It would be a very dreary service if there was no music at all. Consideration should be given as to what music you would like. For the most part, a few hymns played on the organ would suffice. Examples of hymns that have been sung at funerals is given at the side. Please feel free to download and/or print the list to help you choose your hymns. There are many other hymns you may like that are not on the list. Discuss this with the priest and he will help you all he can.

Processional music, played on the organ, or indeed on CD, can be played as people are coming into church, and after the service, when they are leaving. If you choose to play a piece of music on CD, try to make it some sort of sacred piece or a classical piece of music. Entering or leaving church to most pieces of popular music, can, in a word, ruin a service.

If you choose to use a CD, we will have to test it first in the CD player, to ensure it can read the CD. There's nothing worse on the day to find that the CD cannot be read. This is most common when people have produced their own CD for use on the day. Ensure you burn an audio copy, not an MP3 copy, and always be aware of copyright.

You may wish to employ the talents of a professional singer to sing a favourite piece of sacred music during communion if you are having a Requiem Mass. This wouldn't be the norm in most cases, but it can be done if you wish.

For most people, they like to know how many hymns they can have. Three would be the norm, or four if you wish. Again, time is always against us, so we need to be realistic. Also, when choosing hymns, make sure they're hymns people know; and if you know people will not sing, you need to consider whether having hymns at all is a good idea. It can seem disrespectful if no ones singing. So, in this case, the best idea is to have a few pieces of music played on CD at certain times of the service; (not pop music). However, the priest will always try to accommodate your musical preferences.

Music during the service

This is an example of where you can have hymns or music played during your service. Three or four hymns are sung and can be sung during any part of the mass as indicated below.

Entrance - Organ or Music from CD. (Funeral Service) Hymn (Requiem Mass.)

Introduction - Hymn before opening Prayer. (Funeral Service)

Sung Psalm - (The Lord's my Shepherd, for example, if chosen, could be Sung.)

(After Homily) - Optional.

Offertory - Hymn (Requiem Mass)

Communion - Hymn or motet sung by professional. (Requiem Mass)

(Sung of Farewell) - During Sprinkling of Coffin. (Optional)

Final Hymn or piece of Music - Before leaving church, or as we are leaving church. (Funeral Service and Requiem Mass)

Exit - Piece of music as we are leaving the church.

It is usual to have a piece of music played as people are entering, and as people are leaving the Chapel. Music can be played on an organ or CD player. Organists are rare today and many Crematoriums now only use CD's. You will have to arrange music with your Funeral Director who will in turn inform the Crematorium staff what music you want.

For a service, you can have one or two hymns. The priest will need to know what hymns you want so he can announce them during the service. Hymns can be played on organ or CD. Most Crematoriums today have facilities where they can download the music/hymns of your choice, but there are still some who will ask you for a CD. Please ensure it's an original, not a copy, because of copyright, and because some players will not play copied CD's.

Because the service is not being held in Church, the priest can be more accommodating with your musical preferences. However, you will still need to give some thought to your choices, as an unfortunate or inappropriate choice of music could lead to some embarrassment or humour where none was intended.

Music during the Service.

Hymns and music can be played anywhere during the service as shown below. The rule of thumb is a piece of music in and out, no hymns, or one or two hymns if time allows.

Entrance - Music on CD or Organ.

First Hymn - CD or Organ.

Reflection - CD Music of your choice.

Committal - CD or Organ.

Final Hymn - CD or Organ.

Exit - Music on CD or Organ.