In summer 2008, he participated in the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, where he studied composition with Dr. Robert Beaser, keyboard harmony with Dr. Mark Shapiro, and counterpoint with Dr. Philip Lasser, Dr. Benjamin C.S. Boyle, Lane Harder, Lance Horne, and Edward Niedermaier. The program also included colloquia with Dr. Beaser, Dr. Lasser, Narcis Bonet, and Sofia Gubaidulina. Until then, he had been a garage composer for several years.

Brien has also been a contributing member of Classical Revolution as composer, arranger, saxophonist, and spokesperson. He also performs as the soprano player with the Mission Saxophone Quartet.