There was a time when funerals were filled with hymns and other religious music, which meant that the funeral director listed his favorite choices. Today, we have more options. Soloists are no longer restricted to professional singers but may include a family friend or anyone you choose. As the desire to express individuality grows, the music you select at the service becomes more personal.
Here are some things to consider when choosing funeral music:
1. The Tone You Would Like to Set for Your Ceremony
When choosing funeral music, consider whether you want your ceremony to be quiet and reflective or upbeat and lively. Music is an excellent tool for setting the tone of your ceremony and allows you to communicate precisely what you would like your friends and family to feel.
It may be calming and tranquil during the visitation, allowing those who take part in the burial to gather their thoughts. It may be somber and melancholy at the service, allowing the family to express their grief to those who attend.
2. The Emotions You Would Like to Communicate
Music is also a great way to communicate the emotions you would like to express. If you wish to express great sadness, consider choosing music that will appeal to your guests’ emotions, such as a sad, moving, and slow song.
If you wish to express love or joy, choose music that will make people reflect upon the good times they shared with the person who died. It may be upbeat, inspiring, and fast, allowing those present to reflect upon the life of the person who has died.
3. The Personal History of the Deceased
How would you describe the personality of the deceased? Do they have a favorite artist or favorite music? Are they an opera fan or do they prefer pop? Are they a huge fan of classical music? Do they love classic rock?
Consider the music that might have been associated with the deceased during their lifetime. This may be music that they loved, listened to regularly, or enjoyed at a particular event. A song with a personal meaning provides a sense of closure and connects to the person who died.
4. The Lyrics of the Song
The music itself may be instrumental, with no lyrics to consider. Alternatively, you may want to consider the song’s lyrics when deciding.
If the lyrics are happy, you may choose a song that expresses these emotions. You may select a piece with sad, moving, and slow lyrics if you want to express sadness. Alternatively, you may choose music with lyrics that have a personal meaning to the deceased or the family.
5. Musical Style
You can choose from a variety of musical styles. Consider your deceased loved one’s favorite music and make your decision accordingly. For example, if your loved one was a massive fan of pop music, you may wish to choose a selection of contemporary music that is upbeat and lively. If, however, your loved one was a fan of classical music, you may wish to choose a selection of classical music at the service.
Conclusion
With the introduction of digital music, you can now play your music through a computer. This means that you can recall your favorite music rather than having a funeral director choose it for you. The options are available to you, and it is up to you to decide how you wish your loved one to be remembered.
Evergreen JAX is not only a cemetery but also a funeral home and crematory. We offer families the right avenue to express their goodbye to a loved one while making everything convenient for them, including all arrangements in one location. We are available to serve your needs whether you are using Evergreen Cemetery or any other resting place of your choice. Get in touch with us for funeral services in Jacksonville, FL.