Funeral FAQs
Who are Singers for Funerals?
Singers for Funerals is a new service offering professional opera singers as soloists for funeral services in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. We also have an arrangement with an experienced soloist in the Birmingham area, details on request.
Can I hear you sing? / Do you have a cd?
You can hear us right here on the website. Just click on the Audio tab above to go to our Funeral Songs Audio page.
Do you need an organist?
We can perform with any competent organist or pianist, but we also have our own professionally recorded accompaniments (backing tracks), some of which have been recorded exclusively for us.
Why music at a funeral?
Music plays an important part in a funeral service, and we hope to provide vocal music that is both uplifting and reflective, that celebrates a life and adds a personal touch for family and friends.
How do I choose music for a funeral?
See our pages for more details:
- Choosing music for a funeral
- How music fits into a funeral service
- Our blog on Top 10 funeral hymns, songs and music, as surveyed by the Cooperative Funeral service.
Music in funerals: who organises what?
When a family member or funeral director calls us, we discuss ideas for suitable music for the funeral service. We can liaise with the minister taking the funeral if required, and ensure that the music is appropriate for both the family and the service. We then liaise with the organist or pianist (if any), or select quality backing tracks from our library. Most churches and crematoria have systems which can play our backing tracks, but we always bring our own discreet, high quality speaker system, just in case.
Do we need to book Singers for Funerals through a funeral director?
No, we can be booked independently, but your funeral director will need to know you intend to feature our soloist(s), so they can factor it into their funeral planning and preparations.
Are funeral expenses tax exempt?
All funeral expenses, including music, are tax free if paid for or claimed back through the estate of the deceased.
How many songs at a funeral are suitable?
Most families ask for soloists to perform one or two songs, and perhaps lead the hymn singing. However, we can sing more if you wish and the service duration allows.
What will your funeral singers wear?
All Singers for Funerals soloists can either perform in subdued coloured outfits, or in black suits if preferred.
Will your soloists sing with family members?
No, as professional soloists, we sing only with other Singers for Funerals professionals. We are more than happy, however, to lead family and friends in hymn singing as required.
How far do you travel?
We are happy to travel to locations in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, but do call us to discuss locations further afield. Travel up to 30 miles from our base in Farnborough is free, after which we charge a modest fee based on mileage and accessibility of location. We also have an Associate singer who covers the West Midlands area.
Do you only sing in churches?
No, we can sing at any location approved for funeral services, including crematoriums, woodland burial grounds, and at memorials services in hotels or gardens. Probably our only practical limitation is the availability of a power source for our accompaniment recordings, or the ability to be heard if the site is exposed or windy.
Do you just sing for Christian funerals / traditional funerals?
While both our main singers have been brought up in Christian traditions (Church of England and Catholic), we are more than happy to provide funeral songs for any kind of celebration of a life, including humanist / civil funerals, and memorial services.
Do you sing at pet funerals?
Hand on heart, we haven't yet, but we would be happy to do so if asked.
Do you recite funeral poems?
No, we prefer to sing! However, there are often musical settings of famous poems that might be suitable.
Can you provide funeral classical music?
So long as it's written for a singer, probably yes. However, if you wish instrumental music beyond organ music, such as bagpipers or trumpeters, you will need to book other musicians. We can put you in contact with good music agencies providing these services.
Are you bereavement musicians?
It's not a term we use, but we're musicians for funerals, so we guess we are!
Can you sing music at a wake?
Yes, our Singers for Funerals performers are happy to perform at any post-funeral function.
Can you perform gospel songs?
Our soloists are experienced opera singers, and do not have experience in gospel singing. (We love it, but we just can't do it justice!)
Can you send me the sheet music for Elton John's song "Funeral for a Friend"?
No, but you can buy it online at any good music store.
Can you recommend a funeral director?
No, we do not recommend funeral directors, funeral homes, providers of funeral flowers, or other funeral services.
