Live music brings comfort and meaning to a farewell. We help Oakland and East Bay families add a musical tribute within our historic Julia Morgan landmark.
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1909Founded
115+ Years Serving Oakland Families
100,000+ Families Served
When planning a funeral or memorial service, many families find that music becomes one of the most personal parts of the day. A favorite hymn, a classical piece or a familiar song can reflect your loved one’s life in a way that words alone sometimes cannot. At Chapel of the Chimes, our funeral musicians perform in the chapel, where the landmark architecture and natural acoustics create a rich setting for live music. Families may choose piano, harp, organ, bagpipes or other musical tributes that suit the service. Whether your plans are traditional or more personal, we’ll help you choose music that fits the moment and the person you’ve gathered to remember.
— Options
Each tribute below leads to a fuller explanation. If you’re not sure what suits the service, our team can help you decide.
We’re available 24 hours a day.
A musical tribute at Chapel of the Chimes is part of something larger. It’s a tradition of care Oakland has trusted since 1909.
Our Julia Morgan-designed chapels were built with light and sound in mind, so a single instrument fills the room with warmth.
From a beloved hymn to a favorite song, every musical tribute is chosen to reflect the person you’re remembering.
Oakland is home to many cultures and faiths, and our musical tributes are offered with respect for the traditions each family holds dear.
Music is one of many ways to personalize a farewell. Explore more of what we offer, or start planning ahead.
A musical tribute is live music performed during a service. Families can choose to have a pianist, harpist, bagpiper or other musician play. Funeral musicians in Oakland can play a range of music, including hymns, classical music or popular songs during the service, as chosen by the family.
Our caring Oakland team will walk you through the process. We’ll talk with you about your loved one and will suggest music that would be appropriate and meaningful to them. You can choose a musical tribute whether you’re planning a funeral, memorial service or cremation service.
Yes. For instance, bagpipes are meaningful across many traditions, and we welcome families from all cultures and faiths. Our team will coordinate the details and will answer your questions about what we offer.
We coordinate the details of having a professional funeral musician play, but if you prefer to invite another musician to the service, you’re welcome to do so.
Live music can accompany a funeral, a memorial or a graveside gathering, and can be added during arrangements or shortly before. However, you don’t have to decide everything at once. We will work with you at your own pace. There’s no pressure and no wrong choices.
However you choose to honor your loved one, you don’t have to make the arrangements alone. Our team is here to help you find the music that makes a service personal and meaningful to you and your family.
We’re here for you during this difficult time.
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