Gentle, thoughtful live acoustic guitar for a celebration of life, memorial service, or funeral, music chosen with care.
A celebration of life is one of the most personal occasions there is. The music chosen for it, whether a song the person loved, something that captures who they were, or simply something beautiful and fitting, carries more weight than at almost any other event.
I've played at hundreds of family occasions over more than 20 years, including many celebrations of life and funerals, and I understand how much getting the music right matters at a time like this.
If you're planning a celebration of life or memorial service and would like live acoustic guitar to be part of it, I'm happy to have a quiet, unhurried conversation about what you're thinking. There's no pressure and no obligation, just a chance to talk through what might work and whether I'm the right person to help.
"Music has a way of saying what words sometimes cannot. At occasions like these, getting it right matters deeply, and I take that seriously."Get in touch to discuss
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Stuart Toogood for making my late Husband Richard Turner 07/03/2026 Celebration of Life so incredibly special.
Stuart played at our wedding back in April 2009, and he helped create memories that my husband and I treasured for the rest of Richard's life. Richard never stopped talking about how wonderful Stuart was on our wedding day, so when it came to celebrating his life, there was no one else I wanted to play.
Hearing the beautiful acoustic versions of the songs from our wedding playing gently in the background brought back so many precious memories. It was emotional, comforting, and the perfect tribute to the life and love we shared.
So many people commented on Stuart's professionalism, talent, and the wonderful atmosphere he created. He truly has an incredible gift.
I can only hope that my darling husband was watching over us and smiling as he heard Stuart play those special songs once again.
Thank you, Stuart. Your kindness, talent, and contribution meant more to me and my family than words can ever express. You helped make an incredibly difficult day into one filled with love, memories, and music that we will never forget.
Sally Turner
“Stuart played at my mother’s wake. We couldn’t have asked for anything more from him. The music was pitched perfectly — easy listening and enjoyable, never too loud or intrusive. He had set up and was ready before we arrived, and throughout he was so professional, warm and approachable. For such a sad occasion, he helped make it feel like a genuine celebration of life. Thank you so much.”
Jayne Ward
I would absolutely have no hesitations in recommending Stuart, he is such a talented guitarist and a lovely person too.
He played for us at both our Dad and then Mums funerals, he is very professional and compassionate, he listened to exactly what we wanted for each funeral, he plays beautifully and with discretion.
We will be forever grateful to Stuart for two beautiful tributes for both parents so thank you.
Angela
Live acoustic guitar can bring warmth and meaning to a number of different occasions around the loss of someone. Here are the most common ways families and organising teams get in touch.
A celebration of life is often a less formal occasion than a traditional funeral, a gathering focused on remembering a person joyfully and personally. Live acoustic guitar can play a central role in setting that tone, with songs chosen to reflect who they were.
Live guitar at a funeral, whether during the arrival, a particular moment in the service, or the committal, can bring a warmth and humanity that recorded music sometimes struggles to match. I work sensitively and quietly alongside funeral directors and celebrants.
Whether held shortly after a loss or as a later gathering to remember someone, a memorial service benefits from music that feels considered and personal rather than generic. I can play throughout, or at specific points in the service as needed.
After a service, a gentle live acoustic guitar during a reception or wake can help create a space where people feel at ease to talk, remember, and be together. Quiet background music that holds the room without demanding attention.
The most important thing about choosing music for a celebration of life is that it should reflect the person being remembered, not default to something generic simply because it seems appropriate.
I have a wide repertoire that spans many decades and genres. Whether the person you're honouring loved the Beatles, classical music, something more contemporary, or a particular song that was meaningful to them personally, I'll do my best to make it work on acoustic guitar.
If there's a specific song you'd like played and it isn't something I currently know, I'm happy to learn it. Getting the music right for an occasion like this is worth the extra care, and I'll always be honest with you about whether a particular piece will work well and how best to approach it.
I'm used to working in sensitive settings and alongside funeral directors, celebrants, and venue staff. I arrive early, set up discreetly, and ensure that the practical side of the music is completely taken care of before families and guests arrive.
On the day itself, I follow your lead entirely. If you'd like me to start at a particular moment, pause during a specific part of the service, or play continuously throughout, I'll do exactly that. I won't need directing on the day as long as we've spoken beforehand, which I always make time for.
I'm based in Worcestershire and cover the surrounding counties. If you'd like to have an initial conversation, by phone, email, or in person, please don't hesitate to get in touch. There's no rush and no obligation.
I'm based in Worcestershire and available for celebration of life services, funerals, and memorials across the West Midlands and surrounding counties, including Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, and Shropshire.
As well as Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire, I regularly travel to Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kidderminster, Solihull, Coventry and Leamington Spa.
I work at crematoriums, churches, woodland burial grounds, hotels, and private venues. If you're unsure whether I cover your location, please get in touch and I'll let you know.
I bring everything needed for the performance and set up without any assistance required from families or venue staff. I carry full public liability insurance and PAT tested equipment, both of which are required at many crematoriums and venues.
If the venue has specific requirements or restrictions, just let me know when we speak and I'll make sure everything is in order well in advance.
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Find out moreA celebration of life can take many forms, from a service with a few carefully chosen pieces to a later gathering where music plays as people arrive, talk and remember. Stuart can play at specific moments or provide gentle background music throughout, following the shape of the occasion rather than imposing a set format.
Song choices can reflect the person being remembered: a much-loved Beatles song, a classical piece, something contemporary or another piece with personal meaning. If a requested song is not already in Stuart's repertoire, he is happy to learn it where it works well on acoustic guitar and will discuss the best approach honestly.
Practical arrangements are handled discreetly. Stuart arrives early, works sensitively alongside funeral directors, celebrants and venue staff, and can perform at a hotel function room, village hall, garden, chapel or reception, with the timing agreed beforehand.
Planning music for a celebration of life or memorial service can feel like a lot to think about at a difficult time. I'm happy to have a gentle, unhurried conversation about what you have in mind, by phone or email, whichever feels easier.
If you're weighing up a funeral against a celebration of life, this guide might help.