Music for Special Occasions Part 2: Weddings and Funerals

Copyright Mavy Ducote Photography

As a church musician, you will sometimes get the opportunity to play for special services other than holiday celebrations. Both weddings and funerals are times in which you can use your abilities for the blessing of individual families in particular, whether in celebration or mourning.

Weddings provide a unique challenge for the pianist. Sometimes you will be asked to play along with other musicians, and other times you will be providing all the music by yourself. Take time to sit down with the bride (at least) and talk about what the couple would like. Find out the order of ceremony, what parts you will be expected to play during, and the room layout (will you be able to see the wedding party walk in?). Talk about what specific pieces, if any, the couple wants played; for example, will the bride march to “Here Comes the Bride” or another classical piece, or a hymn, or a popular song? What music should be played for the rest of the processional and recessional? Often, you will also be requested to play for up to 30 minutes before the ceremony, as guests are arriving and being seated. For this segment, keep it simple for yourself. Pull out some easy classical pieces. There are plenty of collections out there, and you probably have a few from when you were learning to play the piano. These are usually well-known and pleasant for listeners. Choose music in major keys to keep the mood light and happy. Short pieces by Bach and Haydn are a good starting place. Sometimes, hymn arrangements are appropriate for the prelude, too. Consider investing in a book of wedding music arranged for piano. Match it to your comfort level (easy, intermediate, advanced). This will be your best friend in preparing for the ceremony.

Funerals are another type of service altogether, but they usually have more similarities in music type to a regular worship service than do weddings. Again, discuss music choices with the family. If the deceased family member was elderly or had a long illness, chances are good that he or she had certain hymns in mind for the funeral service. If not, the family may have favorites they would like sung or played. Sometimes a family member or friend will be planning to sing a solo, so make sure you have time to practice with them before the service (at least earlier that day). You may also be asked to play for a certain amount of time either before or after the service, as people are coming in or as they are viewing the casket. It would be most appropriate to play hymns or certain classical pieces for either of these. I like to use well-known hymns such as “Be Thou My Vision” or “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus.”

For both of these occasions, your role is to remain in the background. Do not expect to be noticed. You are there to provide a backdrop or setting for the occasion. Come well-prepared so that the music becomes one aspect which the family does not need to worry about. This is your chance to provide an invaluable service to the family (whether you are getting paid or not) and to be a witness for Christ in your attitude and actions.