Thom Willems was born in 1955 in the Netherlands. He studied electronic and instrumental composition at the Koninklijke Conservatorium of music in Den Haag. Up to now, his work as a composer has been mainly focused on electronic music for the stage. He is a very frequent collaborator with William Forsythe and together they have created more than 25 ballets.

Thom Willems has composed music for other choreographers, including Daniel Ezralow, Daniel Larrieu, Marcia Haydee and Kristina de Chatel. He has also created music for films and TV. His work forms part of the repertory of Frankfurt Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Ballet de l’Opéra de Paris, New York City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Company, National Ballet of Canada, and many others.