Peter-Jan Wagemans was born in The Hague in 1952. From 1970 to 1977, he studied organ, composition (with Jan van Vlijmen), and music theory at the conservatory in his hometown, where he also worked in the electronic music studio. In 1976, he attended the composition classes of Klaus Huber in Freiburg. Also at this time, he taught composition at the Rotterdam Conservatory and organised concerts of contemporary music.

Since 1973, many of his works have been performed by the Residentie orkest, as well as by Radiokamerorkest, Radiosinfoniekorkest, and Schoenberg Ensemble. His music has also been presented at festivals such as Donaueschingen, Royan, Warsaw Autumn, Middelburg, and in Venice.