Kay Justice began playing guitar and singing when she was a student nurse in the mid 1960’s, when she discovered individuals and groups who played then-popular folk music. Later, while a student at Clinch Valley College in Wise, Virginia, she heard and became enthralled with the songs, tunes and ballads of Appalachia. Over the years she played in various groups and bands, during which time she honed her guitar playing. Because she was entirely self-taught she learned through trial and error. In order to give others an easier path, she decided to devise this class for accompanying songs, giving budding guitar players insights into what she learned over many years.
This class is designed at the beginning intermediate level. Students should be able to comfortably change chords in the keys of C, D, G and A. Each day will be devoted to a particular subject including various strumming patterns, the use of a flat pick, use of thumb picks, use of the capo, runs between chords, and matching accompaniment to the song. Please bring a playable acoustic guitar, a capo, flat pick, thumb (and finger picks, if desired) a tuner and a recording device, Handouts will be provided each day.
Instructor Bio
Ginny Hawker and Kay Justice bring their Appalachian heritage and a love of music that has surrounded them all their lives to the table when they invite you to sing with them. The Carter Family repertoire, style, and harmonies are integral to everything that Ginny and Kay sing. After meeting more than 30 years ago at Augusta, they embarked on a whirlwind of concerts, workshops, and music camps across the US where people were hungry for their close harmonies and soul-stirring ballads. During this time they made four recordings. They stopped traveling together for about 25 years, but their respect for each others’ talent and the requests for their unique sound have never diminished. Their impact upon the traditional southern music scene is evident still.
Check out Justice and Friends at Augusta in 2017: