Serge Bonvalot began playing the cello and tuba in Saint-Claude (Jura, France) before entering the Conservatoire supérieur de musique de Genève, where he studied with Pierre Pilloud (tuba) and François Guye (cello), graduating in both instruments. He then went on to perfect his skills at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique de Lyon, where he was unanimously awarded first prize for tuba in Mel Culbertson's class.

Having played in a number of ensembles, including the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, with whom he has made several recordings and toured extensively, he also participates in contemporary music projects, notably with the Ensemble Contrechamps.

Serge Bonvalot holds a French Certificat d'aptitude in tuba and a French Diplôme d'état in cello. He has taught at the Conservatoire de musique de Neuchâtel and is currently a professor at the Conservatoire de musique de Grenoble.