I’ve witnessed this becoming a rather controversial topic, at least in yoga circles. I’m part of a private, large online community for yoga teachers and have seen a few low-key arguments about silence/’traditional’ or ‘sacred’ music/ themed music classes in discussions. Have you ever been put off by a class because of the music or bored because there wasn’t enough? Have you tried a themed class by musical genre (hip hop and heavy metal are two I’ve seen advertised)? Do you think those classes stray too far from the essence of yoga or bring it a welcomed fresh appeal? Have you been to a sacred music festival - like Yoga Mela?
One might consider that the musically themed classes are also tapping into different cultures — for better or worse. Check out this Instagram post (and the comments) from Angie Tiwari to see what I mean. I’m not saying whether I agree or disagree, by the way :)
I’m wondering what you all listen to when you practice yoga? I’m talking about really the intentional time (on a mat or whatever), not the yoga that happens all day long. Are you listening to music? If so, what’s on your playlist (or do you have a link to one you could share)?
I’ve been at studios that vary greatly from no music to Indian instrumental to indie pop. Interestingly, the music didn’t always match the style - one of my most traditional teachers who happened to be Indian would play light, popular music. Another Thai teacher who taught Jivamukti classes used the harmonium (pictured) for some chanting at the start of class, which I found really refreshing. She explained the language first and we each had music books to look at while we waited on the mats.
At home, I’m happy to practice yoga silently but often put on some tunes. It ranges from my favorite indie-alternative stuff (The National, Radiohead, Bastille…) to hip hop (Kendrick Lamar is great for yoga, both the send and the empowering messages of self love and forgiveness, especially in the song i) to whatever is on a few playlists I follow. It depends on my mood. Meditation I like to do without music, whether moving or seated.
I’ll also add that when I run - which is a kind of meditation for me - I never listen to music and it strikes me as odd when I see people (even my husband) run with headphones. But this doesn’t mean I’m against it; a few ‘pure’ runners I know get a little angry at the sight of headphones-whilst-running. My husband, on the other hand, loves it and also listens to about a million podcasts this way. I think it’s partly how you come to a practice and engage with it, perhaps also where you do it. On a treadmill is the one place I will listen to music, but I’ve only used those whilst training on Boston’s frozen tundra before the marathon once upon a time. Maybe it’s an indoor/outdoor thing for me! Just adding this for perspective…
How does sound change or shape your practice? What sounds are appropriate for yoga practice / studios?
Have a great day, no matter what you’re listening to! (Oh my, this got long. 😉)
Mmm lots of mixed views around this but I feel that if it is something that resonates with the teacher/practitioner and allows them to deepen their practice, then so be it. Having danced almost my entire life both for leisure and as a career, music really has a way of getting into my heart. Now as a yoga teacher I play music during my classes but I curate the playlists to flow with the movements, making sure the sound “peaks” when we are perhaps in the peak stage of class, with it slowing down perhaps more quiet towards Savasana. I believe that sound is incredibly healing whether it’s live with singing bowls/harmonium or a soundtrack, provided it has been intentionally selected and if there are lyrics that they are of a yogic nature. I try create a sound journey to carry my students through their practice from beginning to end, as I believe it can help with experiencing the postures on a somatic level especially. My students have said to me that the music I choose really helps them to focus and also release, which aligns with the intentions of a yoga practice. That said, I love doing my personal āsana practice in silence too.
Love this reply, Nicola, thanks. Yes, I think authenticity is key and music is a natural way for humans to express themselves. I like the idea of a journey. I'm always so impressed when yoga teachers can really create this feeling through a playlist.
In my personal practice, I often allow the music I choose to guide me in the direction of movement.
Ah yes a very important point you’ve made - that music can guide/initiate movement too. Letting the music take us on our mats is also an incredibly healing way to understand that we are movement. That processes/functions and energy are always moving inside or through us, and to connect with that.
Re: the tweet thread about white women twirking in down dog.
First off, yes, twirking in down dog feels inappropriate. However, listening to hip hop music while practicing yoga and calling it appropriation feels like a reach. If that is the case, all of yoga is an appropriation. We, as white people, who practice yoga with or without music are appropriating then.
Side note: yoga was never meant to be practiced by *any* woman. So the conversation feels DOA. If we return to the original goal of the practice, it never meant to include women, so I guess we are appropriating from the original patriarchal norms.
