Tommi Paavilainen (b. 1997, Finland) works as a composer, singing teacher, singer and pianist.

He will graduate with a Master’s Degree in music education from the Sibelius Academy of the University of the Arts Helsinki in spring 2025. Tommi has studied composition and orchestration under Matthew Whittall.

As a composer, Tommi has focused especially on vocal music. He collaborates a lot with singers and choir conductors, being a trained vocalist and choir conductor also himself. Tommi has composed works for several choirs, chamber music for three Sibelius Academy A exam concerts, numerous classical solo songs and even a three-hour high school musical.

Tommi loves to compose new music for professionals as well as various non-professional ensembles. As a music educator and vocal pedagogy professional, he is interested in applying pedagogical thinking also in composition.

The creation of a new work is a unique journey, and during this process Tommi is always fascinated to hear the commissioner’s wishes and visions for the piece. Tommi’s goal is to create music that highlights and celebrates the performer’s skills while also inspiring them to explore new challenges. Even though Tommi feels most at home in classical music, he enjoys experimenting with a wide stylistic palette and moving flexibly like a chameleon at the boundaries of different genres.

In October 2023, Tommi Paavilainen was the first Finn to be selected for the international mentoring program for art song composers, during which he composed a new solo song for two American music organizations. In the spring of 2024, Tommi was invited to present his insights on applying pedagogical principles to composition to the students of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

For Tommi, people are always at the heart of music-making. He deeply values the opportunities to work with others, share ideas and learn together through a creative process. Every project or commission is more than just creating music—it’s a chance to embark on a meaningful and unique artistic journey, together.

Instagram: @tommipaavilainen

Youtube: T. Paavilainen

SoundCloud: Composer Tommi Paavilainen

Contact: music.t.paavilainen(at)gmail.com