By Kathy Smith never played guitar or piano during her first 92 years of life. That all changed 4 years ago when she decided to learn something new. “One day I woke up … just wanted to do something different, just like Forrest Gump,” says Mrs. Smith.
She walked half of a mile from her home in Homewood to the Afro American Music Institute on Hamilton Avenue. She became the oldest student at the institute, learning guitar on Tuesdays and piano on Thursdays with Colter Harper and Hattie Burch, respectively.
Mrs. Smith performed her recital April 29 at the music institute playing two songs. She is a hit at 96.
— Lake Fong
Kathy Smith, 96, plays a song with her guitar teacher Colter Harper during the Spring recital at Afro American Music Institute on Saturday, April 29 at the music school in Homewood.
Kathy Smith, 96, of Homewood practices piano at the Afro American Music Institute. She is oldest student learning piano and guitar.
Kathy Smith, 96, of Homewood learns piano with Hattie Burch at the Afro American Music Institute in Homewood She is Afro American Music Institute oldest student learning piano and guitar.
Kathy Smith, 96, of Homewood learns piano on Tuesday, April 11, 2017. She is Afro American Music Institute oldest student learning piano and guitar. She learns guitar on Tuesday and piano on Thursday. She is getting ready for her Recital in April. (Lake Fong/Post-Gazette)
