The Score So Far
Karam Salem is an Emmy-nominated composer and multi-instrumentalist based in the united Stated, whose music has been featured in films, television series, and documentaries across major platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Jr., Universal, DreamWorks, PBS, and many leading cable networks. Originally from Baghdad, Iraq, he is known for his worldly and versatile approach to film and TV scoring, bringing a unique depth to every project.
Karam’s recent work includes the thriller feature film Stone Creek Killer, directed by Robert Enriquez, as well as Young King, a feature film directed by Bryant Griffin. His score for the Emmy Award–winning documentary L.A. Rebellion: A Cinematic Movement (PBS SoCal/KCET) earned him an Emmy nomination. Additionally, he has scored numerous television series produced in the Middle East, underscoring his global reach and versatility.
Previously, Karam co-scored with Alex Geringas Woody Woodpecker (short TV series) for Universal and Chuggington (Season 6) for Disney Jr. In addition, Karam has written additional music for over 500 episodes of animation TV series, including Trollstopia, I Heart Arlo, Trolls: The Beat Goes On, and Home: Adventures with Tip & Oh.
Karam Salem began his musical journey in Baghdad, Iraq, showing remarkable talent as a pianist from a young age. He had the privilege of performing on historic stages, including Babylon, and by age 16, he was invited to represent his country with a piano performance for the First Lady of Jordan. From early on, music became his language for expressing emotion, ideas, and storytelling.
In 2006, Karam and his family relocated to Syria as refugees, and two years later he earned a full-tuition scholarship to study at Holy Cross College in Notre Dame, Indiana. He later refined his skills in composition through the Film Scoring Program at UCLA, studying and collaborating with Hollywood’s award-winning composers and orchestrators.
Karam’s diverse experiences and unwavering passion for music have shaped a distinctive sensibility, enabling him to blend a wide range of musical genres and craft compelling, emotionally resonant scores for film and television.