I consider it such an honour to be asked to be a part of Celebrations of Life and Funerals.
It’s such an emotional and intimate time for a family, saying goodbye to a loved one. But the continued feedback about how comforting the harp is to hear and how soothing the sound is reminds me how pivotal live music is at these important life events.
Live harp music for a funeral service can be as elaborate as you’d like, even with special songs chosen for specific points of the ceremony. The most common points within a funeral when live music is played is when the guests are arriving, for the entrance of the family, during the viewing, and for the exit.
Each funeral is special and unique, some with very traditional songs such as Ava Maria, Amazing Grace and Jesu Joy of Man’s Desiring, and others with songs that have meaning to the family, such as Wind Beneath My Wings, When Irish Eyes are Smiling and Greensleeves. Often song selections will be guided, or even dictated, by the Officiant or the church. If a need for secular music is required I am easily able to accommodate.
My typical fee for a funeral is £300, but it very much depends upon when, where and the music selections so please do get in touch.
Celebration of Life events allow for a lot more flexibility in the music selections as they are often held in hotels or non-religious venues. The song selections for these events are so varied and completely dependant upon the family’s wishes: often some of the favourite songs of the deceased are selected and played throughout the event.
Some recent Celebration of Life events I’ve played include a large event at The Mount Hotel in Wolverhampton for a warm and wonderful family with Italian roots and a long history in the community.
Another Celebration of Life event was for a lovely Irish family at The Fairlawns Hotel in Aldridge where a wide selection of Irish pieces were requested including Galway Bay, I’ll Take You Home Again Kathleen and Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral. I understand my heartfelt rendition of Danny Boy brought several of the family to tears (it was one of my grandmother’s favourites)!
Celebration of Life events are typically charged at my usual hourly rate of £200, but again, it’s completely dependant upon the date, time and musical selections so please do get in touch: 07813 458 295 mobile or [email protected]