Larry Baum (b. December 15, 1944) did his formal academic music studies at UCLA School of Music, graduating Class of Winter, 1968 with an emphasis in music composition and orchestration. His educational credits from colleges and universities include studies in composition and orchestration with Nicholas Slonimsky, John Vincent, and Boris Kremenliev, chamber music with Mehli Mehta, orchestral conducting with Herbert Blomstedt, and choral literature and conducting with Roger Wagner. From 2015 to 2017,  he continued his formal studies in composition and orchestration with Adam Schoenberg. He studied piano with Josef Rosenfeld. 

After receiving his secondary teaching credential from UCLA in 1970, Baum acquired a position as teacher of instrumental music, choral music, and piano in Los Angeles, where he facilitated numerous public performances and recitals. He served as orchestral and choral conductor in Los Angeles schools and has years of experience teaching piano privately. He also performed with the Los Angeles Master Chorale under Roger Wagner.

Baum began composing at the age of 16. At the age of 19, he wrote the music for an original stage play. In his student days, he wrote piano and chamber works. The characteristic features of Baum's style span from a revival of late 19th to early 20th century expressionism to contemporary idioms. His most notable works include pieces for solo piano and piano duo, instrumental and vocal ensemble, and works for large orchestra, including a work for orchestra and chorus.