Matthew J. Brooks, D.M.A. is Assistant Professor and Director of Orchestral Activities in Music & Medicine at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), and courtesy faculty in the College of Medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC). Dr. Brooks is an award-winning educator, having been recognized both by both institutions. At UNO, he directs the orchestras and teaches graduate and undergraduate music courses. He was critical in creating the Nebraska Medical Orchestra, for which he is the current music director. As an academic conductor, he has led orchestras at James Madison University, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and Shasta College, and remains active as a guest conductor and clinician across the United States and abroad. Dr. Brooks has published articles in the American Medical Association (AMA) Journal of Ethics and the Journal of Wellness. He regularly gives talks on music and wellness, community-based music-making, DEAI, and conducting pedagogy. Dr. Brooks’ work with students in both music and health sciences has led him to currently pursue another graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling to expand his reach in promoting wellness within these populations.