A lyre. The instrument of Apollo, the lyre is a Greek symbol denoting heavenly accord, harmony, and music and song praising God. It could also be seen as a harp, which is a symbol of heavenly music, or hopes of heaven. Stringed instruments such as these are often associated with Divine music. Lyres on gravestones often (but not in this case) have a broken string symbolizing the end of life. A harp might also suggest someone of Irish heritage. This symbol often appears on the graves of musicians