Headstone Ideas for a Fiddler or Violinist

Whether they played reels at a kitchen party, jigs at a Métis gathering or Bach in a concert hall, a fiddler fills a room with life. These ideas help the music live on in stone.

Symbol and etching ideas

• A fiddle and bow crossed over the name.
• A fiddle resting on a chair, as if the player just stepped away.
• A few bars of a favourite tune — see sheet music engraved on a headstone.
• A treble clef and notes for a classical player.
• Celtic knotwork around the fiddle for Irish and Scottish players — see Celtic knot meaning.

Personal touches

• The name of a tune they wrote or always played.
• Their band, orchestra or fiddle club.
• A line such as "Cape Breton fiddler" or "Ottawa Valley fiddler".
• A photo of them playing, laser-etched.

Epitaph ideas

• The music plays on.
• One more reel.
• Fiddling in heaven's kitchen party.
• Praise him with stringed instruments. (Psalm 150:4)
• Her bow is still.

Tunes and copyright

Traditional reels, jigs and classical works by long-dead composers are public domain and can be engraved. Recent tunes and songs may still be under copyright, so engrave the title rather than the notes or words, or use a tune the person composed themselves.

Regional styles

Fiddling traditions are strong in Cape Breton, Newfoundland, the Ottawa Valley, Métis communities, Appalachia and Texas. A short line naming the tradition tells future visitors exactly who they were.

Design tips

• Etched instruments show the best detail on black granite.
• Keep sheet music to a few bars so notes stay readable.
• A violin's curves suit an upright or a custom shape — see custom-shaped headstones.
• Check that any engraved music is correct with a musician friend.

Key Takeaways

• A fiddle and bow are the classic design.
• Traditional tunes are public domain.
• Name the tradition, such as Cape Breton or Métis.
• Black granite shows instrument detail best.

Next Step

See headstone ideas for a musician and headstone quotes about music.