Composer, ECU member since 2022Born on 06.04.1992
Jakob Juhkam is a composer and multi-instrumentalist from Häädemeeste, Estonia. In addition to composing, he takes a hands-on role in performing, recording, and producing his own music. His first compositions and recordings date back to 2006, and a year later he began studying composition at Tallinn Music High School under Tõnis Aints. In 2012, Jakob released his debut solo album, T.
Over the years, Jakob has formed several ensembles to perform his music, including the Jakob Juhkam Quartet and Jakob Juhkam Band. He has also performed as an instrumentalist with various Estonian pop acts, including Vaiko Eplik ja Eliit and Malcolm Lincoln. While studying at the Estonian Academy of Music and Theatre under Margo Kõlar and Tõnu Kõrvits, he began working at Theatre NO99 as a sound engineer and sound designer. Composing music and creating sound designs for theatre productions and films remains his primary professional activity.
In addition to working with Estonia’s major theatres, Jakob has composed music for productions directed by Tiit Ojasoo and Ene-Liis Semper at the Thalia Theater in Hamburg, the Burgtheater in Vienna, and the Lucerne Theatre in Switzerland.
His music blends the rhythms, harmonies, and instrumental approaches of rock and jazz with the sounds and textures of minimalism and electronic music, incorporating recording aesthetics from different eras. Jakob has released three full-length solo albums, the most recent being the double album L in 2022. Several of his theatre soundtracks have also been released as albums.
In 2025, Jakob further developed his skills in film scoring at the PÖFF Music Meets Film course, mentored by Miriam Cutler. In 2026, he participated in the Tier Music, Concord, and BMG MängudeÖÖ video game scoring course, mentored by Simon Landry. Since 2026, he has been a member of the Tier Music agency.
Selected Works and Creative Achievements
- Original music for more than 40 theatre productions.
- Music for films, television series, and art exhibitions.
- 12 albums released, including three solo albums.
- 2025 Estonian Film and Television Awards — Winner, Best Composer, for The 8 Views of Lake Biwa (directed by Marko Raat).
- 2023 Estonian Theatre Award — Award for Original Music for Three Monkeys (Kolm ahvi), directed by Ringo Ramul at Ugala Theatre.
- 2021 Estonian Theatre Award — Award for Sound Design and Original Music for Rather Not (Pigem ei), directed by Juhan Ulfsak at Von Krahl Theatre, and Crime and Punishment (Kuritöö ja karistus), directed by Tiit Ojasoo and Ene-Liis Semper at the Estonian Drama Theatre.
- 2020 Estonian Film and Television Awards — Nominee, Best Composer, for A Year Full of Drama (Aasta täis draamat), directed by Marta Pulk.
Additional Links and References
https://tiermusic.com/et/kirjastamine/jakob-juhkam