Karel Keldermans

Karel Keldermans (often referred to as Karl) is one of the preeminent American master carillonneurs, authors, and historians of the carillon instrument in North America. Based in Springfield, Illinois, he spent nearly four decades serving as a primary custodian and global ambassador for bell music, most notably directing the Rees Memorial Carillon, one of the largest carillon installations in the world.

Educational Background & Mentorship

• Musical Family Roots: Karel was practically raised in a bell tower; his father, Raymond Keldermans, was a legendary Belgian émigré and carillonneur who fled the Nazi invasion of Belgium.
• Early Prodigy Status: Versed in the recorder, flute, clarinet, and piano, he was named assistant carillonneur for the Springfield Park District at just 20 years old.
• Belgian Classical Training: Studied under Piet van den Broek at the world-famous Royal Carillon School in Mechelen, Belgium, graduating “with great distinction”.
• Advanced Degrees: Completed postgraduate work under Peter Bakker at the Netherlands Carillon School in Amersfoort and earned a master’s degree in carillon performance and campanology from the University of Illinois.