The cornerstone of the Tapiola Choir was laid by Erkki Pohjola in 1963.

After he met Zoltan Kodály and Carl Orff in 1964, he adapted their ideas into a free-form education method with a chamber-music approach, building on the innate creativity and musical talents of children. He continued to pursue this new music education ideal as conductor of the Tapiola Choir for over three decades. During that time, the Choir evolved from a run-of-the-mill school choir into one of the most acclaimed vocal instruments of our time.

The work of Erkki Pohjola was continued by Kari Ala-Pöllänen from 1994 to 2008. Today, the Choir is conducted by one of its own alumni, Pasi Hyökki. Over the decades, some 500 girls and boys have sung in the Tapiola Choir.