In addition to being a composer, John Ward was an Attorney in the Exchequer and maintained dual careers throughout his life. He found a patron in Henry Fanshawe and served as household musician for his family, composing sacred and secular music for them. These positions allowed Ward to become wealthy in his own right, leaving a considerable estate at the time of his death. His compositions include many madrigals, music for the viol and some sacred music. His madrigals are unusual for their serious nature, unlike those of other composers of the time. It is possible that his compositions for viol were fairly popular during Ward's time, given their large number. His music is characteristically dissonant with strong melody lines, relies heavily on the use of sequences and is generally rhythmically simple.