I have played for both individual memorial services and group memorial
services hosted by health care organizations and churches around the region. For more information about group memorial
services, click here. I have performed for hundreds of individual funerals and memorials. My experience working as a music therapist with
clients nearing the end of life and their families gives me a unique experience and perspective. Whether I'm playing the Native
American flutes or playing guitar and singing a solo, I bring a sensitivity and a reflective quality that you may not hear
in other musicians. I play a wide range of instruments and offer many other services. I will also be happy to work with other
musicians you or the families have selected. Please contact me for more information. These are the services that are most
often used (any combination is available):
Visitation and/or Pre-Service vocal music
This is a collection of hymns played in a calming and comforting style using guitar and voice. Secular or other music may
also be used or added at the family's request. Playing time here can range from 15 minutes to up to two 45 minute blocks of
time (with at least 20 minute rest interval- CD background may be available during that time). This may also be used during
a private family meditation time or during other times around the service. This is very helpful in creating a safe, supportive,
healing and sacred atmosphere to support the grieving and remembering process.
Guitar and Vocal Solo
Guitar and Vocal solos can be incorporated into the service or ceremony. I have a wide repertoire of music, or I can learn
something for the event. A pianist can be added to accompany myself or the entire service. The entire service music may also
be accompanied and led with guitar. This is an excellent option for outdoor services. While contemporary religious and even
secular music can be an option, I specialize in more traditional comforting hymns played in a contemplative style. Special
preparation fees may apply. Vocal solo with another accompanist is also available.
Native American Flute
The Native American flute is and instrument that comes from the woodland American Indian nations. It is an often-improvised
instrument used for meditation and played from the heart. It is capable of capturing and conveying a wide range of emotions.
I have used this instrument with great success many group and individual services. This sound can add a great deal to a service
and is also very effective at marking transitions. I am frequently asked to play the flute at graveside ceremonies. It may
also be used as, or combined with Guitar and Vocal for visitation and/or preservice music.
Memorial Service Music Planning Services
I, and the other musicians and music therapists I work with, have unique expertise working with families through the dying
and grieving process and with using music to create a sense of ceremony and celebration. We can work with you in your time
of need to create the service music you want. I will also work other musicians involved, and with your church, clergy, and
funeral director so you don't have to worry about any details related to the music.
Special Music Events
I often lead drum circles and other music therapy workshops: many of these are bereavement related. On occasions, I have
been asked to incorporate these elements into memorial services, or events before or after services. Please contact me for
more information.
Other Services
Other instruments / instrumentalists available:
- Piano, electric bass, percussion, drums, additional guitars, flute, clarinet, more...
Additional vocalists (soprano, alto) available.
Sound / Audio Technical & audiovisual services available
Contact me for more information
Whether you chose to ask me to come play one song, or to assist in planning music for an entire service, I would be honored
to do what I can. If you have recently experienced a loss, peace be with you in this difficult time.
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"Whether you're (Christian) singing or playing- it's not like other musicians- it's just so healing- that
must be because you use music to heal others every day."
-Clergy
"When you (Christian) sing and play, it just makes a gentle healing atmosphere for the families and loved
ones. I wish we could offer this to every family."
-Funeral Director
"That flute just captures all the feelings of sorrow and hope, and all of our prayers-
it's like they just swirl together with the notes and they all lift up to Heaven"
-Clergy
"I'm so glad we could have all
of Tom's old favorite songs, from 'Let It Be' to 'In The Garden', all played on guitar and sung so beautifully- they all fit
together the way you played them- and the flute was so comforting- it was just exactly the way he would have wanted it."
-Brother of deceased
"I'll always hear "Eagles Wings" as a guitar song from now on. I didn't think it would work so well with
just the guitar accompaniment, especially with the congregation singing the refrains, but it was so beautiful
and intimate that way. The guitar and the Native American flute made a wonderful contrast to the organ in the service."
-Memorial service participant and professional organist
"You played my mom home"
-Daughter of deceased
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Biography
Christian Nielsen is a board certified music therapist, composer, musician, recording artist, and music producer. He has
a degree in music therapy from Augsburg College in Minneapolis and trained at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park. He is
in private practice as a music therapist, providing services to individual clients and to organizations such as Ridgeview
Medical Center Hospice. Christian has used his music to assist people and their families with their difficult physical, emotional,
and spiritual challenges as they prepare to leave this life and enter the next. This has given him a great insight and perspective
as a music performer. Christian also provides music performance, workshops, and music therapy group services to bereavement
programs around the Twin Cities area, including programs at Children's Hospital, Methodist Hospital, Allina Hospitals, Fairview
Ridges Hospital, Southern Metropolitan Grief Coalition and many others.
As a performer, Christian has played at many Minnesota churches. A few of those churches include Wesley United Methodist
Church (Mpls.), Hennepin Avenue United Methodist Church (Mpls.), St. Mark's Episcopal Church (Mpls.), Plymouth Congregational
Church (Mpls.), Westminster Presbyterian Church (Mpls.), Central Lutheran Church (Mpls.), Centenary United Methodist Church
(Mankato), Stillwater United Methodist Church, Waconia Moravian Church, and many others. Christian has played for memorials
at churches and funeral homes throughout the west metro and rural areas west of the metro area. He also performs concerts
as he is available during the year. Christian also has several recordings of relaxation and meditation music.
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Samples
You should be hearing Christian sing & play "Amazing Grace" by now. Here are a few other samples:
Native American Flute Sample Page | Just A Closer Walk With Thee (Guitar & Vocal)
In The Garden (Guitar & Vocal)
Contact us for a demonstration CD
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For urgent dates you may also call:
952-221-1857
(responses generally will occur within 1-2 hours)
As in my music therapy practice, I am willing to serve people of
all cultures, races, and faiths to the best of my abilities.
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