Selecting Funeral Music

Even choosing music for a memorial service or funeral can be quite difficult.  Here are a few tips on how to select appropriate music for such a somber occasion.

Celebrating Life Through Music
Choose music that reflects the life of the deceased.  For instance, a World War II vet’s service might include “I’ll Be Seeing You (In All the Old Familiar Places),” both as an expression of grief, and as a reflection of time in the Great War.

Remembering Preferences
Select music that the deceased especially enjoyed; this will certainly remind listeners of happy memories.  (Truly forward thinking individuals may have already selected songs for their own service; be sure to research this if you are the music organizer.)

Consider Mood
Perhaps more than any other art, music links to our emotions.  Memorial services often feature somber pieces for entrance processions, but you may choose hopeful music near the end of the ceremony to leave participants with a lighter feeling.

Involve Family and Friends
Once you have your list of songs, reflect on who might like to perform music during the memorial service; you might be surprised how many family members and friends volunteer to contribute their musical talents in memorial to the deceased.