Ida Yorston's story is not the easiest to descern, for the simple reason that she had a sister who was also referred to as "Miss Yorston" in the newspapers. I have done my best to tell the story of Ida, private music tutor rather than Effie, school teacher.
MRS and MISS YORSTON, Music Teachers.
Hope House, Filleul street, Resume Teaching, Thursday. 22nd January. -Evening Star, 15/1/1885.
MISS YORSTON
AN APPRECIATION
Miss Ida Yorston, who died on Monday night this week, was the second daughter of John and Elizabeth Yorston, and the senior of the two ladies who for a number of years conducted the music studio at 421 George street. The father and mother came from Victoria well nigh 50 years ago. They were Kirkwall people. Mrs Yorston got her musical training in remote Orkney from some tutor who must have done his work well and found his pupil receptive and clever, for she in turn taught her daughters, and was the sole instructor of Miss Ida, who started as a professional teacher of the pianoforte when but a girl, as assistant to her mother, and after, in conjunction with her sister Effie (who had a couple of terms with Mr Arthur Barth), had the joy of turning out quite a number of accomplished players, some of whom are to-day holding good positions in the profession. Miss Gertrude Pitts and Miss Chrissie Barr may be mentioned as of this number. Until four months ago Miss Yorston was amongst the very busy and most energetic of our music teachers. A trouble in the knee then laid her aside, and her physical condition gradually became serious, ending in death on Monday. During much of the time she suffered intense pain, which was borne with rare fortitude. The interment was at the Southern Cemetery on Wednesday morning, quite private, in accordance with the deceased’s wish. She abhorred publicity and fuss. All who had the pleasure of knowing Miss Yorston will well understand this. She was in the truest sense of the phrase a gentlewoman. Of her success as a teacher there is abundant evidence in the musical life of Dunedin. To the names of prominent pupils above mentioned we may add those of Miss Netta Ridley, Miss Doris Bagley, Mr Haddon Barr, Mr Frank Bennett, Mr Leslie Tyrie, Mr Sydney Duke, and the members of the Geddes family, and there are hosts of others. Miss Yorston proceeded on the lines of individualisation, thus bringing out what was in each, and she made a point of cultivating pure taste and imparting a love of music for its own sake. Visiting examiners have said that the Dunedin standard of piano teaching is the highest in New Zealand. Miss Yorston is entitled to a fair share of that commendation, and on that account and for her personal worth the public of Dunedin will always remember her with respect and affection. -Evening Star, 8/10/1915.
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