Beyond Words: Some Uses of Music in the Funeral Setting

Abstract

Music is a common feature of funerals, both in terms of sacred music and also secular music when a funeral is personalized to the individual who has died. Drawing on data from research exploring Scottish funeral practices, this article examines some of the ways in which music can be used during a funeral. It suggests five specific uses of music in the funeral context: the use of music as a means of control; the use of music as a means of inclusion and exclusion; music as a source of collective activity; music as a means of creating or shifting emotion; and music as a means of evoking the memory of the deceased person. These uses of music are described and discussed, and suggestions made for further research exploring the use of music in funerals.