Teemu Takanen is a Finnish conductor, composer, arranger and saxophonist. 

Takanen graduated from the Jazz Department of the Sibelius Academy with a master's degree in music in 2009. Since then, he's been working as a professional musician in a wide range of artistic roles. In addition to conducting and playing he is employed by music writing commissions for large ensembles such as Vantaa Orchestra, UMO Helsinki Jazz Orchestra, Oulu Symphony Orchestra, Savonlinna Orchestra, St. Michel Strings and Savonlinna Big Band.

Takanen is also an award-winning jazz music competitor. The most recent achievements are the arrangement prize awarded by Finnish Music Creators (2020), the 1st place in the arrangement category in the Markku Johansson Composition and Arrangement Competition (2018) and the 1st place in the Esko Linnavalli Big Band Composition Competition (2016). Other past achievements include: 1st place in the 3rd International Contest for Young Jazz Soloist 2007; 3rd place in Monaco City Hall International Jazz Soloist Competition 2006; and shared 2nd place in the Jukka Perko Saxophone Competition 2001.