Piano Guidance
Photo by Diana Agapova Pexels Logo Photo: Diana Agapova

What is the most disrespectful thing to do at a funeral?

"Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind.

What is a TreeMap good for?
What is a TreeMap good for?

Treemaps are often used for sales data, as they capture relative sizes of data categories, allowing for quick perception of the items that are...

Read More »
Why is it called soul music?
Why is it called soul music?

The term ""soul"" had been used among African-American musicians to emphasize the feeling of being an African-American in the United States.

Read More »

Funerals are always an emotional experience. Sadly, we all end up attending them at one point or another, and we try to say and do the right thing when we're there. It's hard to know what to expect until you've arrived, but you'll need to prepare for mourning relatives, friends, and acquaintances—all of whom have to be handled with a certain degree of grace. That's why it's important to know the proper etiquette for attending these somber events, including what you should never do. Read on to find out the rude behavior you must avoid at a funeral.

RELATED: Never Say These 5 Words at a Funeral, Expert Warns.

If you're at a funeral, put your phone away.

There are many circumstances where being on your phone is a faux pas, including at the dinner table and during work meetings. Considering you're there to honor someone who passed away, funerals should also be a no-phone zone. "Talking or being on your phone during the service is one of the most disrespectful things you could do at a funeral," says Myka Meier, Beaumont Etiquette founder and etiquette expert. It's important to be as present as possible. "Silence your phone, shut off your phone, or even just leave it behind. There's nothing good you can do with it in that situation. Bring your attention to the place you are and the people you're with," Daniel Post Senning, an author and spokesperson for The Emily Post Institute, tells HuffPost.

RELATED: Never Say These 4 Words at a Wedding, Etiquette Expert Warns.

It's also a no-photo zone.

This one falls under phones, too. Sometimes it's appropriate to capture a moment, and other times it's not. It's important to distinguish between the two, especially at a funeral, which means that generally speaking, you should save the photos for another occasion. Diane Gottsman, national etiquette expert and founder of The Protocol School of Texas, tells HuffPost that the smartphone era has made it "a habit to capture the moment and post to social media." The only exception, she says, would be if you got the family's permission.

Story continues

Which type of keyboard is most commonly used?
Which type of keyboard is most commonly used?

The most common kind is called a 'QWERTY' keyboard. QWERTY describes the top row of letters on the keyboard.

Read More »
Should I put a rug under my piano?
Should I put a rug under my piano?

Ideally, a piano player should play piano on a bare floor—not on a rug or carpet (unless they live in an apartment building and need to dampen the...

Read More »
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide
Join almost HALF A MILLION Happy Students Worldwide

Pianoforall is one of the most popular online piano courses online and has helped over 450,000 students around the world achieve their dream of playing beautiful piano for over a decade.

Learn More »

Dress for the occasion.

Your closet may be filled with bright hues, bold patterns, and statement attire, which is great—but for a funeral? Not so much, at least in the Western world. "You want to make sure you dress in a manner that is respectful, especially if it's held at a religious institution such as a church," says Meier. That means going with more modest dressing and muted tones. Maryanne Parker, founder of Manor of Manners and author of Posh Overnight: The 10 Pillars of Social Etiquette, tells Country Living that "you can still wear jewelry as long as you don't wear a fashion statement." But there are exceptions when it comes to funeral fashion. If it's a celebration of life, perhaps your most joyful looks are encouraged. Different cultures also have different rules, so make sure to check with the family before attending. RELATED: For more etiquette tips delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.

Above all else, be supportive.

No matter what, the grieving party is likely just comforted by the fact that you showed up. They will appreciate your efforts to stand by their side during this trying time. But should you find a moment where you think you can make the day a little easier for them, they'll likely thank you for it later, whether that means holding a door open for their family members, talking to funeral attendees, or bringing bagel and lox over to their home if they're Jewish and sitting shiva. RELATED: This Is the Rudest Thing You Can Ask Someone, Etiquette Experts Say.

Is an 88-key keyboard the same as a piano?
Is an 88-key keyboard the same as a piano?

The standard piano has 88 keys, as do many electric keyboards. However, some keyboards have less than 88 keys. The number of keys differs depending...

Read More »
Where can I get free sheet music for piano?
Where can I get free sheet music for piano?

5 Best Websites to get Free Piano Sheets IMSLP. IMSLP, also known as the International Music Score Library Project Petrucci Music Library. ......

Read More »
Does Walmart do key copies?
Does Walmart do key copies?

Thanks to its handy Minute Key kiosks, Walmart offers quick and easy key copy services in most of its stores. Minute Key kiosks are equipped to...

Read More »
Can a 60 year old learn piano?
Can a 60 year old learn piano?

No matter when you begin piano, you can have the enjoyment of playing an instrument, plus all the great mental, physical, and emotional benefits....

Read More »