Shri C. S. Krishna lyer learnt vocal music from Shri T. S. Sabesa lyer and Shri Tanjore K. Ponnaiah Pillai in the Tanjore style. He studied at the Annamalai Music College. Shri Iyer has been a regular concert performer since 1937, and is known for his chaste and traditional style. He has also been a teacher for many years. He joined the Swati Thirunal College of Music, Thiruvanantha- puram, in 1942, and later taught at various other well-known institutions. He has trained a large number of students. Shri Krishna lyer received the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award in 1972 and the Fellowship of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi in 1994. Shri C. S. Krishna lyer receives the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to Carnatic vocal music.