Doug obtained a Master's of Music degree in Guitar Performance from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver, studying under the world renowned performer and educator Ricardo Iznaola. He holds a Bachelor's of Music degree in Guitar Performance from Towson University. He has also studied jazz guitar with Dr. Sean McGowan and composition with Dr. Bill Hill. Doug is a Suzuki teacher, a method developed to teach music to young children ages 3 and up, studying at Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico in San Juan. He holds several teaching certifications in the method. He currently studies with guitarist and composer Maurice Arenas. 

In addition to operating a successful private studio for the past 20 years, Doug has lectured 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.