Justin Christopher Ward was born and raised in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb just outside of Chicago. His interest in music began at a very early age when he was introduced to the piano and violin at the age of 4. Already having a strong background in music, when he enrolled in band to play the saxophone, he quickly excelled, winning outstanding soloist awards each year at all the local jazz festivals and was nominated for the best soloist award in Downbeat Magazine.