Five Ways to Include Live Music with a Memorial Service

by Karin Gunderson
Heavenly Harp, LLC

Live music in a memorial service is a personal way to welcome family and visitors. Here are five places in the memorial day that music can be used.

1. During the Visitation: (the hour immediately preceding the service or the day before the service) Music provides a relaxing focal point when there is a break in conversation and words seem unable to convey our feelings.

2. Before the Memorial Service: (as people are arriving) Live music is more personal and welcoming than silence or "muzak". Feel free to request favorite songs of your loved one or your family. If the musician has access to your requests, s/he will usually try to accommodate your wishes. If there is a special song that the musician can not make available, plan to download it from the internet and use it as background music for the video photo montage. Most funeral homes now include a montage as part of the service or viewing or both.

3. During the Memorial Service: (music provides a nice respite from all the speaking) Usually families choose two to three songs, but you can include as many as three to five songs. Having five songs is common for a Catholic funeral.

a. Placement of Solos

1) At beginning: (usually after a welcome and opening prayer) 2) after Scripture reading 3) after eulogy and before pastor's message (in some cases the message will precede the eulogy) 4) after message or sharing of stories by attendees 5) at end of service (after commendation, closing prayer and blessing)

b. Using a congregation hymn: (like "Amazing Grace," or "How Great Thou Art") allows those in attendance to feel like they have added something to the service. The best two places for congregational hymns are at the beginning after an opening welcome and at the end of the service. Around the time of the eulogy and remembrances, in the heart of the service, is a difficult time for people to sing as they are often very emotional.)

4. Graveside Service: Many families have a short service at the graveside. An acoustic instrument, like harp or guitar, playing at the graveside as people approach and leave is a comforting presence. Many families like to include a vocal solo with harp or guitar at the graveside service.

5. At the reception: choose your favorites or the favorite style of your departed loved one. Consider using lighter songs, waltzes, classical, and music to uplift the spirit of funeral-goers.

Using live acoustic music in any or all of these ways will enhance the day of a memorial service. If live music is not an option, harp music has many physical benefits if played over a decent sound system.

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Karin Gunderson's voice and harp have brought peace to thousands of hospice patients. Find harp music, free resources, forums and other helpful, healing resources at https://healyourgriefsite.com https://overcomefearofdeath.com

Article submitted Tuesday, October 21, 2008 & read 132 times.

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