Vidwan. Thiruvalaputhur K. Krishnamurthy Pillai was an accomplished Violinist, with music and rhythm as a part of his heritage. He was born in Thiruvalaputhur, in Mayiladuthurai district to renowned Bharatanatyam dancer Smt. Kalyani Ammal and Guru Pandanallur Meenakshi Sundaram Pillai, a dance exponent.

His early childhood was spent in Thiruvalaputhur, surrounded by music and dance. Later his mother sent him to Trichy, to learn violin from Vidwan Malaikottai Govindasamy Pillai. As the guru was of advanced age, he taught young Krishnamurthy the basics and then sent him to his disciple Kumbakonam Siva Vadivel Pillai for further training. His training was completed here in traditional gurukula vasam style, under the watchful eyes of his guru. 

Thiru T.K.K. achieved proficiency in violin and started giving solo violin performances as well as accompanying other artists in concerts. The artists he accompanied included:

• Vidushi Smt. N.C. Vasanthakokilam

• Vidwan Madurai Somu

• Vidushi KB Sundarambal

• Vidwan Dandapani Desikar

• Vidwan Ramanujam Iyengar

• Vidwan Palladam Srinivasa Rao

• Vidwan Chidambaram Jayaraman

• Vidwans Alathur Brothers

• Vidwan Sathur Subramaniam

• Vidwan Mayavaram Govindaraja Pillai (Duet)

Thiru. T.K.K regularly played for the Trichy and Pondicherry Radio Stations. He accompanied Vidushi Vasanthakokilam to Sri Lanka for a concert and played for the Ceylon Radio Station.

Thiru. T.K. Krishnamurthy began teaching in Annamalai University as a full-time violin professor in 1956 and retired from the position in 1976. In a span of twenty years, he trained many students from around India as well as Sri Lanka. His notable students include Shri. Annadurai, currently a professor in Delhi University, Shri. Job Kurevilla, who was a part of the orchestra of many music directors, Shri. John Britto, who teaches violin in Mugaiyur, Villupuram District.

He received many awards and accolades for his music and his efforts to teach the classical traditions. The Tamil Nadu government recognized his contribution to music by awarding him the Kalaimamani. 

Thiru. T K. Krishnamurthy Pillai passed away in 2001 at his residence in Nageswaran Kovil North Street, Kumbakonam. His legacy of music is carried forward by his students.