I have been practicing yoga for 10 years, with and without music. I don't claim either way is a higher form. And as someone else has mentioned, music can be a gateway to yoga. Some people may come for the music and flow, and stay for the peace. To each their own. As long as we are respecting cultures, traditions, and people.
To your point to women and yoga: I actually also read studies showing that there were female yoga practitioners historically. The patriarchal history however only continued the male monks yoga that is indeed not made originally for female bodies. I personally find it important to have the awareness of other bodies and their needs and adjust the practice in an conscious way without appropriation but I’m going off topic with this 😂
Highly recommend the podcast or their ebook from “yoga is dead”. I will also write about all of this, have been sitting on a draft for months and been reading on the topic for years. Still struggle to wrap my head around it all
C-L, 100%. The history of the world is that where women have been ignored and erased in the archive, despite, ya know, always being around! hellloooo we keep the human race in circulation over here. Happy to see another social scientist interested in all of this and cannot wait to learn more from all of you!
Really so important to bring this up! I think people often think of 'original' yoga as the kind re-created in the twentieth century. It's good as a woman to subvert this, and paradoxically work within the original frame of authenticity and the idea that yoga is for everyone (though everyone at the time meant men).
Yes. There's a shop in Spitalfields market that sells them, at price. They're interesting, and resonate on a deep physical level. I still prefer silence. Apart from anything else, I hope one day to hear the hum of the universe
I once had a beautiful experience sort of related to that. Perhaps I'll write about it one day. We have experiences to give us glimpses of a deeper reality.
When I used to go to a yoga class in a leisure centre it was held on the same evening as a step aerobics class. The music was audible and not really conducive to relaxation! My preference would probably be for silence. Conversely years ago when I used to run it was always with headphones unless I was with someone else. A beat that matched my pace made the running easier.
Thanks, Jules! Yes, I think music can motivate or distract. The problem with yoga as a group activity is reaching all people -- additionally some (myself!) on different/days times prefer music or not. I guess what I like about going to a teacher is just trying to release into their experience. Thanks for sharing yours.
Oh, I love this discussion! I'll be checking back later to see how it develops, but first some initial thoughts...when I first attended yoga classes 2 decades ago, the couple of teachers I practised with always played a soundtrack - generally of the running water, relaxing style, although one of them sometimes played more upbeat music. The classes were all more of a vinyasa flow style, so I really enjoyed the more upbeat sound. Moving house and needing to find new classes, I was surprised that they didn't play any music! I really missed it at first, but have got used to it. My current teacher does a mixture of silence or a steady chanting music, which I find really gets me in the zone, although I find it difficult to get it out of my head all day! For my own home practice, I usually listen to a more modern, relaxing playlist on Spotify, a classical playlist, or I like the old Zero 7 album Simple Things, which always signals to me that it's time to do yoga! As for hip hop and other stuff, I haven't encountered these types of classes, but I think they sound fun! I enjoy moving to music that feels upbeat! I used to go to a really good class called Body Balance, run by my very first yoga teacher, which combined yoga, tai chi and pilates and set to a really upbeat pop/rock soundtrack. It took place on a Sunday morning and I remember feeling invincible afterwards 😀
Running water is lovely! However, I immediately thought it would make me pee during class 🤣
Natural noise is nice - and I guess it's recreating an outdoor experience?
Agree that sometimes music can help to lift us up and motivate. it sounds like you have had a huge variety of experience! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Kate.
Since I’m somewhat obsessive about music and also about yoga, the two interests can sometimes get in the way of each other--because sometimes music that I’m particularly interested in listening to closely can distract from my focus during practice. That said, at my studio the teachers use a variety of music, from traditional Indian to Radiohead to Rachmaninov, but they have the knack of matching the music and volume to the particular sequence, so it’s rarely distracting. But silence can be good too! (How’s that for an equivocal answer?)
Oh this makes complete sense despite the ambiguity! Your teachers also have nice choices. Certain obsessions, I think, are worth keeping totally pure. Thanks for your comment, John.
Puts me off if the music has lyrics that are really out of context and make me focus on them rather than what yoga is all about in the moment. No question, crazy music is not for yoga.
For me it depends on the style of yoga and also teacher though in terms of what feels best. There are some where the class is so good, you don’t even remember afterwards wether it was with or without music as it didn’t interfere.
Others haven’t mastered the art of holding space yet and whatever they chose, with or without music doesn’t feel right.
Music should take over the main role and be only subtle.
