While teaching at a summer music school he was heard in concert by Eugene Talley-Schmidt and was immediately given a full fellowship to Florida State University. Upon singing for the faculty he was assigned Ms Elena Nikolaidi as artistic coach. He was nominated for a Fullbright Scholarship to study and sing with Mr. Talley-Schmidt's former opera company in Munich, Germany. He won the tenor roles in the upcoming productions of Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte, but was drafted into military service.

While stationed in Honolulu, he sang with the Honolulu Opera Theatre. Major and minor roles were performed in Suzanna, Mefestofeles, Tosca, Rigoletto, and others. While there he was chosen by Italo Tajo of the Metropolitan Opera to sing the leading role in the world premiere of a newly discovered opera by Purcell, The Judgment of Paris. Said Mr. Tajo, "Doug's singing takes me back two generations to a time when tenors were judged for beauty of tone and artistic interpretation." Upon moving to California, Mr. Bryson concentrated on his busy career and did not sing in public for 24 years.

Upon a company transfer to New Mexico, he auditioned for a small opera company conducted by the founder and conductor emeritus of the Santa Fe Opera, Robert Baustian. After conducting Doug in various operatic scenes Mr. Baustian urged him to keep singing. Moving back to California, he covered tenor roles for the Festival Opera, making his debut in their 2000 Gala. He has been a featured artist with the Festival Opera, Peninsula Cantare, California Chamber Symphony, and performed as the tenor soloist with the San Francisco City Chorus production of Verdi's Requiem to rave reviews.