Spanish guitarist for a funeral

Are you considering booking a Spanish guitarist for a funeral?

Playing the guitar for a funeral is a very particular and specific skill.

I  play in accordance with your needs.

Sometimes people ask me if I can play Spanish Flamenco and perhaps Classical Guitar for:

• A memorial service.
• A Funeral Service.
• An event to celebrate a person’s life.

Understanding your musical needs

My first vital step to listen carefully to what you feel would be appropriate for your ceremony.

You may have very clear ideas regarding specific pieces.

Equally, I can offer some suggestions for your consideration.

You may prefer music at certain specific moments during the funeral service.

If you are choosing Spanish Flamenco guitar music this may be reflection of the deceased’ musical tastes.

They may have been a guitarist themselves.

Conversely, perhaps they simply enjoyed Spanish  guitar music. 

Or perhaps the sound of the guitar evokes a special memory in the hearts of your family.

Then again, the music may be associated with very happy times that the family spent together.

Preparing my classical and flamenco repertoire for your ceremony

It is therefore important to discuss the type of music with the client.

Certainly I will carefully select from my repertoireand include any pieces that you would like.

Likewise we can discuss moods for each piece.

Although a funeral makes us immediately think of a sorrowful mood there is rather more to it than that.

You may prefer a restful mood or you may need something a little stronger.

Yet again, perhaps you prefer uplifting at a given moment.

Would you like me  to accompany a reading with guitar music?

In this case, if convenient I can meet with the person who will read the text.

I can thus understand their pace and flow and the elements in the text that they want to emphasize.

Very often I will play music as the mourners arrive and again as they leave.

Again, I choose these pieces carefully to provide the correct background atmosphere.

A funeral is a time of tears and lament and the readings are often most touching.

Maintaining a professional etiquette at all times

I find that I become aware of and influenced by the sadness around me.

Nonetheless, at all times I am a professional.

It is most important to remember that we the musicians are providing a service to the mourners. 

The purpose of our work is to be helpful to them.

As such composure and professional manner is required.

On this note as the hired guitarist I always dress impeccably.  

I always ask if you have a specific dress code.

At one funeral they explained that they did not want black. This was in respect of the deceased’s wishes.

Venue acoustics and amplification

Acoustics in churches often means that I will not need amplification. 

But if it is, I arrive very early to set up in advance of the start of the funeral. 

Not until the last person has left, do I begin to collect my things together.

Early planning with the family member who officiates the service should mean that my guitar playing fits perfectly.

Notwithstanding, I am always very attentive and ready to make changes should they be needed.

Finally, when it is the right time I leave quietly and discretely.

Booking a Spanish guitarist for a funeral

I hope that this article has been useful to you.

If you decide you would like to book a Spanish guitarist for a funeral please get in touch.

We can discuss all your requirements.