Tanel-Eiko Novikov (b. 2000) is an Estonian marimbist and percussion soloist whose expressive artistry and technical brilliance have earned him international acclaim. He first came to prominence after winning Classic Stars 2018, a national televised competition organised by Estonian Public Broadcasting and Eesti Kontsert. That same year, he represented Estonia at Eurovision Young Musicians 2018 in Edinburgh, becoming one of the youngest percussionists to gain such visibility on the European classical stage.

Tanel began studying percussion at the age of 8 under Kristjan Mäeots at Tallinn Music High School. His early talent led him to advanced training in Sweden at Sundsgården Folk High School with Johan Bridger, and he is currently studying at the Royal Danish Academy of Music under Anders Kann Elten. His artistic development has been further shaped through participation in international festivals, masterclasses, and artist residencies.

As a soloist and chamber musician, Tanel has performed with leading orchestras including the Estonian National Symphony Orchestra, Tallinn Chamber Orchestra, Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, Tel Aviv Soloists Ensemble, and the Helsinki Police Orchestra. His performances have taken him to prestigious venues such as the Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg and Henry Crown Hall in Jerusalem.

He has received multiple awards, including first prize in the Southern Percussion International Tuned Percussion Competition (Category A), and has been featured in numerous online festivals and academies, including the Online Mallets Festival and the Leigh Howard Stevens Summer Marimba Seminar. In 2023, Tanel was selected to perform as a soloist on the World Percussion Group’s European tour, further establishing his international presence.

Beyond solo work, Tanel is an active chamber musician. He is a founding member of Trio Trifecta (oboe, violin, percussion), and collaborates in duos with fellow Estonian percussionist Heigo Rosin and with VR multimedia percussionist Lauri Metsvahi. He is also a member of the Estonian Percussion Quartet.

A Yamaha Artist, Tanel is widely respected for his lyrical phrasing, refined tone, and innovative programming. He believes that “music is a language that sets your creativity free,” and credits his mentor Anders Kann Elten for instilling in him the belief that great music must always aim to move the audience.