Updated: June 30, 2026
Saxophonist Justin Pierce began his musical career in the musically diverse region of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast. After beginning saxophone studies at age 12, he developed a passion for music in the middle school jazz ensemble. Since that time, he has performed across the United States and internationally, earned degrees in both classical and jazz styles, and taught at the secondary and college levels.
Justin currently serves as Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, where he directs the jazz ensemble and touring band, in addition to teaching saxophone, clarinet, and improvisation lessons. Previous institutions where Justin has taught include Cameron University, Eastfield College, and the University of North Texas.
He holds a Master of Music in Jazz Studies degree from the University of North Texas and a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from McNeese State University. His major professors have included Mary-Karen Clardy (flute), Rick Condit (saxophone/jazz), Rich DeRosa (arranging/composition), Brad Leali (saxophone/jazz), and Eric Nestler (saxophone).
This year, Justin will complete his final year of doctoral studies in Saxophone Performance at the University of North Texas. At the University of North Texas, Justin performed as a member of the UNT Symphonic Band and the One O’Clock, Two O’Clock, and Latin Jazz Lab Bands.
As an active musician, he leads a five-member ensemble, The Justin Pierce Jazz Group, that performs regularly in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The group recently served as the featured performer at the Charlie Christian Jazz Festival and the Sherman Jazz Festival.
As a freelance saxophonist and woodwind performer, Justin has performed with The Temptations, Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Doc Severinsen, The Glenn Miller Orchestra, The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, Wayne Newton, The O’Jays, and “The Rat Pack Is Back,” among others.
He also recorded as the lead alto saxophonist on Lab 2012 by the UNT One O’Clock Lab Band and the DownBeat Magazine award-winning Two Twos by the UNT Two O’Clock Lab Band.
Justin and his wife Ashley are parents to three children, Justin Jr., Levi, and Madeline, and reside in Shawnee, Oklahoma. Justin is a Conn-Selmer Performing Artist and Vandoren Regional Artist.
