Daniel Tosi was born in Perpignan in 1953. After having been awarded five premiers prix at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSMPD), he undertook studies of composition with Ivo Malec and electro-acoustic composition with Pierre Schaeffer and Guy Reibel. He also obtained a doctorate on Spanish contemporary music from the Sorbonne. With additional degrees in music education, and after a period as the director of a regional conservatory, he was named Inspector General at the Ministry for Culture. In spite of these commitments, he remained active as a composer and researcher.

Daniel Tosi was awarded the Rome Prize in 1983.