Kathryn Kovanen currently teaches applied double bass at Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. An active performer, Kovanen has held positions with the New York City Ballet, Cosmopolitan Chamber Orchestra, Spokane Symphony, Arizona Opera, Huntsville Symphony, Stones River Chamber Players, New Juilliard Ensemble, Arizona Contemporary Ensemble, and is currently performing with the Chattanooga and Tuscaloosa Symphonies.

Kovanen earned her Master of Music degree from the Juilliard School where she studied with renowned pedagogue, David Walter. There she was recipient of the Irene Diamond Graduate Fellowship and the Martin Kaltman and Irving Ruckens scholarships. Kovanen completed undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona receiving a full fellowship while studying under progressive soloist and composer, Patrick Neher.