Memorial Services
The harp has long been associated with comfort and peace, and live harp music can bring a quiet beauty to a memorial service, funeral, wake, or celebration of life that creates a meaningful space for remembrance and healing.
I’ve developed a memorial-specific selection of classical pieces, hymns, and contemporary songs that finds a natural balance between somber and light, honoring the weight of the moment while bringing some beauty and calm to it. I'm also happy to work with you on song selection to honor your loved one in the way that feels right.
I understand that memorial services are often planned on short notice. Please don't hesitate to reach out even if the service is coming up quickly — I will do my best to accommodate you.
“We are so happy that we hired Shelley to play at my mom's funeral. It was simply beautiful.”
— Heidi W.
Some of the songs from my Memorial luncheon song list
I've chosen these songs either because of the meaning and sentiment of the original songs, or because of the feeling the melody creates when translated to the harp. I always prioritize my clients' preferences, but for additional selections, or if you're looking for inspo, here are a few of my favorites that I like to use for memorial luncheons or general background music at a memorial:
Current & Oldies:
Halo (Beyonce) ~ Angel (Sarah McLachlan) ~ Let it Be (John Lennon) ~ Wind Beneath My Wings (Bette Midler) ~ My Way (Frank Sinatra) ~ Walls (Tom Petty) ~ La Vie en Rose (Edith Piaf/Louis Armstrong) ~ Place to Be (Nick Drake) ~ White Sandy Beach (Israel Kamakawiwo'ole) ~ Landslide (Stevie Nicks) ~ I'm with You (Vance Joy) ~ Halleluia (Jeff Buckley) ~ Moon River (from Breakfast at Tiffany's) ~ Easily (Bruno Major) ~ Zelda's Lullaby (Akito Nakatuska) ~ Bloom (Paper Kites) ~ For All You Give (Paper Kites) ~ Grow as We Go (Ben Platt) ~ Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol) ~ When the Stars Go Blue (Ryan Adams) ~ Rainbow Connection (from Muppets) ~ Coming Up Roses (Harry Styles) ~ What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong) ~ You Are the Sunshine of My Life (Stevie Wonder) ~ Your Song (Elton John) ~ Always With Me (Youmi Kimora) ~ Oceans (Hillsong)
Classical, Neo-Classical, & Traditional:
River Runs in You (Yiruma) ~ Rast Presrev (Cantemir) ~ Prelude in C (Bach) ~ Pentland Hills (Trad. Scottish) ~ Summer Lullaby (one of my harp tunes) ~ Andante Graziozo from Sonata No. 11 (Mozart) ~ Dawning of the Day (Trad. Irish) ~ Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring (Bach) ~ An Dro Des Petits Bateaux (Trad. Breton) ~ Eleanor Plunkett (Turlough O'Carolan) ~ Per Una Volta Ancora (Fabio Pirozzolo) ~ Estrada do Sol (Jobim) ~ Watermark (Enya) ~ Tomorrow's Song (Olafur Arnalds)