At home I practice 90% without music. Sometimes I need it to get into flow state and be held by something that sets the scene and blocks out outside noise.
Since I play crystal alchemy bowls, I like to end yoga in more restorative postures and add sound of the bowls either as recordings for myself or play for others.
Never thought of music in a session like this. I guess it depends on the feeling of the person. You could go full tilt and play beni-sync at the same time. PS Great indie music taste 😁
I've been teaching yoga since the mid-90s. Krishna Das was huge (still is) back in the early 2000s, and I always incorporated his music into my classes. That led to other "yoga music" from artists like Jai Uttal, Dave Stringer, Steve Gold, Donna De Lory, Tina Malia, Brenda McMorrow, Deva Premal & Mitten, Davin Newman, Rasa, and so many others. What a yoga-music genre we have now in 2023! I'm shocked there isn't a Grammy award category yet. I transitioned online two years ago, closing my studio of 14 years. I've never been happier and have continued to stream music from my vast Spotify library for my students during my classes, while listening on my teaching-end through ear pods. My studio name is "Bhadra Yoga," and one of my "golden oldies" playlists on there is simply titled, "Bhadra." Everything is publicly available under my name: Melanie McLeod.
That’s great, Melanie! I’ll check it out. True there is this genre. I don’t go for it at home but enjoy it in the studio. Your comment about the Grammy is funny but why not? :)
Is that complicated to stream while you teach it online? Hadn’t thought of that.
There is more out of touch with the individual in any given class than just the music. The nature of groups. So it might just take some searching to find a class that suits from all aspects, including the music/silence.
Personally, music helps me get out of my head...but if it isn’t aligned with my energy at any given moment it is aggravating. Generally I love music in any flow sequence if it matches the movement and my pace. I use Yiruma’s classic piano piece River Flows in You, with my leading hands flow. A favourite with my vinyasa flow is John Williams ‘Across the Stars’ from the Star Wars soundtrack.
As you can probably tell by my fussy comments I prefer my own personal practice than group classes. It is also why I don’t teach groups and prefer one-to-one sessions.
Agree so much with this about the group setting, Kelly. While it's nice to share in community, truly tapping into your own practice requires an authentic approach that one can't find in a group class. However, I guess the group gives you ideas for your own practice and motivation when you're not feeling up to it yourself.
John Williams! What a great idea. I love his music. We used to play a lot of it in concert band in high school :) I think I might flow into that really nicely. Will give it a go.
That makes sense - I think a lot of it has to do with environment. Now that I think of it...in HK although we were way up high in a studio, there is always TONS of noise - traffic, drilling, etc. - probably this is why my teachers almost all used music there even though they were probably more traditional :)
Mmm lots of mixed views around this but I feel that if it is something that resonates with the teacher/practitioner and allows them to deepen their practice, then so be it. Having danced almost my entire life both for leisure and as a career, music really has a way of getting into my heart. Now as a yoga teacher I play music during my classes but I curate the playlists to flow with the movements, making sure the sound “peaks” when we are perhaps in the peak stage of class, with it slowing down perhaps more quiet towards Savasana. I believe that sound is incredibly healing whether it’s live with singing bowls/harmonium or a soundtrack, provided it has been intentionally selected and if there are lyrics that they are of a yogic nature. I try create a sound journey to carry my students through their practice from beginning to end, as I believe it can help with experiencing the postures on a somatic level especially. My students have said to me that the music I choose really helps them to focus and also release, which aligns with the intentions of a yoga practice. That said, I love doing my personal āsana practice in silence too.
Love this reply, Nicola, thanks. Yes, I think authenticity is key and music is a natural way for humans to express themselves. I like the idea of a journey. I'm always so impressed when yoga teachers can really create this feeling through a playlist.
In my personal practice, I often allow the music I choose to guide me in the direction of movement.
Thanks again.
Ah yes a very important point you’ve made - that music can guide/initiate movement too. Letting the music take us on our mats is also an incredibly healing way to understand that we are movement. That processes/functions and energy are always moving inside or through us, and to connect with that.
I guess it's a kind of letting go for me!
Re: the tweet thread about white women twirking in down dog.
First off, yes, twirking in down dog feels inappropriate. However, listening to hip hop music while practicing yoga and calling it appropriation feels like a reach. If that is the case, all of yoga is an appropriation. We, as white people, who practice yoga with or without music are appropriating then.
Side note: yoga was never meant to be practiced by *any* woman. So the conversation feels DOA. If we return to the original goal of the practice, it never meant to include women, so I guess we are appropriating from the original patriarchal norms.
