Noah Straus is a Los Angeles-based composer, guitarist, and passionate musician currently pursuing a degree in Music Composition at the Claremont Colleges. With a background in jazz, classical, and media scoring, Noah’s work is rooted in his deep appreciation for storytelling through music. In the photo above Noah is donning his Indiana Jones 2023 Dial of Destiny hat while standing next to the original hat worn by actor Harrison Ford in the same film. Noah’s love for music is only matched by his deep knowledge and passion for film.
His musical journey began at the age of five when he first started playing piano, later transitioning to jazz guitar at 14—a discovery that shaped his artistic identity. Over the past three years, Noah has dedicated himself to composition, studying under esteemed composers Thomas Flaherty and Igor Santos, and exploring both classical and electronic composition. He is proficient in digital audio workstations such as Logic, Reaper, and Ableton, further expanding his versatility in contemporary music production.
As an active member of the music community at Claremont Colleges, Noah is the guitarist for the Pomona College Jazz Ensemble and leads additional musical groups on campus. His compositions have been performed by fellow musicians, and he has scored short films and written pieces for various school events. He has also participated in the Port Townsend Centrum Jazz Summer Program, where he performed in a jazz festival with a small ensemble.
Beyond his academic studies, Noah’s love for music has extended into his professional experiences. He has worked as a guitar teacher, a camp counselor, and an usher for the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl—an institution that played a formative role in his musical upbringing. He has a keen ability to communicate and collaborate with musicians and composers, a skill that enhances his work both as a performer and a composer.
Noah’s passion for composition is deeply personal. Inspired by his early exposure to jazz and classical music through his family, he has drawn influence from legendary composers such as John Williams, Leonard Bernstein, and Duke Ellington. A particularly transformative moment in his life was attending a John Williams concert at the Hollywood Bowl in 2022, where he witnessed the debut of a new film theme—an experience that solidified his aspiration to compose music that evokes powerful emotions and tells compelling stories.
With a strong foundation in composition, performance, and media scoring, Noah is eager to continue expanding his craft and contributing to the world of music. He looks forward to the opportunity to immerse himself in a community of talented musicians and composers, further refining his artistic voice.