Hando Põldmäe started his musical career as a trombone player in Eesti Raadio Big Band and Tallinn Brass. For years he played in the orchestra of Estonian National Opera. Põldmäe has conducted several symphonies and brass orchestras. Since 2014, he has been the chief conductor of the Orchestra of Police and Border Guard. He has premiered numerous new musical pieces by Estonian composers. Põldmäe was the head of brass orchestras’ division at Estonian Youth Song Celebration in 2011 and conductor of united orchestras and head of brass orchestras’ division at Estonian Youth Song Celebration in 2017.