Music has a powerful effect upon the human soul; it can inspire, move, give utterance to grief, peal out with joy, provide a sweet solace, bring smiles, create laughter, spread a canopy of 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, and the funeral director will organise the cueing and playing of the recording.

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.

Family, friends or professionally hired dancers may be included to perform in the ceremony. For that matter, there is certainly nothing to prevent jugglers or clowns or comedians from being part of the ceremony if the family wishes. Colour and movement may form an integral part of the funeral service.

A family member may wish to include a PowerPoint presentation that uses photographs, images, sound, video and other aspects. Most funeral chapels will be able to include facilities for this.

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