Samuel Ostroff

Sam Ostroff is a Los Angeles–based composer working in film, television, games, and advertising, as well as a producer, artist, and sound researcher. His compositions reflect a "sensitivity and lyricism beyond his years" (San Francisco Composer's Chamber Orchestra). With diverse influences spanning Joe Hisaishi, Maurice Ravel, and Brad Mehldau, his music incorporates elements of classical music, golden age film scores, jazz, and indie rock.

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Sam composed the score for the Emmy award-winning HBO series We're Here. His scores have premiered at festivals like NFFTY, LA Shorts, SXSW, etc. Film and television work includes projects like Swiping America (HBO), Poached (Apple), and Chef's Table: Pizza (Netflix). He scored a national ad campaign for Shutterfly, Inc., as well as promotional and branding content for companies like Samsara, Mercedes-Benz, and Apogee Entertainment.

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Alongside his scoring work, Sam is an active classical music composer. His piece "Latitudes" was premiered by the ensemble yMusic (Classical Billboard #1 for 43 weeks). Other works include "Allegro for String Quartet" and "Two Landscapes" (winners of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts' YoungArts competition) and "Caro Son Tua Cosí" premiered by GRAMMY-winning duo Hila Plitmann and Mak Grgic.

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As a producer, arranger, and engineer, Sam has worked with artists across genres, collaborating with artists like Vincent Lima, Snarky Puppy, and Louis Cole on songs amassing over 40 million streams on Spotify.

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Sam is also a medical sound and psychoacoustics researcher, investigating audio-sensory differences and developing sonic therapies for people with neurodivergence and autism spectrum disorder at the Medical University of South Carolina, in collaboration with doctors and researchers from MIT and Stanford University.

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Sam received his Bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California, where he was mentored by composers including Ted Hearne, Vince Mendoza, and Thomas Newman.

 

When not writing music, Sam can be found on the climbing wall, in front of his sewing machine, or on the playing with his dog, Joy.