Funeral Music and Readings

Music Selection

Traditional Religious

  • Amazing Grace
  • How Great Thou Art
  • Ave Maria
  • On Eagle's Wings
  • Be Not Afraid

Contemporary

  • Wind Beneath My Wings
  • Time to Say Goodbye
  • My Way
  • Hallelujah
  • Over the Rainbow

Types of Readings

  • Religious Texts
    • Bible verses
    • Psalms
    • Prayer books
    • Sacred texts
  • Poetry
    • Classic poems
    • Modern verse
    • Personal writings
  • Prose
    • Literary excerpts
    • Personal letters
    • Meaningful quotes

Musical Arrangements

Performance Options

  • Live Musicians
    • Organist/Pianist
    • Vocalist
    • String quartet
    • Guitar
  • Recorded Music
    • Professional recordings
    • Digital playlists
    • Custom compilations

Popular Reading Selections

Religious Readings

  • Psalm 23
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
  • John 14:1-6
  • Revelation 21:4
  • Matthew 5:4

Poetry

  • "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep"
  • "The Dash"
  • "If I Should Go"
  • "Remember"
  • "She Is Gone"

Planning Tips

  • Service Structure
    • Opening music
    • Welcome readings
    • Midservice selections
    • Closing pieces
  • Timing Considerations
    • Length of selections
    • Number of pieces
    • Transitions
    • Overall duration

Cultural Considerations

Cultural Traditions

  • Hispanic/Latino traditions
  • Native American customs
  • Asian cultural elements
  • African American spirituals
  • European traditions

Technical Considerations

  • Sound System Requirements
    • Equipment needs
    • Venue acoustics
    • Backup systems
    • Sound check timing
  • Coordination
    • Performer rehearsal
    • Cue timing
    • Volume control
    • Microphone placement

Cost Considerations

Typical Expenses

  • Organist/Pianist: $150-$300
  • Vocalist: $150-$250
  • String quartet: $600-$1,200
  • Sound system rental: $200-$500
  • Music licensing (if needed): Varies

Additional Resources

  • Music selection guides
  • Reading compilations
  • Cultural reference materials
  • Local musician directories
  • Copyright information

Advertisement

Contact us to advertise here