Paul Komen made his debut at the age of 13 with a radio recording of works by Bach and Scriabin. He then studied at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam with Jan Wijn. During his studies he took part in several master classes, which resulted in 1978 in his first gramophone recording. In 1980 he was a finalist in the International Tromp Piano Competition in Eindhoven. In 1981 he made his English debut at the Wigmore Ha II in London. At this occasion one of the records he made was presented to H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Queen-Mother.

In 1982, Paul Komen finished his studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory cum laude and received a grant from the German Academic Exchange Services to continue his studies with Professor Hans Leygraf in Hannover. In 1984, he made his debut at the Amsterdam Concertgebouw as soloist with the Radio Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sergio Comissiona.

In 1985, he finished his studies in Hannover with the Solistell-Diplom, again cum laude. He then continued to study with Juan Carlos Zubeldia in Bilbao and with Nelly Ben-Or in London. In 1986, he received a grant from the Dutch government to study with Gyorgy Sandor in New York and with Gyorgy Sebok in Bloomington, Indiana. In 1988, he was invited to perform at the prestigious International Piano Festival of La Roque d'Antheron in France. In 1989, Paul Komen made his American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York and at the National Gallery in Washington.