Graduation Spotlight: Ball finds harmony between art and science on way to med school

Kim Chaudoin  |  04/18/2025

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 — a first-generation college student — 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.”

“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.”

Reed said Ball is an exceptional student.

"I find Easton to be one of the most fascinating students I've ever encountered. He grew up in an area where there were no piano teachers, but his desire to learn to play was so great that he decided to teach himself by watching online videos," said Reed, Patricia and Rodes Hart Professor of Piano at Lipscomb. "Fortunately, he had the innate understanding of the instrument and his own body in relation to it, so he chose very helpful videos and was playing at quite a good level by the time he auditioned for the Governor’s School for the Arts, where I teach in the summer. He was accepted, and then asked back the next year during Covid when GSA was virtual."

"He chose to come to Lipscomb, and has been a superlative student in every way. In fact, Easton has taught me a great deal: he has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge of all types and explores aspects of music that I've not yet studied," he continued. "He has an understanding beyond his years of some of the most profound pieces of music ever written. And above all that, he's engaging, funny, generous, and kind. When we have gone out of town, my wife Kim and I have entrusted Easton with our special-needs dog, who adores him, too. Easton has tremendous intellectual and emotional maturity and will flourish in life. It has been a joy to develop what I hope will be a lifelong friendship."

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.”

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.”