Omar Lateef is an accomplished trumpeter, educator, author, and music director whose career bridges elite performance and impactful pedagogy. A graduate of The Juilliard School (B.M.) and Yale University (M.M.), Lateef has built a distinguished career spanning classical, jazz, and commercial music at the highest levels.
He currently serves as Assistant Teaching Professor of Trumpet at Florida International University, where he is also Area Coordinator for Winds, Brass, and Percussion. In this role, he teaches a wide range of courses across classical and jazz disciplines, directs major ensembles, and leads performances, recitals, and festivals. A dedicated mentor, Lateef has guided numerous students into professional careers, advanced degrees, and prestigious teaching and performance appointments.
As a performer, Lateef is a core trumpet specialist with the Nu Deco Ensemble and Lead Trumpet Specialist with Paul Anka Productions. His extensive performance résumé includes collaborations with major orchestras, international tours, high-profile festivals, and appearances with leading artists across genres. He has also performed as a soloist with orchestras in the United States and abroad, showcasing a repertoire that spans from Baroque masterworks to contemporary compositions.
Earlier in his career, Lateef spent over a decade as a music director, bandleader, and lead trumpet performer with Carnival Cruise Line, where he led ensembles on international stages. His versatility as both a leader and sideman has made him a sought-after musician in symphonic, jazz, and commercial settings.
In addition to his performance and teaching work, Lateef is a published author. He co-authored Slotting Secrets: Mastering Range, Flexibility, and Precision for Trumpeters, a pedagogical resource widely recognized for its practical approach to brass technique.
Through his combined work as an educator, performer, and author, Omar Lateef continues to shape the next generation of musicians while maintaining an active and influential presence on the international stage.