Funeral Soloists & Choirs

Choosing a Soloist or Choir for a Funeral
Singing and music at a funeral ceremony can be both healing and uplifting, and having a live performance of a meaningful song can be a beautiful tribute to a loved one.
Whether it’s a soloist, someone to lead the hymns, or a service full of different types of music, professional performers can add dignity and beauty to the ceremony.
The range of choice is vast, from the drama and passion of opera to the warm and uplifting sound of choral music. Or get people swaying in the aisles with the soulful harmonies and complex rhythms of a gospel choir.
Choosing the right music for a funeral is important, as it can provide comfort, convey emotion, and honor the person who has died. Here are some ideas for inspiration across genres.
Choirs for Funerals
Most choirs are extremely versatile and can sing in a variety of styes. Whether you want traditional hymns, classical songs, or something more contemporary, most will do their best to fulfil your wishes.


Here are some of the most popular songs that can be performed by singers as well as musicians.
Popular Classical Music for Funerals
These choral pieces can provide a sense of reverence and solemnity.
- “Ave Maria” by Franz Schubert or Bach/Gounod
- Requiem, “Pie Jesu”
- “Pachelbel’s Canon in D”
- Mozart’s “Requiem” (Lacrimosa)
Listen to musical clips and find lots more suggestions in Inspiration Classical Music for Funerals.
Hymns and Spiritual and Religious Music for Funerals
Traditional hymns are always a safe and comforting choice. They connect with people of various religious backgrounds and can be performed by a soloist or a choir. For a more spiritual or religious atmosphere, particularly in Christian or other religious ceremonies, sacred songs provide peace and comfort.
- “Amazing Grace”
- “How Great Thou Art”
- “The Lord’s My Shepherd” (Psalm 23)
- “You Raise Me Up” by Josh Groban
- “The Prayer” by Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli
Listen to musical clips and find lots more suggestions in Inspiration Hymns for Funerals and Contemporary Music for Funerals.


Modern, Popular and Contemporary Music for Funerals
For a more modern or personal touch, contemporary pop songs can also be deeply meaningful and uplifting. They might be a song that the person loved or one that reminds friends and family of a particularly occasion or time in their life.
- “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
- “Fix You” by Coldplay
- “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner
- “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston (or Dolly Parton)
Listen to musical clips and find lots more ideas for songs in Inspiration Contemporary Music for Funerals.
Jazz and Soul Music for Funerals
Jazz and soul music can provide a deeply emotional and reflective mood, whether instrumental or with vocals. The improvisational nature of jazz can also feel organic and unique.
- “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
- “At Last” by Etta James
- “Amazing Grace” (Jazz version)
- “My Funny Valentine” (instrumental or vocal)
Listen to musical clips and find lots more ideas for songs in Inspiration Contemporary Music for Funerals.
Personalised or Custom Songs for Funerals
Some families prefer to use music that is particularly meaningful to the person who has died. This could be a song the deceased loved, or a custom piece written in their honor, perhaps composed by a family member or friends.
Songs for a Celebration of Life
Sometimes, uplifting songs that celebrate life and joy are perfect for a funeral, especially when the person lived a vibrant, joyful life.
- “I Did It My Way” by Frank Sinatra
- “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” from Monty Python’s Life of Bryon
- “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles or Nina Simone
Listen to musical clips and find lots more ideas for songs in Inspiration Contemporary Music for Funerals.
Ultimately, it’s important to choose music that reflects the personality of the person who has died, the mood you want to set, and what is meaningful to their loved ones. If you are a singer or musician, expressing the emotions through your performance is just as important as the song selection itself.
Find Further Helpful Information About Choosing Singers and Musicians for Funerals
To find out more about music for funerals, please go to our Information about Singers and Musicians for Funerals. Or for comprehensive information about planning a funeral, celebration of life, or memorials service, please see whiteballoon’s Funeral Planning Information.
Find Singers and Musicians in the whiteballoon Community
To find trusted musicians and singers for funerals, please go to our Provider Directory for Singers & Musicians.
Funeral Planning

Organising a funeral can feel overwhelming. Step-by-step guides and planning tools enable you to quietly gather your thoughts and safely save information.
Our Provider Directory

Our Provider Directory helps you find caring and compassionate individuals and services throughout the UK, covering all aspects of funeral ceremonies.
Ideas and Inspiration

A carefully curated selection of poems, readings and music, as well as other ideas and inspiration for legacy and memorials, plus helpful books and guides.
