Artur Fernandes Fão was born in Vila Praia de Âncora, on 27 April 1894.
He enrolled at the Lisbon Conservatory, where he was a distinguished student. There he often conducted the orchestra and took a course in Italian. He completed his degree in violin in 1917, and the course in counterpoint, fugue and composition in 1919, both with distinction.
He performed as 1st violin in symphonic and opera orchestras.
In July 1920, after a brilliant public exam, he was appointed Director of the Navy Band.
He wrote several vocal music works, with orchestra and piano accompaniment, some of which were performed by the David de Sousa and Pedro Blanch symphony orchestras.
He dedicated himself to the creation of musical education works, publishing an important book entitled 'Musical Theory', which was approved by superior order, both at the Conservatory (Music Section) and at the Ministries of War and Navy.
In 1921, given the value of his works, he was decorated with the rank of Knight in the Military Order of Saint James of the Sword. On 30 January 1939, he was awarded the rank of Officer of the Military Order of Aviz.
He accompanied His Excellency the President of the Republic to Rio de Janeiro, on the occasion of the Centennial of the Independence of Brazil, where he performed in concerts received with great applause.
He was the conductor of the Navy Band for more than 35 years, finishing his term with the rank of Captain Lieutenant, conferred on 18 January 1955.
A talented musician, he greatly contributed to raising the country's musical level. Being a versatile composer with great sensitivity, distinguished bandmaster, orchestra director, remarkable pedagogue, after so many years dedicated to music and to 'his' band Artur Fernandes Fão received a well-deserved reward, clearly expressed in the praise of the Navy Seamen Corps of 10 December 1955: '...Pursuant to Article 118 of the Regulations on Military Discipline, I praise Captain Lieutenant Artur Fernandes Fão for his great dedication, professional competence, interest and effort put into turning the Band into a valuable and outstanding musical group that honours the Navy, during the time he served there'.