Cody Westheimer is a noted film and television composer. A multi-instrumentalist, his love for music started when he began studying piano and brass instruments at the age of eight. A magna cum laude graduate of the music composition program at USC's Thornton School of Music, his gift for thematic writing and creative instrument choices has made him a sought after composer for both studio and independent projects.

The Los Angeles resident currently runs New West Studios with his wife Julia Newmann, and has composed compelling scores for dozens of dramatic features, documentaries, TV shows, and games. In 2010 he scored the independent feature "Conception." The film was directed by noted television writer Josh Stolberg and starred Julie Bowen, David Arquette and Sarah Hyland. Most recently Westheimer penned a new Hollywood inspired theme for the Tour de France, which aired on Versus and NBC. It was so well received that Versus chose to continue airing it as their "cycling anthem" along side their other programming. Other notable credits include the music for TLC's "Little People, Big World" and the theatrical film trailer for Neil Labute's "The Wicker Man."

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Westheimer's first orchestral work was performed by the Santa Barbara Symphony in 1997 as a senior in high school. Years later in 2009 Westheimer was commissioned by the Santa Barbara Symphony to compose "The Remarkable Farkle McBride" (based on the John Lithgow book). His piece was premiered by the Santa Barbara Symphony in 2010, with a repeat, encore performance in 2011. In 2002, upon graduation from the Thornton School of Music, University of Southern California, Westheimer was awarded the ASCAP Morton Gould Award for his orchestral work, "Bamboo Leaves," featuring the Japanese shakuhachi (bamboo flute) and orchestra.

Among his other musical accomplishments and accolades Westheimer was selected as a participant for the prestigious ASCAP Filmscoring Workshop in 2001, and was chosen as a finalist for the Young Film Composer's Competition, sponsored by Turner Classic Movies in 2004. Meanwhile, his orchestral score to the 2005 short animated film "SMILE" was awarded Double Gold Medals at the Park City Film Music Festival, and his overture for Sega's "The Golden Compass Game" was nominated by the Game Audio Network Guild for "Track of the Year."

In 2008 Westheimer moonlit as a filmmaker with his award-winning documentary, "Running for my Father." The documentary followed Westheimer as he trained for the Houston Marathon in honor of his father, Dr. Eric Westheimer who died of a brain tumor in 2007. As an offshoot of the tribute Cody Westheimer created ironcure.org a twitter (#ironcure) driven social support site also devoted to raising cancer awareness through endurance sports activities. Westheimer recently completed the Ironman World Championships on October 8, 2011 in Kona, Hawaii. His video account of the day hit the internet by storm, with nearly 20,000 views in the first week.

He credits his training sessions in providing inspiration to the scoring process. And while Westheimer composes mostly on keyboards, he is known for incorporating his vast collection of rare and interesting musical instruments. His recent work in independent cinema has also reacquainted him with his love for the guitar, prompting an exploration in eclectic rock sounds and other modern pop styles.

Whenever he finds a spare moment, Westheimer can be found working on his debut album. Described as "eclectic instrumental," each track is inspired by a different Van Gogh painting.

Other than writing and playing music Westheimer enjoys nature photography, home improvement and playing with his dog, Henry.

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Business Enquiries
Cody Westheimer
cody@codywestheimer.com
(213) 709-5643

Publicity and Public Relations
Charley Walters
charley@cw3pr.com
(323) 476-1050

"Cody was an amazing partner, a dream to work with, a true collaborator, someone who brought a focused creative vision to the process but also was very game to work within the confines of what I was looking for. He never stopped searching for the truth of the scenes and helped to make every moment better in my film. It was also fun to see what new instrument he'd start experimenting with next. I didn't expect to hear the kazoo... but it worked! Cody is also incredibly easy to communicate with. He's got a little bit of that Vulcan mind meld thing happening... he usually knows what you're thinking before you get the words out. He's also fast. I can't recommend him enough! Feel free to call me at 555-555-5555 (or if that doesn't work, try me through my website (www.joshstolberg.com) if you want to hear me gush some more)."

- Josh Stolberg, Writer/Director, CONCEPTION

"Cody captured the unique beauty of Mono Lake as well as the ongoing efforts to protect this remarkable place, restore it to health, and educate people about its ecological and historic environmental importance. This unprecedented story needed an extraordinary composer. Cody took the time to get to know the history of Mono Lake, the spirit of the place, and the style of our organization. He captured the essence beautifully. Working with Cody was a pleasure, and we get enthusiastic responses to the music every time we show the film—his work helps us share the story in a more powerful way."

