Tom earned a bachelor of music in trombone performance from Berklee College of music in Boston Massachusetts, a master of music in trombone performance from the University of Colorado in Boulder, and a doctor of arts degree in trombone performance and jazz pedagogy from the University of Northern Colorado. He received his K – 12 teaching credentials from Colorado Christian University, and he taught music at Adams State University, the University of Colorado, the University of Northern Colorado, and Aurora Community College. And he has taught K–12 music for Jefferson County Public schools, Denver Public schools, and Aurora Public schools. He currently teaches music for the Archdiocese of Denver as well as maintaining a private brass studio in the Denver metro area.

Dr. Ball is much in demand as a professional trombonist and euphonium player in the Denver Colorado area.  He appears on dozens of recording sessions and has performed with artists ranging from Conrad Herwig, Eddie Palmieri, Maceo Parker, Christian McBride, Eddie Daniels, Dave and Don Grusin, and other fine musicians. He has been a featured artist and performed at events including the Aspen Snowmass jazz festival, Telluride jazz festival, the Kansas City blues festival, the Rafael Mendez brass Institute, International trombone festival, and the international tuba and euphonium conference.