Sri. K. V. Gopalakrishnan started learning kanjira under his father and Guru Sri K.V.R.S. Mani. He is currently undergoing advanced training under 'Sangeetha Kalanidhi' Dr.T.K. Murthy. He has accompanied many leading artistes. He has received awards such as the 'Harihara Sarma Award' for the Best Kanjira artiste from Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in the Gokulashtami series for the year 2002. He received the title 'Yuva Kala Bharathi' from Bharath Kalachar in December 2007. Sri K.V. Gopalakrishnan is a B-high graded artiste of All India Radio, Chennai both in Kanjira and Mrdangam. He has performed in all the leading sabhas in Chennai and on several occasions in many places across India, Europe, U.S.A and Australia.