Born in Brandon, Manitoba, he studied piano and music theory in Mississauga, Ontario with great Canadian jazz pianist, Alf Coward. He also studied trumpet and music theory at St. Ignatius of Loyola secondary school with both Mark Kling and Kevin Harkin. Justin appeared throughout high school with the Loyola Concert Band (on trumpet) and Jazz Band (on guitar). Apart from this he is largely self taught and proficient on trumpet, piano, guitar and various drums and percussion instruments. He resides in the greater Toronto area.

Justin is always writing and often works on several pieces at once. Composition and music has always been a mainstay in his life. Ever since composing his first piano piece at the age of 10, Justin has written in almost every genre imaginable. He explains: “People always think because you’re a classical composer that all you do is sit around and listen to Mozart all day. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do enjoy Mozart, don’t get me wrong, but I do like some variety. I’m very much a fan of the blues, jazz has always been a love, and I do like quite a bit of 60’s and 70’s rock”. Some might even say music is an obsession for him.