Down through the centuries ceremonial rituals as well as sacred choral music were accompanied or introduced by different instruments. Each of the instruments serves a particular purpose.

The trumpet marine also known as the tromba marina or the nun's trumpet, was played mainly in convents on important feast days from the 16th to the 18th century. It served as a substitute for the trumpet, since women were not allowed to play the trumpet.

Mass bells were used for processions and at certain parts of the Mass. From Maundy Thursday to Easter Saturday, rattles and clappers were also used during the ceremonies.

The shofar introduces the ritualistic ceremonies in Jewish services.

In the Protestant church, beginning in the late 16th century and up to the 18th century, hymns and psalms were most often accompanied by an ensemble of cornett (treble) and trombones (alto, tenor and bass).

Later, melody instruments such as the recorder, the bassoon or the bass-horn provided the accompaniment or substituted for a single voice parts. This was quite common in the music of churches influenced by Zwingli, since the organ was not allowed to accompany the service. This was the case well into the 19th century.

Pitch pipes were used to provide pitch for the opening notes for the voice parts in the choir.

Small organs were carried and played during processions. They also provided the musical accompaniment for prayer services held at home and in private chapels. In the 19th century, the harmonium often served this purpose.