Originally from Brazil, Nairam Simoes is an international trumpet soloist, educator, and researcher serving as Associate Professor of Trumpet at Arkansas State University. Praised by the International Trumpet Guild for his “virtuosity and musicality,” he has performed throughout North America, South America, and Europe as a soloist, chamber musician, orchestral musician, and clinician.

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His performance credits include appearances with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, Dayton Philharmonic, Lexington Philharmonic, Fountain City Brass Band, and national touring Broadway productions, including MJ: The Musical. His recording Braziliana, released by Fundamental Sounds, received a Silver Medal from the Global Music Awards. He has also presented recitals, masterclasses, and lectures at universities, conservatories, festivals, and professional conferences in the United States and abroad.

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At Arkansas State University, Simoes has developed a nationally recognized trumpet program and mentored students who have continued into leading graduate programs and successful careers as performers and music educators. His student ensembles have earned recognition at the International Trumpet Guild and National Trumpet Competitions. In 2026, the A-State Trumpet Quartet earned Second Prize in the Ryan Anthony Memorial Chamber Music Competition, becoming the only trumpet ensemble selected for the final round.

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Simoes’s current creative and scholarly work centers on the Leittermoes Duo, his collaboration with oboist Kristin Leitterman. Through commissions, adaptations, performances, and international residencies, the duo is expanding the repertoire for trumpet and oboe while building artistic and educational partnerships between the United States and Brazil. This work has included performances and teaching engagements at major universities in Brazil and has received support through Arkansas State University’s Faculty Research Fund.

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In 2026, Arkansas State University recognized Simoes for the highest overall faculty productivity in the College of Liberal Arts and Communication. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Trumpet Guild and previously coordinated its Festival of Trumpets and edited the ITG Journal’s Orchestral Spotlight column.

Simoes holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and the University of Memphis.