Graduation Spotlight: Ball finds harmony between art and science on way to med school
Kim Chaudoin |
When Easton Ball first sat down at an old keyboard given to his family by a friend, he could not have imagined that moment would set the course for his future — one that would blend music, science and faith in ways he never thought possible.
In May, Ball will graduate from Lipscomb University with a Bachelor of Science in Music, and take the next step on his journey — enrolling at Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
Raised in Cosby, Tennessee — a rural town just outside Gatlinburg — Ball grew up in a single-father household with his four siblings. Opportunities for formal music training were limited. But that didn’t stop him.
“I discovered classical music during a really challenging time for my family,” said Ball. “I started teaching myself music theory using online resources during my eighth-grade year. Eventually, a family friend gave us an old keyboard, and I taught myself to play using YouTube videos.”
Ball’s musical journey accelerated in 2019 when his high school counselor encouraged him to apply to the Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts. Despite having no formal training, Ball was accepted — one of the few self-taught musicians ever admitted. It was there he met Jerome Reed, professor in Lipscomb's School of Music, a relationship that would change his life.
“I was the first student from my high school to have been accepted to the music division at Governor's School in over 30 years at that time, and only the second self-taught student Dr. Reed had ever accepted into that summer program,” shared Ball. “That summer prior to the program, I worked part-time while in school at an apple orchard in my hometown while practicing for Governor's School.”
Without Lipscomb, and without the support I’ve found here, I wouldn’t be who I am today. I’m ready for what’s next, and I’m proud to say I’ll be carrying a piece of Lipscomb with me wherever I go. — Easton Ball
“I had little direction in my life, and likely would have ended up studying one of the sciences at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville,” he continued. “Dr. Reed is the reason I became aware of Lipscomb and the B.S. program. I’m immensely thankful for him and his wife, Dr. Kimberly Reed. They’ve been like a second family to me, an experience I definitely wouldn't have had at a larger institution. Because of Dr. Reed, I had the confidence to pursue music at the college level.”
Ball's degree — a Bachelor of Science in Music — is unique to Lipscomb, blending rigorous music training with a heavy emphasis on science courses, designed to prepare students for medical school.
“It’s much more than a 50/50 split of music and science,” Ball explained. “I’ve been able to take advanced courses like human dissection, virology and biochemistry, while also building a solid foundation in music history, theory and performance. One of the most amazing opportunities I’ve had was playing the carillon at graduation last year — and I’ll be doing it again this May.”
The more I learn about each, the further I am in awe of creation and the more stubborn I am in my belief of a Creator,” he explained. “Lipscomb has shaped my faith by showing how intricately art and science complement each other. — Easton Ball
Throughout his time at Lipscomb, Ball immersed himself in the community. He participated in collaborative piano for eight semesters, performed with a piano trio, served on the inaugural J.S. Ward Society Student Advisory Council and led a medical mission trip to Peru.
“Lipscomb has prepared me extraordinarily well academically,” Ball said. “Professors offer lots of opportunities for independent learning, but they are always there to guide you. If you have the initiative to do something, Lipscomb will make sure you have the support you need.”
Music and science, two seemingly distinct worlds, have come together beautifully in Ball’s life — and deepened his faith along the way.
“The more I learn about each, the further I am in awe of creation and the more stubborn I am in my belief of a Creator,” he explained. “Lipscomb has shaped my faith by showing how intricately art and science complement each other.”
Ball credits the university’s dedicated faculty and close-knit community for inspiring him to grow not only academically, but spiritually and culturally as well.
“My favorite aspect of being in Lipscomb’s music program has been the opportunity to collaborate with so many wonderful and dedicated artists across a diverse array of repertoire,” he said. “Just this past week, I was able to collaborate with a professor on a Swedish folk song!”
As he prepares to walk across the stage at graduation, Ball reflects with gratitude on the experiences and people who have helped him get here.
“Without Lipscomb, and without the support I’ve found here, I wouldn’t be who I am today,” he said. “I’m ready for what’s next, and I’m proud to say I’ll be carrying a piece of Lipscomb with me wherever I go.”