Do you have some client feedback I can read?
Yes, you can find a selection of testimonials from Singers for Funerals customers on our new page.
I want to plan my own funeral music in advance. Is this possible?
The best way to ensure that you have the music of your choice at your funeral is to let your family know of your wishes. You can plan all aspects of your funeral at websites such as www.whenimdeadandgone.com, by filling in a questionnaire detailing you wishes, and requesting that Singers for Funerals are the singers.
Are you available every day of the week?
Yes, in theory we can sing any day of the week, subject to availability. However, our singers are professional opera performers, so they may be performing on stage or giving concerts any day of the week as well. Please always call us first to ensure we are available to sing on your chosen date.
You say you are in partnership with Hatstand Opera?
Yes, our mezzosoprano Kirsty founded Hatstand Opera, and Toni is the company's soprano. The two ladies sing both for Hatstand and for Singers for Funerals.
Odd question I know, but do you sing for weddings?
Yes, we can sing at both ceremonies as soloists and entertain at receptions with Hatstand Opera. Ring us for details!
Where else are Singers for Funerals listed on the web?
You'll find listings for Singers for Funerals all over the internet, but here are some of our favourites!
Hampshire Search Engine
Business Directory
Easyadverts - Free Online Business Advertising
What to do When Someone Dies: A practical guide to dealing with the death of a close friend or loved one
Do you have any other websites?
Yes, our other websites include:
www.thefuneralsingers.co.uk
www.birminghamfuneralsinger.co.uk
www.songsforfunerals.co.uk
www.funeralmusic.wordpress.com
www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk
www.surreyfuneralsingers.co.uk
Are you on Twitter?
Yes we are - @funeralsingers
My question isn't on this list!
Call us on 01252 511 762, or email us at kirsty(at)singersforfunerals.co.uk
Singers for Funerals is a new service offering professional opera singers as soloists for funeral services in Hampshire, Berkshire and Surrey. We also have an arrangement with an experienced soloist in the Birmingham area, details on request.
Can I hear you sing? / Do you have a cd?
You can hear us right here on the website. Just click on the Audio tab above to go to our Funeral Songs Audio page.
Do you need an organist?
We can perform with any competent organist or pianist, but we also have our own professionally recorded accompaniments (backing tracks), some of which have been recorded exclusively for us.
Why music at a funeral?
Music plays an important part in a funeral service, and we hope to provide vocal music that is both uplifting and reflective, that celebrates a life and adds a personal touch for family and friends.
How do I choose music for a funeral?
See our pages for more details:
- Choosing music for a funeral
- How music fits into a funeral service
- Our blog on Top 10 funeral hymns, songs and music, as surveyed by the Cooperative Funeral service.
Music in funerals: who organises what?
When a family member or funeral director calls us, we discuss ideas for suitable music for the funeral service. We can liaise with the minister taking the funeral if required, and ensure that the music is appropriate for both the family and the service. We then liaise with the organist or pianist (if any), or select quality backing tracks from our library. Most churches and crematoria have systems which can play our backing tracks, but we always bring our own discreet, high quality speaker system, just in case.
Do we need to book Singers for Funerals through a funeral director?
No, we can be booked independently, but your funeral director will need to know you intend to feature our soloist(s), so they can factor it into their funeral planning and preparations.
Are funeral expenses tax exempt?
All funeral expenses, including music, are tax free if paid for or claimed back through the estate of the deceased.
How many songs at a funeral are suitable?
Most families ask for soloists to perform one or two songs, and perhaps lead the hymn singing. However, we can sing more if you wish and the service duration allows.
What will your funeral singers wear?
All Singers for Funerals soloists can either perform in subdued coloured outfits, or in black suits if preferred.
Will your soloists sing with family members?
No, as professional soloists, we sing only with other Singers for Funerals professionals. We are more than happy, however, to lead family and friends in hymn singing as required.
How far do you travel?
