Music
Music has a powerful effect upon the human soul; it can inspire, move, give utterance to grief, provide a sweet solace, bring smiles, create laughter, spread comfort. It makes us feel and experience; it is not surprising that music plays an important part in funerals.
Music chosen for funerals may include a favourite song of the deceased or a favourite piece by the immediate family. It may be completely non-traditional; it may be wild and outrageous. Or it may be traditional and deeply spiritual. It may be used to express hope in the beyond or a feeling of celebration of the deceased person's life. It may be full of sorrow; it may be comforting. It may be a hymn; it may be rock; it may be a classical piece; it may be a communally sung chorus.
Live music may be included in the ceremony - a band, an orchestra, a harpist, a rock group, a singer, a pianist, a cellist.
Recorded music may be used instead or as well as live music. The funeral celebrant will often be able to supply recordings which the family does not have.
Music may be limited to one small piece, or exluded altogether, or form a major part of the ceremony (the start of the funeral, throughout the funeral, at the end of the funeral). Like every other aspect of a funeral, there is no standard and set procedure that must be followed.