At the turn of the nineteenth century women’s involvement in music in Ireland was still mainly limited to performance. However, over the course of the century their participation in music teaching increased dramatically. Music teaching became one of the few acceptable professions for women and the majority of female music teachers taught piano.1 Music was also seen as an asset for young ladies, creating social acceptance as well as adding to their desirable attributes for possible suitors. It gave them an opportunity to demonstrate their education, grace and self-expression through their musical abilities as a singer or pianist. However, opportunities in music were usually limited to those from a reasonably wealthy background because they themselves would have to pay for lessons and a piano to practice on. After that, a good standing in society was helpful in giving women the opportunity to illustrate their talents and gain students of their own.