We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Justin Pierce. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Justin below.

Dr. Justin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had waited to pursue your creative career or do you wish you had started sooner?

If I could go back in time, I think I would have started my creative career earlier — not because I wasn’t involved in music, but because I didn’t fully own it as a core part of my identity until later.

I’ve been playing saxophone since I was a kid, fell in love with jazz in high school, and pursued it all the way through a doctorate in performance. But for years, I was juggling multiple roles—educator, performer, family man, church musician—and it took time to realize I could actually build a career that centered my voice as an artist.

If I had started sooner, maybe I’d have taken more creative risks, or gotten to certain milestones faster. But at the same time, the richness I bring to my music now—the emotional weight, the sense of purpose, the leadership behind it—comes from the life I’ve lived.

That’s what’s making this upcoming album feel so significant. It’s not just a collection of songs—it’s a culmination of years of work, growth, and vision coming together. I’m curating not just sounds, but stories and moments for people to connect with. And maybe I had to live a little longer to really get there.

Dr. Justin, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Dr. Justin Pierce — a saxophonist, jazz musician, bandleader, and live music curator for events. My creative world lives at the intersection of artistry, intentionality, and storytelling through music.

I got my start like a lot of musicians: playing in school bands, learning to lead in church music, and falling in love with jazz along the way. That passion carried me into higher education, where I earned a doctorate in saxophone performance and directed top-tier ensembles. But even while I was in academia, I was curating live music—not just in the classroom or concert hall, but at events, services, and community spaces.

When I moved back to Dallas, that side of my work grew even more. I leaned into curating live music experiences for weddings, galas, parties, and corporate gatherings—spaces where music isn’t just background, but a key part of the energy and experience. I work with a team of professional musicians who bring both skill and soul, tailoring every event to the unique vibe and needs of the client. Whether it’s jazz, soul, acoustic sets, or a custom blend of genres, we create something that feels personal and intentional.

What sets me apart is that I’m not just booking a band—I’m designing the musical atmosphere from the ground up. From personnel and arrangements to pacing and flow, I make sure the music elevates the moment. And because I bring both formal training and years of live performance experience, I’m able to bridge the gap between polished artistry and real-world connection.

Right now, I’m especially excited about recording my debut solo album this May. It’s a milestone for me—not just as a performer, but as a composer and curator. The album will feature original works and arrangements that reflect the story I’ve been telling through live music for years. I’ll be launching a Kickstarter to support the project, and I’m truly grateful for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

At the end of the day, my work is about creating music that moves people—whether it’s a first dance, a big celebration, or a quiet, meaningful moment. If you’re looking for someone to help craft the perfect musical backdrop for your event—or if you want to follow along with this next chapter—I’d love to connect.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots in my life happened when I stepped away from a full-time academic career and leaned fully into curating live music in both sacred and public spaces.

At the time, I had invested years into earning my doctorate in saxophone performance and was directing ensembles at the university level. It was meaningful work—I was proud of the music we made and the students I mentored. But over time, I started feeling a shift. I had already been curating music outside the university—at events, services, and community gatherings—and I found myself increasingly drawn to those spaces. The energy, the relationships, the ability to serve people more directly through music—it lit something in me.

So I made the pivot. I moved back to Dallas and began building a music business focused on creating live experiences for events—weddings, galas, and corporate gatherings. At the same time, I stepped into a new leadership role as a church music director. That allowed me to return to my roots in sacred music while continuing to grow as a performer, arranger, and creative leader.

It wasn’t the path I originally envisioned, but it turned out to be the one that brought my full skill set to life. I now get to design meaningful musical experiences for both worship and celebration—and I’m surrounded by a network of musicians who make it all possible.

That pivot also gave me the clarity and confidence to pursue something that’s been on my heart for a long time: my debut solo album. I’ll be recording it this May, and it’s a culmination of everything I’ve been building—from the stage, to the sanctuary, to the studio.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was that education is only for getting a job.

When I pursued my doctorate in saxophone performance, I was laser-focused on what I thought was the natural outcome: a full-time university job. That’s what the system seemed to prepare me for—years of study, research, performance, all leading to one specific career lane. And for a long time, I measured my progress and worth by how close I was to that finish line.

But as I started curating live music, both in and outside academia, I realized something deeper: my education wasn’t just about employment—it was about equipping me to create, to lead, and to serve. I began to see my training not as a means to a job, but as a foundation for a much broader calling. It gave me the tools to build a music business, to direct worship in a church setting, to mentor other musicians, and now, to step into my own voice as an artist through my upcoming solo album.

Unlearning that old mindset was liberating. It opened the door to creativity, flexibility, and ownership. I stopped waiting for a gatekeeper to say yes—and started saying yes to myself. That shift changed everything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justinpiercemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justinpiercemusic/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jpiercemusic/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-pierce-dma/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQA99vFHLtkkeFgx5qWSt3A

Image Credits

https://www.roldanrivas.com
https://www.jamesonshoots.com