Funeral Songs

You have heard it said that music can lift the soul and spirit. That is why it is an essential ingredient in a funeral ceremony service. Because music or funeral songs play such a big part in the lives of families, it is incorporated into the service with many songs done throughout.

Families should decide ahead of time how much music there should be, what type of musical selections they want, and how it should be played or heard. When funeral services were primarily inflexible and with religious rituals, the type of music generally played was more toward somber hymns.

A vocalist was sometimes used along with an organist. Times have changed however and today we have digital equipment or high quality music system at our fingertips. That is perhaps why more families now are choosing to play music from a CD.

While certainly live music is still popular and organs are still played, these are no longer the traditional or automatic choice. Some other types of instruments that can be used are bagpipes, guitars, harps, mariachi bands, string instruments, pianos and trumpets, to name a few.

Not only have our musical instruments evolved and changed but so has our choice and selection in the music genres. Although hymns are still widely used, there are more contemporary songs that are used in place of the traditional hymns.

Some types of music selected can be songs from movies or musicals, Classical, Christian contemporary music, big band songs, or just about any song that was a favorite or was meaningful to the deceased. Choosing favorites can really personalized a memoral service.

Depending on the church denomination, some religious clergy or sect may feel that secular music is not appropriate within a church funeral service. It is best to check with your ceremony location clergy if it will be held at a church. It's important to comply with the affiliation, especially if the deceased was a member of the church.

Funeral songs can be any type of selections and most families select songs that they love and are reflective to all who hear. The main purpose is to find encouragement and solice in the funeral songs played at the service.