Doug obtained a Master of Music degree in classical guitar performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, studying under the world renowned performer, composer, and educator Ricardo Iznaola. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in classical guitar performance from Towson University, studying under Troy King. He has also studied jazz guitar with Dr. Sean McGowan and composition with Dr. Bill Hill. He currently studies with fusion guitarist and composer Maurice Arenas. 

Doug is a Suzuki teacher, a method developed to teach classical music to ages 3 and up, studying at Asociacion Suzuki de Violín de Puerto Rico in San Juan with David Madsen. Doug and his students regularly attend workshops, and he has taught the method since 2019. 

His students have been accepted in prestigious academic programs such as Denver School of the Arts, CU Boulder College of Music, Bolton Guitar Studies at the University of Arizona, Tucson, and placed in the University of Denver's guitar competition.

In addition to operating a successful private studio for the past 20 years, Doug was a lecturer at the University of Colorado Denver, where he taught private lessons and beginner guitar courses. He spent several summers at CU Denver's partnership program in Beijing, China, teaching courses such as American popular music and music appreciation at China Agricultural University. As a lifelong learner, Doug has been inspired by this experience, studying Chinese since 2016.