Providing Music for a Sombre Function

Providing music for a funeral is always a difficult task. There has to be a degree of separation, much more focus, and an ability to pay attention to what is going on around you, including the overall mood and atmosphere of the grieving family.

It's hard to get everything just right. Providing background music has to be loud enough to be heard but not so loud that it completely stifles conversation. Vocals need to include enough emotion and empathy without choking up or cracking under the pressure of grief. And as you are performing, you are praying that the music you are providing is what the family hoped for - and what the family needs.

I think one of the toughest parts to become accustomed to is that music helps to encourage the release of emotions. The music should reach people on a level where they can become emotional and truly feel their own pain. It is absolutely an odd situation to think that the more people cry during the music, the more effective the performance has been... but as it has been said to me, a funeral service without music can seem so "hollow".

I had the honour of providing music for a service recently. It was a very sudden and an additionally tragic situation, but the service itself was beautiful. The readings, the participation from family and friends, and a special performance by a family member were all inspiring and beautiful.
These are the moments where you see how much a person was genuinely loved.
For those of us who were not acquainted with the deceased, we get a tiny little glimpse into the life of someone we did not know, and we can learn about how they lived their lives, how much of a positive effect they had on the lives of others, how much they are loved, and how much they will be missed.

It is a tragically beautiful scenario and I always feel honoured to have been a part of such a sad and yet joyous celebration of life.

I have sung for over a hundred funerals, and each and every service stays with me. Each and every eulogy has affected me and has helped me try and improve my own life and my own relationships.

💚🎶🎹🎶💚
I am forever grateful for #MyMusicalLife