Ward was born in his beloved New Forest. At 13 he won a Music Scholarship to Ardingly College in Sussex, where he first developed his interest in writing and performing music, and met Ian Hislop, who was to be a huge influence. The first public performances of his music were in collaboration with Ian (lyricist) in a series of Revues.

At sixteen, Ward won a Choral Exhibition  to Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. Whilst there, he studied composition under Peter Tranchell and Robin Holloway, and conducting under George Guest.

Since Cambridge, Ward has been Musical Director and composer for many Musicals, Pantomimes, Theatrical performances, Film, Adverts and commissioned work. In between times, he has been Director of Music at Holmwood House Prep. School, Colchester and St. Margaret's Prep. School, Gosfield. He is now working full time on his music again.

Ward married his wife Karen in 1988 and has lived in Boxford, Suffolk since 1993.

They have two children, Coral and Jobie and two grandchildren, Nola and Jude.

 

 

Having composed songs and Incidental Music for Revues at Ardingly, whilst at Cambridge, Ward was engaged as the first Composer-in-Residence and Musical Director for the National Youth Theatre under Michael Croft, producing music for Shakespeare productions in London. As a result of this he was commissioned by the BBC to write music for radio documentary dramas. He was also engaged to write Theme and Incidental Music for 'Kings and Queens of England' with Derek Jacobi. He has since undertaken numerous commissions for both orchestral and choral works. He has also arranged many well-known pieces for School Orchestras, Choirs, Bands and Graded Instrumental pieces.

As a Musical Director, Ward started with a European Tour of The Rocky Horror Show.

 

Since then, he has worked as Musical Supervisor for Production Companies for musicals and pantomimes around the UK (E&B, London Productions, Charles Vance, Lee Dean ...). He has toured England, Wales and Ireland with Freddie Starr, played keyboards for The Platters around Britain and performed at the Edinburgh Festival.

 

Ward has conducted many choirs, performing weekly services in Cathedrals all around Britain.