- Geoffrey McQuilkin, Executive Director, Mono Lake Committee

"Westheimer's versatility and true understanding of how to weave authentic original scoring in and out of dialogue and action makes him a part of a rare breed of composers that possess that sought after sensibility. Cody is a genuine collaborator and above and beyond the wrok, an exemplary individual of the highest order."

- Martin Guigui, Writer/Director, NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CATTLE CALL, BENNY BLISS AND THE DISCIPLES OF GREATNESS

"Cody is a talented and innovative musician who understands the complex layers of story and emotion. His adept skill as a musician and composer enhanced my project beyond expectation. His integrity as an artist contributed greatly to our success."

- Chris Valentino, Director/Producer, INNERSTATE

"Cody's musical adaptation of John Lithgow's children's book 'The Remarkable Farkle McBride' was wonderfully written and brilliantly orchestrated giving such a delightful sense to the text. Working with Cody was a great experience and a true pleasure."

- Nir Kabaretti, Music and Artistic Director, The Santa Barbara Symphony

"Cody is a rare talent who listened intently to what I wanted as a director and then provided it almost instantaneously. He is energetic, fun and truly enjoys his work."

- Jim Kehoe, Writer/Director , THE HAND JOB

"Cody was fantastic to work with on 'Cherry.' He was so willing to try new things and to really reach for a different and unique sound in the score that really supported and extended the story, and I think it shows in the final film."

- Quinn Sanders, Writer/Director , CHERRY.

"Cody's enthusiasm and passion for film composing is evident in all his work. His astonishingly wide range of scoring experience gives each film he works on a distinct originality and emotional quality that will immerse and engage the audience on a personal level. In addition to his unmatched talent, Cody's friendliness, approachability, and positive attitude toward the entire filmmaking process is what makes working with him such an immensely satisfying and rewarding joy. Cody is a true artist; a painter of emotion."

- Chris Mais, Writer/Director, SMILE

"...kudos must be given to composer Cody Westheimer. His symphonic score, when it appears, is such a rare delight (and completely worthy of any theatrical film in wide release) that I'm actually recommending people rent this film just to hear his music. With any luck, we'll be seeing (and hearing) great things from him in the future."

- Horror Watch.com on Devon's Ghost

"Cody scored the music for Tapestries of Hope, a U.S. Feature Length Documentary. His delivery of 26 pieces exceeded my expectations. The musical ambiance is an amazing match with the visual story. Cody is on my short list of composers for all of my future projects. Thank you!"

- Christopher Bankston, producer, Fatbox Films

"I hired Cody to compose an original soundtrack for my film The Runner. He is was easy to work with and fair. Cody not only got the job done on time under a tight schedule, he made a slam dunk with music he created. I have received so many positive comments on the music and I was so happy that I invested into a soundtrack for the film."

- J.B. Benna, Director/Producer, ULTRAMARATHON MAN AND THE RUNNER

"Cody is an incredible artist and I am always amazed at his creativity and perfection with every project no matter great or small. From standard synthesizing and composition to sampling toy pianos purchased from eBay, to recording with a 40-piece orchestra at Capitol Records, Cody always remains flexible, and our music is always fresh, unique, and exceeds expectations."

- Dr. Blaine Behringer, Principal, Earthbound Media Group

"Cody has the perfect blend of skill, creativity, understanding, kindness, and technique that one would look for in a composer. I had the good fortune of working with him on a short film called Smile, and the only advice I can give to others is "hire him now!!!"

- Aaron Diecker, Sound Designer, "SMILE"

"I have worked with Cody Westheimer on many projects, and have been very pleased. He is very determined to produce a high quality product, and is always on time. I will continue to work with him on many more projects in the future."

- Zac Adams, Writer/Producer/Director , Skydive Films

"Working with Cody was a complete dream. He delivered on every single track. His music has become a signature for our series, I can't imagine having it scored by anyone else. I look forward to working with Cody for many years to come!"

- John Simpson, lead producer , Chris and John's Road Trip

"Cody Westheimer is a pure joy to work with. His talents as a musician are rivaled only by his pleasing demeanor and collaborative ease..."

- John Gemberling, Producer , FAT GUY STUCK IN INTERNET