Douglas Mason began his musical training as a chorister in Gloucester Cathedral Choir under John Sanders. He subsequently read music at Durham University, and went on to train as a music teacher at Leeds University, also singing professionally as a lay clerk in the Choir of Leeds Parish Church at this time.

As a composer, Douglas focuses on choral works in particular, and he has also written and arranged music for schools. As a performer Douglas has sung on numerous television and radio broadcasts and appeared on recordings for several labels, including Abbey, Priory and ASC records. For several years he was also a member of the William Byrd Singers directed by Stephen Wilkinson.