Doug Syme was the director of the award winning Milwaukee HS of the Arts (MHSA) jazz, and guitar programs from August 2001 until May 2023.  Before accepting the position at MHSA, Dr. Syme had been the band director / department chair at Vincent HS, and had taught in the jazz studies and classical guitar department at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point (UWSP).  In addition, Dr. Syme helped found and taught for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (MYSO) jazz studies program from 2004 until 2012.  He has also maintained an active private guitar studio since 1980.  Dr. Syme holds a BM from Northern illinois University (NIU), an MME from UWSP, completed his teacher licensure at Alverno college, and received his DMA from Boston University. 

During his time at MHSA, Dr. Syme's groups earned numerous awards at both the regional and national levels and were recognized as some of the top HS jazz groups in the country.  In addition top numerous state festivals, their travels included performances at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington DC, the JVC and IAJE festivals in New York City, the Berklee College of Music jazz festival in Boston, MA.,  the University of North Texas Jazz festival in Addison, Texas, and the JEN national convention in Dallas, Texas.