Belgian bass Jules Bastin ( 1933 – 1996) had the same singing teacher as José van Dam. He appeared in ROH Covent Garden, La Scala, The Palais Garnier and many opera houses in North America. Originally a teacher of German, French and history he turned to professional singing. He used his teaching skills as a professor at the Royal Music Conservatory in Brussels. His own favourite role was Baron Ochs in the Rosenkavalier.