About this Artist

Kaelan Decman was appointed to the position of Associate Principal Bass of the Los Angeles Philharmonic by Gustavo Dudamel in the spring of 2022. Prior to his appointment, he was a member of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra bass section. A Los Angeles native, he is honored to be able to represent his hometown amongst the ranks of its premier orchestra. 

Decman began his musical career playing the electric bass and performing a variety of genres including pop, jazz, R&B, and funk, while also pursuing intensive classical training on the double bass. He began his instrumental studies under the tutelage of Los Angeles-based recording artist and composer Jonathan Richards, during which time he was mentored by and collaborated frequently with renowned jazz pianist and composer David Benoit as part of the Asia America Symphony Association. 

During his studies at Indiana University, Decman assumed the position of Principal Bass of both the Columbus Indiana Philharmonic and Terre Haute Symphony Orchestras. He has since made appearances with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, New World Symphony, Phoenix Symphony, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. He has as also participated in a number of summer music festivals as a fellow, including the Tanglewood Music Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, the New York String Orchestra Seminar, and the Music Academy of the West, where he was awarded a Global Academy Zarin Mehta Fellowship granting him the opportunity to perform with the New York Philharmonic. 

Outside of his work with the orchestra, Decman maintains a private teaching studio and enjoys hiking, cycling, rock climbing, cooking, playing video games, and spending time with his dog. He and his partner Sarina are avid gourmets and enjoy exploring the wide variety of wine, beer, and vegan cuisine that southern California has to offer. 

Decman earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Double Bass Performance from the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music and continued his graduate studies at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music. His primary collegiate instructors include Bruce Bransby and fellow section member David Allen Moore. He performs on a modern American double bass made in 2003 by Albert Jackstadt, using a bow made by Robert Dow.