Samuel Ostroff

Samuel Ostroff’s compositions reflect a "sensitivity and lyricism beyond his years" (San Francisco Composer's Chamber Orchestra). Influenced by diverse musicians such as Joe Hisaishi, Maurice Ravel, and Brad Mehldau, his music incorporates elements of classical music, golden age film scores, and indie rock. 

 

An active composer of film and game music, Sam has written music for projects such as HBO's hit series "We're Here," "Poached" an Apple documentary directed by David Gelb (Chef's Table), and for the upcoming series "Swiping America" premiering on HBO in 2023. Other notable scores include the Korean-American drama "To The Lights," which won Best Narrative at NFFTY 2023; "Breathe Peace World," a virtual reality experience commissioned by and premiered at the United Nations General Assembly; "Vote For Home," an environmental documentary created by Stanford University and Warner Music Group, featuring actress Taryn Manning ("Orange Is the New Black"); and a series of national advertisements for Shutterfly, Inc.

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Sam is also an active composer of classical music. In 2020, the ensemble yMusic (Classical Billboard #1 for 43 weeks) commissioned and premiered Ostroff's "Running Water Can See No Stars." The composer's other notable concert works include "Allegro for String Quartet" and "Two Landscapes" (winners of the U.S. National Foundation for the Arts' YoungArts competition); "Caro Son Tua Cosí" recorded by Hila Plitmann (GRAMMY Winner, Best Classical Vocal Performance); and "Patch:Channel," a work for string quartet, live electronics, and four ballet dancers performed at multiple venues across Los Angeles.

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Just as comfortable in the studio as on the scoring stage, Sam has helped artists across genres bring their music into recorded format and out to the world. Artists he has worked with as a producer, arranger, and engineer include Vincent Lima, eymii, and Zach Moses among others; as well as classical artists including Benefic Piano Trio, Mixtape Quartet, and the Burbank Philharmonic.

 

Ostroff studied at the University of Southern California, where he was mentored by composers Ted Hearne, Vince Mendoza, and Thomas Newman. When not writing music, Sam can be found hiking, surfing, and playing with his two dogs, Joy and Django.