UNMC & UNO Appoint New Director of Orchestral Activities in Music & Medicine

The University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) School of Music have appointed Matthew Brooks, D.M.A. as assistant professor and director of orchestral activities in music & medicine. This new position will allow Dr. Brooks to not only continue leading the Nebraska Medical Orchestra (NMO) as Music Director and Conductor but it will also allow him to develop new collaborative initiatives among faculty, staff, and students at UNO and UNMC. Additionally, Dr. Brooks will continue to mentor students in the School of Music by teaching academic music courses and remaining involved in the UNO Orchestra program in collaboration with the Director of Orchestral Studies. 

Dr. Brooks started his relationship with UNO in 2018 as Instructor and Director of Orchestras, during which time he led the UNO Orchestra program and helped create the Nebraska Medical Orchestra (NMO) – a partnership between UNMC and UNO. He joined the UNO Medical Humanities faculty and was also appointed as courtesy faculty in UNMC’s Department of Neurological Sciences, which has allowed him more opportunity to partner across campuses on teaching, research, and campus wellness initiatives.

As an academic conductor, Dr. Brooks remains active as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator working with ensembles of all ages and experience levels. He regularly presents on topics including conducting pedagogy, medical humanities, and arts and wellness, both nationally and internationally. His leadership of the NMO has led to more music and engagement on the UNMC campus, including a number of special events sponsored by the Healing Arts program, Alumni Relations Office, and the University of Nebraska Foundation. 

Washington A. Garcia, D.M.A., director of the UNO School of Music praised Dr. Brooks’ teaching, conducting, and community engagement talents.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Matthew Brooks in his new rank as assistant professor and director of orchestral activities in music & medicine. Matthew not only has a rare combination of clarity and efficient conducting methods, but his ability to connect with people beyond the concert platform is exceptional. Dr. Brooks’ leadership will take the partnership between UNMC and UNO to a new level”.

Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, M.D., described Dr. Brooks’ leadership as an investment in the community.

“I am highly confident that the partnerships Dr. Brooks has established between the medical community and the UNO School of Music will continue to improve the well-being of faculty, staff and students, reduce burnout and enhance the experiences of so many of our patients. Dr. Brooks’ gifts have brought music to so many and has had a positive impact on all of us.”