Choosing Music for a Canadian Funeral or Memorial Service
Music is the most personal and emotional element of most funerals. The right piece at the right moment can give the family permission to feel; the wrong piece can feel jarring or disconnected. Most families don't need professional musical guidance — they need a structured approach to making the choices.
The three musical moments
Most Canadian funerals structure music around three moments:
Processional (gathering). Music as people arrive and find seats, and as the casket or urn enters. Tone is reflective rather than mournful — sets the emotional tone without being too heavy too early. Common — instrumental pieces, classical selections, gentle hymns.
Reflection (during the service). Music between sections of the service. Often during a slideshow of the deceased's life, during candle lighting, after readings, during a moment of silence. Can be the most personal selection — favourite songs, meaningful lyrics.
Recessional (departure). Music as people leave. Often more upbeat or hopeful — sending people out with energy rather than leaving them in heaviness. Some families use the deceased's favourite uplifting song here.
Choosing pieces
Considerations:
Deceased's taste. What music did they love? Favourite albums, frequently-played songs, music they referenced often.
Family comfort. Music the family can hear without breaking down may be more useful than music that triggers heavy emotion. Or the opposite — sometimes music that triggers tears is exactly what the family needs.
Religious or cultural tradition. If observing a specific tradition, work within its conventions. The officiant or religious leader can advise.
Venue capabilities. Some venues have specific musicians (church organist, funeral home staff musicians). Some allow recorded music; some prefer live. Confirm what's possible.
Service length. Music pieces typically run 3-5 minutes each. Total music for a 45-minute service might be 12-15 minutes (3-4 pieces); longer services accommodate more.
Lyrics fit. For popular music with lyrics, check that the words fit a funeral context. Songs about romantic love can be jarring; songs about loss, journey, faith, or memory typically work.
Common categories
Religious hymns. Traditional choices for religious services — "Amazing Grace," "How Great Thou Art," "On Eagle's Wings," "Be Thou My Vision," and many others. Each tradition has its standards.
Classical pieces. Bach's "Air on the G String," Pachelbel's "Canon in D," Faure's "Pie Jesu," Barber's "Adagio for Strings" — all common funeral selections.
Popular songs with meaningful lyrics. "Wind Beneath My Wings," "Tears in Heaven," "My Way," "Time to Say Goodbye," "Hallelujah," "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," "What a Wonderful World" — among the most-played funeral pop selections.
Folk and traditional. "Danny Boy," "The Parting Glass," cultural folk songs for families with specific heritage.
Instrumental. Bagpipe selections (especially for Scottish and Irish heritage), classical guitar, harp, solo violin. Removes lyrics and lets emotion carry through music alone.
The deceased's own playlist. For deceased who were musical or had strong taste, their actual favourite songs — even unconventional choices — can be the most personal selection.
Practical planning
- Discuss with funeral home about audio/musical capabilities
- Confirm music selections at least a few days in advance
- Have backup audio files ready (USB, streaming, etc.)
- For live musicians, confirm rehearsal needs
- For livestreamed services, confirm copyright handling
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures music preferences alongside other funeral wishes — specific songs, hymns, instrumental preferences, religious music. The family then has documented guidance rather than guessing.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Funeral Service Association of Canada — Funeral Service Association of Canada
Frequently asked questions
How many pieces of music does a funeral typically include?
3-5 pieces is common — a processional as people gather, one or two pieces during the service (after readings, during reflection time, during candle lighting), and a recessional as people depart. Longer services may include more; shorter services fewer. Discuss timing with your funeral home or officiant.
Recorded music or live?
Both are common. Recorded music (from the deceased's playlist, popular songs with meaningful lyrics, classical pieces) lets you use exact original recordings. Live music (organist, soloist, choir, instrumentalist) adds a personal element and works well for hymns or instrumental pieces. Many funerals combine both — live music for hymns plus recorded for personal favourites.
What about copyright issues?
For private funeral services, copyright is generally not an issue (private gatherings are typically exempt from public performance licensing). For livestreamed services, copyright on recorded music can technically apply — some funeral homes have blanket licensing; some advise against using copyrighted recorded music in livestreams. Confirm with your funeral home if livestreaming.
What if I don't know what music my loved one would have wanted?
Common approaches — look at their favourite playlists or albums, ask close family and friends about songs they associated with the deceased, consider music from significant life moments (wedding, milestone events), choose music aligned with their religious or cultural tradition, or default to standard funeral selections that the funeral home can suggest.
Are there religious conventions to follow?
Many religious traditions have specific music conventions. Catholic funerals often include specific liturgical music (Pie Jesu, Ave Maria, In Paradisum). Anglican services typically use traditional hymns. Jewish services may include El Maleh Rachamim. Each tradition has its own standards. Discuss with the officiant if you're observing a specific tradition.
Can I include the deceased's favourite popular songs?
Yes — increasingly common at modern funerals and memorial services. The deceased's favourite popular music personalises the service in ways traditional funeral music cannot. Consider whether lyrics fit the funeral context (some upbeat or romantic songs may feel mismatched; others work beautifully).