When you’re organising a funeral, there isn’t always a lot of time to investigate lots of options for the service. So, you (and many families like you) may not even realise you can have live music at a funerals service. And that applies to the songs you and your loved one enjoyed, not just the hymns.
So, why would you choose to have live music? Here’s five reasons that families have told us.
So, why would you choose to have live music? Here’s five reasons that families have told us.
1. Something special for the service
Live music adds a special something to a funeral service. It’s more personal, more immediate and adds extra interest in a service celebrating a life. In an age of digital music available anytime anywhere, it also shows that you and your family have taken just a little extra time to find music that’s special to you all.
“We want to thank you so much for making Jean's funeral so special this morning. You sang so beautifully and it was the making of the service.”
G&MP, mother's funeral. North East Surrey Crematorium, Morden
2. Someone singing the hymns
Most families like to have a hymn or two in a church funeral service, and many crematorium services too. The problem is, singing when you’re upset isn’t easy. What’s more, not everyone will know the hymn tunes, especially the younger generation. Add in those who think they can’t sing, of members of a community that don’t sing, and you may have a church where only a handful of people are singing at all!
A professional singer can help by leading the hymn singing. With a strong, clear voice singing the tune, people are more confident to join in, and whilst there may only be a few who sing verse one with us, by verse four we’ve got more people singing as they’ve picked up the tune. It also relieves the pressure on the family to sing, and many older folk like to sit back and just listen as their favourite hymn fills the church.
A professional singer can help by leading the hymn singing. With a strong, clear voice singing the tune, people are more confident to join in, and whilst there may only be a few who sing verse one with us, by verse four we’ve got more people singing as they’ve picked up the tune. It also relieves the pressure on the family to sing, and many older folk like to sit back and just listen as their favourite hymn fills the church.
“Your lead in the hymn singing motivated and encouraged the other mourners to give voice. As one of our friends who attended said. ”You certainly gave dear Carol a superb send-off, and the singer was a masterstroke."
MN, wife’s funeral. Croydon Crematorium
3. Your favourite songs, beautifully sung
We all have favourite singers, but we also have favourite songs that have been sung by many singers over the years. We always say to families, “If you love the singer, play the CD, if you love the song, we’ll sing it live.”
So, if you love Eva Cassidy’s voice, play her version of “Over the Rainbow’. If you love the song and it was a family favourite, chances are everyone knows a slightly different version, such as the original version sung by Judy Garland. When we sing it live as a solo with gentle accompaniment, we perform it simply and with genuine feeling, to bring the focus back on the song and its message of a better place beyond the clouds, “way up high”.
So, if you love Eva Cassidy’s voice, play her version of “Over the Rainbow’. If you love the song and it was a family favourite, chances are everyone knows a slightly different version, such as the original version sung by Judy Garland. When we sing it live as a solo with gentle accompaniment, we perform it simply and with genuine feeling, to bring the focus back on the song and its message of a better place beyond the clouds, “way up high”.
“Feedback from others at the funeral was so enthusiastic. They were touched by your wonderful voice, sincerity of presentation and overall performance. “Time to Say Goodbye” was most people’s favourite, moving song. My Aunt was a bit of a perfectionist herself and I know she would have thoroughly approved of your amazing contribution to a beautiful service.”
JD, aunt’s funeral. St Michael’s Catholic Church, Cranford Middx
4. A special performance just for you
Every time we sing at a funeral service, it’s a one-off, a bespoke performance just for those in the church, crematorium, chapel or burial ground. It’s a unique, private concert, if you like, and no two are ever they same. Yes, there are favourite hymns and song we sing more often, such as “Ave Maria” and “Time to say goodbye”, but there are often special choices the family have asked for, from “Fields of Athenry” to “Bring Me Sunshine”!
“In addition to being a superb singer, Toni suggested wonderful songs that were in addition to her repertoire, that were perfect for my Aunt. Thank you Toni; I know my aunt would have been very happy.”
AS, aunt’s funeral, Woking Crematorium, Woking
5. Time for reflection
In a world of endless hustle and bustle, there’s something special about taking a few minutes just to sit and listen to a single voice singing a song. We know that music can move people, so we’re never worried when people start to cry when we sing. It’s simply the memories and the music combining to express their sense of loss, and it can be very beneficial as part of the grieving process. So often people come up to us afterwards, several tissues later, and say “That was so lovely”.
“Words cannot describe the pain of grief over the past 5 months but what is lovely is to remember how many people's hearts were touched just listening to you during the service. We will talk about you for a very long time. In the nicest way of course!”
LA, mother’s & father’s funerals, St James' Catholic Church, Reading
How to hire a funeral singer
It’s easy. Just call us to discuss what you’ve got in mind, or for suggestions of suitable songs if you’re stuck for inspiration. We’re always happy to talk and happy to help. 01252 511 762.
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