Arkansas State Trumpet Studio
The trumpet studio at Arkansas State University includes both undergraduate and graduate music majors. Undergraduate degrees offered are Bachelor of Music Education in Instrumental Music, Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Performance, and Bachelor of Music in Music Industry Performance. Students may also pursue a minor in Jazz Studies. Graduate degrees include Master of Music in Composition, Master of Music in Conducting, and Master of Music in Instrumental Performance. More information about the A-State Department of Music can be found here.
The A-State Trumpet Studio has earned an international reputation through decades of student and faculty achievements. Former faculty and current trumpet professor Dr. Nairam Simoes has been featured as a guest artist and competition coordinator at multiple International Trumpet Guild Conferences and other international music events.
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Performance Opportunities
Students in the A-State Trumpet Studio have a wide variety of performance opportunities. Ensembles include the A-State Bands and Marching Band, Jazz Bands, Trumpet Ensembles, Faculty Brass Quintet, and chamber music groups, with regular solo performance options. Students perform in the ITG Prelude and Festival of Trumpets, compete successfully in the National Trumpet Competition solo and ensemble divisions, and have access to an exclusive regional orchestra seat awarded annually to an A-State student. Participation in conferences and competitions are typically fully funded.
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Teaching Pedagogy
Dr. Simoes’ teaching philosophy emphasizes meeting students where they are in their careers and designing individualized plans of study that address weaknesses and build strengths. He adapts his teaching to diverse learning styles and fosters a student-centered pedagogy, focusing on coaching, mentoring, nurturing, and inspiring students rather than traditional teacher-centered instruction.
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Guest Artists
Since 2020, the studio has hosted more than 60 guest artists from around the world. These have included Marie Speziale, Arthur Fernandes, Joey Tartell, Wiff Rudd, Adam Rapa, Michael Sachs, Dr. Ryan Gardner, Pershing’s Own Trumpet Section, Vincent DiMartino, and many others. Students interact with guest artists through masterclasses, recitals, and workshops.
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Studio Environment
The A-State Trumpet Studio is a high-energy, high-expectation environment that values inclusivity and diversity. Students receive instruction from Dr. Nairam Simoes and additional lessons with Graduate Teaching Assistants. Every Thursday, all trumpet students participate in studio class. Other opportunities include Performance and Pedagogy class, Trumpet Ensemble, and Brass Quintet. The studio fosters a strong sense of community and belonging while providing rigorous performance and teaching experiences. Students come from all over the country to study trumpet at A-State. In recent years, we have had students from Ohio, Tennessee, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Virginia, Arkansas and other countries such as Brazil and Ireland.
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Scholarships and Support
A-State’s band scholarship program is one of the strongest in the Mid-South. All eligible students in the A-State Bands, including undergraduate and graduate students, receive some form of scholarship. Music scholarships are available to all students, and all graduate students receive scholarship support. Most graduate students also receive out-of-state tuition waivers. The top band scholarship awards $5,000 per year and may include an out-of-state tuition waiver for qualified students. Additional support is available through graduate assistantships and privately funded scholarships. Undergraduate students may also qualify for the Arkansas Plus Promise, helping reduce tuition costs.
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Visiting the Studio
Prospective students are welcome to visit the Music Department. Meetings or lessons with Dr. Simoes can be scheduled at your convenience. Students may also shadow current trumpet students, attend studio class, observe ensembles, and experience A-State’s music programs firsthand.
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Why A-State Trumpet?
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Perform, Teach, Lead
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Personalized mentorship
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Nationally active studio
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Financially accessible
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For more information
You can scan this QR code to schedule an audition.
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