Thomas Lynn Helm, known as Tom Helm, was an American conductor and orchestrator who primarily worked as a director of musical theatre and light opera. Born in Smithville, Missouri, he trained as a pianist at the University of Missouri–Kansas City, graduating with a degree in piano performance. Helm began his career as a musical director with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre in 1974–1975 before moving to New York City, where he worked on the music staff of the Equity Library Theater.