Matthew O'Brien comes to the University of Colorado Denver after teaching in the Music Business program at Middle Tennessee State University for almost thirty years where he also served administratively as Area Coordinator and Interim Associate Dean. His journey began with a love for music which was only equalled by a commensurate lack of musical talent. In an effort to somehow stay as close to the creative process as possible, he attended law school with the goal of becoming an entertainment attorney. Matthew's first stop after graduation was an associate position in the entertainment division of the prestigious law firm of Sidley & Austin. From there he became the Director and ultimately, Vice President of Business & Legal affairs for record labels, music publishers and film/video production companies. After entering the world of academia, Matthew has continued to consult and counsel artists and various music business organizations. His hobbies include still trying to improve at guitar, trying to improve at golf, and exploring Colorado with his four children.