About me

I’m Fran Decloedt, a freelance double bassist and conductor.
I studied double bass with Jan Buysschaert and Martin Rosso at LUCA School of Arts in Leuven, earning my bachelor’s degree in 2024 and master’s degree in 2026, both with high distinction. Playing with an orchestra is at the heart of my musical work.
As a double bassist, I have performed with Symphony of Unity (Tomorrowland), Youth Orchestra Flanders and Houtlands Harmonieorkest, among others. Symphony of Unity projects have taken me to Brazil, Las Vegas and Amsterdam. I conduct Houtlandse Benjamins and De Jeugdige Vrienden Hooglede. My conducting studies in Ypres broadened the way I read a score: I listen to the whole ensemble and work with its musicians toward a shared interpretation.
I also teach introductory music at STAP Roeselare and am studying for a master’s degree in education in Leuven. I take saxophone lessons too. Whether performing, conducting or teaching, I want to share music with care, curiosity and joy.
Curriculum vitae
Education
- 2026–2027
- Master’s in education · LeuvenIn progress
- 2024–2026
- Master in Music, double bass · LUCA School of ArtsHigh distinction · Jan Buysschaert & Martin Rosso
- 2021–2024
- Bachelor in Music, double bass · LUCA School of ArtsHigh distinction · Jan Buysschaert & Martin Rosso
- 2023–2024
- Conducting · Dé Academie IeperHighest distinction · Tom Hondeghem
- 2021–2022
- Double bass · KATZ TorhoutHighest distinction · Michel Vangheluwe
Orchestras & conducting
- 11.2025–present
- De Jeugdige Vrienden HoogledeConductor
- 06.2024–present
- Houtlandse Benjamins · TorhoutConductor
- 08.2024–present
- Symphony of Unity (Tomorrowland)Tutti double bass
- 09.2018–present
- Houtlands Harmonieorkest TorhoutPrincipal double bass
- 01.2022–12.2024
- Youth Orchestra FlandersTutti double bass
Projects
- 2024–2026
- Symphony of UnityTutti double bass · August & October 2024; August–October 2025; June–September 2026
- 11.2025
- European PhilharmoniaTutti double bass
- 2021–2025
- LUCA Philharmonic & LUCA StringsTutti & principal · November 2021; March & November 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025
- 2023
- Royal Conservatory of BrusselsTutti double bass · March, October & November
- 2023
- Mahler Student Festival Orchestra
Masterclasses
- 03.2026
- Thierry BarbeLUCA School of Arts
- 02.2025
- Daniele RocattoLUCA School of Arts
- 08.2021
- Wies de BoevéCAROUSEL
Solo & chamber repertoire
- Divertimento Concertante · Nino RotaWith piano accompaniment
- Carmen · Frank ProtoWith piano accompaniment
- First Cello Suite · J. S. BachSolo
- 06.2025–present
- Double Bass Concerto · VanhalWith piano accompaniment
- 06.2024–present
- Double Bass Concerto · KoussevitzkyWith piano accompaniment
Recognition
- 04.2025
- Flicorno d’Oro · Riva del GardaFirst place, Excellence category, with Houtlands Harmonieorkest
- Torhout Culture AwardRecognition as a promising young talent