Should yoga teachers use music in their yoga classes?

Before I was a yoga teacher, I taught group fitness classes for 15 years. Having the right music was essential in creating enjoyable and motivating classes.

Even when I attend yoga classes now as a student, the choice in music, will make or break it for me. It is not just background noise; it’s a tool that has the ability to enhance, our yoga classes. Or in some cases, take away from the whole experience.

Some teachers, (and it all depends of the type of teacher), believe there should be no music, or very limited. For me, and my students, I wouldn’t dream of practicing in silence. Music is extremely beneficial for the nervous system and because many students search out for yoga classes as a way to rest and reset, it only makes sense to combine our classes with gorgeous playlists.

So, should yoga teachers use music in their yoga classes? I believe it is a personal choice. And just like every student is different, so is each and every yoga teacher. I attract students who love music, a touch of humour during their class and of course essential oils.

It would be a much gentler, kinder and loving world if we would all simply do what we love, in a way that feels good to us. So, in my classes…YES…there will always be music (and sound bowls). But if some teachers believe it takes away from their practice, well then that is perfect for them. And they will attract the students who love to practice in silence.

A few thoughts about adding music to our yoga classes on The Blog today:

1. Why I believe music is significant in class.

2. Common sense tips to follow if you do use music in your yoga class.

The choice of music in a yoga class is significant for several reasons:

• Music can act as a bridge to inner focus, helping us transition from the hustle and bustle of daily life to the present moment of our practice.

• Music can enhance the awareness of our student’s surroundings, serving as an anchor to help tune in with other senses.

• Natural responses to music include movement, which is beneficial in a yoga class to encourage flow and rhythm in the asanas.

• Music has the power to evoke emotions, which can deepen the connection to the practice and enhance the overall experience.

• The right music can help students enter a ‘flow state’, where they feel and perform their best, aligning with the fluid movements of the class.

• Music is well known to uplift the spirit, improve mood, and create a positive atmosphere in yoga classes.

• Certain types of music have been associated with an immune system boost, which can be an added benefit to the physical practice of yoga.

• Music can significantly aid in relaxation, especially during the final restorative poses of a yoga class.

There are times, however, we as teachers need to be sensitive and very aware of the songs we choose and when we play them.

You may have seen articles or opinions online even saying there is “no place for music in a real yoga class”. For me, in my classes and for my students this wouldn’t work and I respectfully disagree with this.

I believe you simply need to be mindful of the music you play, and when you play it in class. I teach very private classes in my home, so I have the honor of getting to know my students quite intimately, so I often have an awareness of any life events or difficult times they may be going through at the time.

So, what I may have on my playlists, may not always work for a teacher who instructs at a public studio with 25-30 students (and you have no idea of their stories and histories).

Music. A foundation for focus.

Music can act as a bridge to inner focus, helping us transition from the hustle and bustle of daily life to the present moment of our practice.

20 uplifting, popular yoga songs for flow:

1. The Southern Sea-Garth Stevenson

2. Surya Namaskar-Michael Mandrell

3. Hello-Erato

4. Ong So Hung-The Guru Experience

5. 10 Laws-East Forest

6. Wonderwall-Ryan Adams

7. House Of Mercy-Sarah Jarosz

8. Sweet Child Of Mine-Jasmine Thompson

9. Dukh Par Har-Desert Dwellers

10. For What It’s Worth-DJ Drez, Joey Lugassy

11. Follow The Sun-Xavier Rudd

12. Breathe-Alexi Murdoch

13. Om Namah Shivaya-Steve Gold

14. After The Storm-Mumford & Sons

15. Show Yourself-Ayla Nereo

16. Inspiration Drive-DJ Taz Rashid

17. Nectar Drop-DJ Drez

18. Kyrstyn Pixton-The Human Experience

19. Lean On Me-Imaginary Future

In over 30 years of teaching yoga and group fitness classes, I have created some pretty cool playlists. I have also made mistakes along the way! Here are some guidelines that have worked for me over the years:

1. Words or no words? If you don’t know your class very well, always have a playlist with minimal words so that you won’t offend anyone accidentally. If you know your students well, and they have favourites, don’t be shy and create some fun, unique playlists.

2. Listen to your songs before playing them to your class. I have a bad habit of swearing every once in a while. It’s just who I am, but I never have offensive language in my yoga songs. You never know how people feel about swearing. If you are a teacher who’s target market loves the “F” bomb, well then go all out! But for most of us, that won’t work. Know your audience :)

3. Keep your songs for centering and savasana rhythmical with mantras and/or no words to distract. Our goal in centering and savasana is to allow our mind to settle and not be distracted. Here is one of my favourite pieces of music as an example.

4. Match rhythms with specific parts of your class.

I hope this helps you when it’s time to create your next yoga playlist! I am on Spotify if you would love to come follow and save some of mine. I will be sure to follow back!!!

Kel ♥