenbaum and the SFCM
2009 The New Metropolis
Torrice Productions, Documentary film
2008 CIRCLES
Bill Ryan & GVSU New Music Ensemble
2008 BRIDGES
SF Chamber Orchestra
2007 PATH
CSCC and the Robin Cox Ensemble
2007 Thirty through 5 x 8
Denver Young Artists Orchestra
2004 SPIRALS
Citywinds & Melody of China
2004 CROSSINGS
Marin & Boulder Youth Symphonies
2003 REMEMBERENCE
Barbwired Music Project
2003 SECRETS
ELEKTRA!
2003 PLAY
Teresa McCollough, piano
2003 SHARE
Essential Music and Common Sense
2002 CONVERGENCE- Guitar Concerto
The National Symphony & Sergio Puccini, in Argentina
2002 JUST BETWEEN US
Wireworks
2002 STARRY THINGS
San Francisco Conservatory of Music
2001 DUST
Vermont Contemporary Music Ensemble
2001 ALPHABET SOUP
New Millennium Ensemble
2000 DUETS for TODAY
Lubbock Music Teachers Association
2000 TURNS
CAPMT/ MTNA
1999 THREAD
Dartmouth College-Hopkins Center
1998 SOLACE
American Baroque Ensemble
1998 SARA's GRACE
Albany Symphony’s Dogs of Desire
1997 WEAVE
Meridian Arts Ensemble
1996 COVER
Continuum Contemporary Music
1996 BETWEEN YOU AND ME
Twisted Tutu
1995 CIRCA- for Baroque ensemble
American Baroque Ensemble
1995 YAWP- for solo guitar
Kithara Editions and David Nadal
1995 COMING AROUND
Alternate Currents Performance Ensemble
1994 OVER AND OUT - for chamber ensemble
Common Sense Composers’ Collective
1994 MAKING MISCHIEF
Clintonville School, Chorus and Computers
1993 INSIDE OUT - for two pianos
Lubbock Music Teachers Association
1993 IN AND OUT - for frame drums and oboe
Robert Falvo and Alicia Chapman
1993 The Year of the Woman‑ for live electronics
Educational Center for the Arts Dance Co.
1992 MULTITUDIOUS VERSES - for soprano and live electronics
CNMAT
Residencies
2023 Djerassi Colony Winter Artist in Residence
2015 Michigan State University
2010 Music Alive USA Panelist
2007-08 Meet the Composer Short Residency
2003 Blueprint Festival, Guest Composer
2003 Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston, SC -Artist in Residence
2003 Festival of New American Music-Composer-in-Residence
2003 Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center –Chamber Music Beginnings Outreach Program
2002 CSUS New American Music Festival – Judging Panelist, Composition Competition
2002 San Francisco Conservatory - Composer in Residence, Community Outreach Program
2001 The MacDowell Colony - Artist in Residence
2001 Santa Clara New Music Festival - Guest Composer
2001 The Djerassi Colony - Artist in Residence
2001 California Association of Professional Music Teachers Conference - Guest Composer
2000 Spoletto Festival USA –- Guest Composer
1999 Hopkins Center, Dartmouth College- Visiting Composer in Residence and Guest Artist
1998 Bowdoin College- Visiting Lecturer and Composer in Residence
1998 San Francisco Conservatory of Music- Guest Lecturer and Composer
1997 Djerassi Foundation- Judging Panelist for 1998 Artists in Residence Fellowships
1997 University of California, Berkeley- Guest Lecturer
1997 California Association of Professional Music Teachers - State Judge
1996 The Banff Centre for the Arts- Artist in Residence
1996 Imagine ‘96 Festival, Memphis, TN- Guest Composer
1995 Chamber Music America Conference- Guest Panelist and Composer
1994 Atlantic Center for the Arts- Artist in Residence
1994 Bowdoin Summer Music Festival- Composition participant
1994 2nd Festival of New American Music, Bates College, ME- Guest Composer
1994 Clintonville Elementary School- Meet the Composer in Residence
1991 June in Buffalo- Composition Participant
1991 Music Festival of Aspen- Center for Compositional Studies- Composition Fellow
1990 The American Conservatory at Fontainebleu- Composition Participant
Selected Recordings
2022 SECRET
New Focus Recordings
2019 SPARK
Innova Recordings
2012 BEGIN
GSP Recordings/Pacific Guitar Ensemble
2007 COMING AROUND– TIC
Albany Recordings
2006 COVER
Innova Recordings
2005 WITH BRICKS THROWN AT YA
Seventh Chapter Recordings
2003 CIRCA‑ THE SHOCK OF THE OLD
Santa Fe New Music (Harmonia Mundi)
1996 OVER AND OUT
CRI’s Emergency Music Label
Video Testimonials
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Lucy - Student Parent
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Sigrid - Student Parent
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Esther Landau - Flutist