We are happy to travel to locations in Hampshire, Surrey and Berkshire, but do call us to discuss locations further afield. Travel up to 30 miles from our base in Farnborough is free, after which we charge a modest fee based on mileage and accessibility of location. We also have an Associate singer who covers the West Midlands area.
Do you only sing in churches?
No, we can sing at any location approved for funeral services, including crematoriums, woodland burial grounds, and at memorials services in hotels or gardens. Probably our only practical limitation is the availability of a power source for our accompaniment recordings, or the ability to be heard if the site is exposed or windy.
Do you just sing for Christian funerals / traditional funerals?
While both our main singers have been brought up in Christian traditions (Church of England and Catholic), we are more than happy to provide funeral songs for any kind of celebration of a life, including humanist / civil funerals, and memorial services.
Do you sing at pet funerals?
Hand on heart, we haven't yet, but we would be happy to do so if asked.
Do you recite funeral poems?
No, we prefer to sing! However, there are often musical settings of famous poems that might be suitable.
Can you provide funeral classical music?
So long as it's written for a singer, probably yes. However, if you wish instrumental music beyond organ music, such as bagpipers or trumpeters, you will need to book other musicians. We can put you in contact with good music agencies providing these services.
Are you bereavement musicians?
It's not a term we use, but we're musicians for funerals, so we guess we are!
Can you sing music at a wake?
Yes, our Singers for Funerals performers are happy to perform at any post-funeral function.
Can you perform gospel songs?
Our soloists are experienced opera singers, and do not have experience in gospel singing. (We love it, but we just can't do it justice!)
Can you send me the sheet music for Elton John's song "Funeral for a Friend"?
No, but you can buy it online at any good music store.
Can you recommend a funeral director?
No, we do not recommend funeral directors, funeral homes, providers of funeral flowers, or other funeral services.
Do you have some client feedback I can read?
Yes, you can find a selection of testimonials from Singers for Funerals customers on our new page.
I want to plan my own funeral music in advance. Is this possible?
The best way to ensure that you have the music of your choice at your funeral is to let your family know of your wishes. You can plan all aspects of your funeral at websites such as www.whenimdeadandgone.com, by filling in a questionnaire detailing you wishes, and requesting that Singers for Funerals are the singers.
Are you available every day of the week?
Yes, in theory we can sing any day of the week, subject to availability. However, our singers are professional opera performers, so they may be performing on stage or giving concerts any day of the week as well. Please always call us first to ensure we are available to sing on your chosen date.
You say you are in partnership with Hatstand Opera?
Yes, our mezzosoprano Kirsty founded Hatstand Opera, and Toni is the company's soprano. The two ladies sing both for Hatstand and for Singers for Funerals.
Odd question I know, but do you sing for weddings?
Yes, we can sing at both ceremonies as soloists and entertain at receptions with Hatstand Opera. Ring us for details!
Where else are Singers for Funerals listed on the web?
You'll find listings for Singers for Funerals all over the internet, but here are some of our favourites!
Hampshire Search Engine
Business Directory
Easyadverts - Free Online Business Advertising
What to do When Someone Dies: A practical guide to dealing with the death of a close friend or loved one
Do you have any other websites?
Yes, our other websites include:
www.thefuneralsingers.co.uk
www.birminghamfuneralsinger.co.uk
www.songsforfunerals.co.uk
www.funeralmusic.wordpress.com
www.hampshirefuneralsingers.co.uk
www.surreyfuneralsingers.co.uk
Are you on Twitter?
Yes we are - @funeralsingers
My question isn't on this list!
Call us on 01252 511 762, or email us at kirsty(at)singersforfunerals.co.uk
"I found your site on Google, and really liked the fact you had so many audio samples available - it was the best site I came across on the subject! Thank you so much for all your help."
SC-P, funeral in Thames Ditton, Surrey
SC-P, funeral in Thames Ditton, Surrey
