Can I have Live Music at a Funeral Service?
Absolutely—you can have live music and singers at funerals. In fact, many families choose to include them as a meaningful way to honour the deceased. Here's a quick breakdown of how it works:
Live Music at Holmes & Family Funeral Services: What’s Possible?
You can have:
Soloists (vocalists or instrumentalists, like violinists or guitarists)
Choirs or gospel groups
String quartets or small ensembles
Bagpipers (popular for Scottish heritage)
Organists or pianists (common in churches or crematoria)
What About Singers?
Professional singers or even family/friends can perform. People often choose:
Hymns or religious songs
The deceased's favourite songs
Classical pieces or ballads
Custom-written tributes
Venues and Restrictions
Churches usually welcome live music and singers, especially hymns or spirituals.
Crematoria often allow live music, but you should check with them first—some have time limits or sound system constraints.
Graveside performances are possible too, weather permitting.
Tips:
Let the venue know in advance if you’re bringing musicians.
Test sound equipment, especially in non-traditional locations.
Consider licensing if you're performing copyrighted music (some venues already cover this).
1. Decide the Style or Mood
First, think about the atmosphere you want:
Uplifting and celebratory
Quiet and reflective
Traditional or religious
Modern and personal
2. Types of Performers to Consider
Solo vocalist or choir
Instrumentalists: Piano, harp, violin, guitar, bagpipes
Bands or acoustic duos (for a relaxed, personal touch)
Funeral music agencies or local musicians often specialize in these events
3. Where to Find Them
Local churches or crematoria may have a list of trusted musicians
Websites like Last Minute Musicians, Encore Musicians, or Alive Network (UK-based)
Ask a Holmes & Family Funerals a funeral director in Aldershot and Sandhurst for recommendations
Friends or family members who can sing/play (can be very meaningful)
Song Ideas for Funerals
Classic & Religious
Ave Maria – Schubert or Gounod
Amazing Grace – Traditional
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Psalm 23)
How Great Thou Art
Abide With Me
Emotional & Reflective
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen (Jeff Buckley version is popular)
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Eva Cassidy version
You Raise Me Up – Josh Groban
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
Uplifting or Celebratory
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
My Way – Frank Sinatra
Simply the Best – Tina Turner
You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & the Pacemakers
Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
Modern / Personal Choices
Songs from the deceased’s favourite band or genre
Movie or TV themes that meant something to them
Custom-written songs by family or friends
Holmes & Family are an independent funeral directors with offices in Aldershot and Fleet, Hampshire. Please contact us on 01252 628600 and we will be able to discuss funeral planning for cremations in Hampshire and Surrey.
