Svetlana Paramonova graduated from the Moscow State Conservatory in 1983, having studied under Professor Vera Dulova. While still a student, Paramonova was invited to play with the orchestra of the Bolshoi Theater, where she performed important parts in leading operas and ballets.

Beginning in 1983, Paramonova was a soloist with the State Symphonic Orchestra of the USSR Ministry of Culture (Gennady Rozhdestvensky, chief conductor). In 1988, she was awarded a diploma at the USSR International Music Festival, and in 1990 became a soloist with the Soviet Festival Orchestra. She joined the Russian National Orchestra in 1994.

Svetlana Paramonova is in demand as a soloist and regularly takes part in chamber music evenings in Moscow and other Russian cities, and at international music festivals. With the RNO, she has performed the most famous harp solos in the classical and contemporary orchestral repertoires. She also performs with the RNO's chamber ensembles in duets, trios, and other formations. She has been featured in numerous recordings with the RNO and is preparing a solo CD.