Music has a way of saying it all. It’s there with us throughout life’s ups, downs, and milestones — often in the subtlest, yet most potent of ways. One of the occasions that calls for it most is a time of mourning a loss and honoring a life. Funeral music can take many forms, from celebratory songs to religious hymns, each with the power to evoke emotion and unite loved ones in the moment.
For those planning a memorial service, there is no shortage of decisions to be made in a short period of time. Hiring a live funeral music group can help alleviate the pressure of choosing the perfect songs throughout the service, as well as add an intimate and ceremonious touch to the gathering.
We understand the personal and difficult nature of putting together a funeral for a loved one, and want to offer our services, as well as a few song ideas, to help make this time more manageable.
Live Funeral Music Options
When it comes to memorials service music, it can take the form of a string quartet, solo vocalist, instrumental duo, choir, pianist or even simply recordings. Depending on the venue (e.g., religious place of worship versus a local park), some of these options may feel more appropriate or feasible than others. We can make recommendations for the size and composition of the funeral music group for you, and accommodate many different musical styles to match the setting.
Memorial Service Songs
With music holding such a special place in people’s lives and memories, you may have a couple of specific funeral songs in mind for the service to honor your loved one. It’s not uncommon for us to receive requests for certain songs to learn, then carry out the rest of the ceremony or event with customary pieces fitting for the atmosphere. We want this time to honor those lost, but serve as a healing experience for mourners. Music is medicine, and can help do just that.
Need a few ideas? Here are a few commonly requested classics:
- Yesterday by the Beatles
- What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong
- On Eagle’s Wings by Michael Joncas
- Country Road Take Me Home by John Denver
- Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen
- My Way by Frank Sinatra
- Unforgettable by Natalie Cole
- Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
- Amazing Grace by John Newton
- How Great Thou Art by Carl Boberg
- Wind Beneath My Wings by Bette Midler
- Make Me a Channel of Your Peace by Sebastian Temple
- Ave Maria by Bach and Gounod
Contact Us for Live Event Music
We at Butler Music would be honored to be a part of celebrating the life of a loved one. By providing funeral music service, we hope to alleviate one area of worry, as well as make the memorial service even more meaningful through performance and song selection. Contact us today to talk through your needs.