I have been practicing yoga for 10 years, with and without music. I don't claim either way is a higher form. And as someone else has mentioned, music can be a gateway to yoga. Some people may come for the music and flow, and stay for the peace. To each their own. As long as we are respecting cultures, traditions, and people.
Auch a good point Mary.
To your point to women and yoga: I actually also read studies showing that there were female yoga practitioners historically. The patriarchal history however only continued the male monks yoga that is indeed not made originally for female bodies. I personally find it important to have the awareness of other bodies and their needs and adjust the practice in an conscious way without appropriation but I’m going off topic with this 😂
Highly recommend the podcast or their ebook from “yoga is dead”. I will also write about all of this, have been sitting on a draft for months and been reading on the topic for years. Still struggle to wrap my head around it all
That’s a great podcast!
C-L, 100%. The history of the world is that where women have been ignored and erased in the archive, despite, ya know, always being around! hellloooo we keep the human race in circulation over here. Happy to see another social scientist interested in all of this and cannot wait to learn more from all of you!
❤️🙌 Yayy social scientists united
Really so important to bring this up! I think people often think of 'original' yoga as the kind re-created in the twentieth century. It's good as a woman to subvert this, and paradoxically work within the original frame of authenticity and the idea that yoga is for everyone (though everyone at the time meant men).
Thanks for such a great comment, Mary.
Thanks for the inquiry you suggest. It gives us a lot to chew on and I'm loving your newsletter. (This is only my second one!)
Thanks Mary 🤗💙
The closest I've come to music during Yoga is listening to a recording of Vedic chanting after (not during) yoga and meditation. I prefer silence.
Nice, I like the chanting though as well.
Have you ever heard Tibetan bells? I also like this. They are not easy to get your hands on though. I guess a recording could suffice!
Yes. There's a shop in Spitalfields market that sells them, at price. They're interesting, and resonate on a deep physical level. I still prefer silence. Apart from anything else, I hope one day to hear the hum of the universe
Oohhhhhh. Lovely!
I once had a beautiful experience sort of related to that. Perhaps I'll write about it one day. We have experiences to give us glimpses of a deeper reality.
When I used to go to a yoga class in a leisure centre it was held on the same evening as a step aerobics class. The music was audible and not really conducive to relaxation! My preference would probably be for silence. Conversely years ago when I used to run it was always with headphones unless I was with someone else. A beat that matched my pace made the running easier.
Thanks, Jules! Yes, I think music can motivate or distract. The problem with yoga as a group activity is reaching all people -- additionally some (myself!) on different/days times prefer music or not. I guess what I like about going to a teacher is just trying to release into their experience. Thanks for sharing yours.
The yoga teacher used to joke that she should charge extra for the music 😄. Interesting that you feel differently on different days.
Ha! That's brill.
There is a whole thing about copyright... 🙈 I'm not even going there!
Oh, I love this discussion! I'll be checking back later to see how it develops, but first some initial thoughts...when I first attended yoga classes 2 decades ago, the couple of teachers I practised with always played a soundtrack - generally of the running water, relaxing style, although one of them sometimes played more upbeat music. The classes were all more of a vinyasa flow style, so I really enjoyed the more upbeat sound. Moving house and needing to find new classes, I was surprised that they didn't play any music! I really missed it at first, but have got used to it. My current teacher does a mixture of silence or a steady chanting music, which I find really gets me in the zone, although I find it difficult to get it out of my head all day! For my own home practice, I usually listen to a more modern, relaxing playlist on Spotify, a classical playlist, or I like the old Zero 7 album Simple Things, which always signals to me that it's time to do yoga! As for hip hop and other stuff, I haven't encountered these types of classes, but I think they sound fun! I enjoy moving to music that feels upbeat! I used to go to a really good class called Body Balance, run by my very first yoga teacher, which combined yoga, tai chi and pilates and set to a really upbeat pop/rock soundtrack. It took place on a Sunday morning and I remember feeling invincible afterwards 😀
Running water is lovely! However, I immediately thought it would make me pee during class 🤣
Natural noise is nice - and I guess it's recreating an outdoor experience?
Agree that sometimes music can help to lift us up and motivate. it sounds like you have had a huge variety of experience! Thanks for sharing your thoughts here, Kate.
Since I’m somewhat obsessive about music and also about yoga, the two interests can sometimes get in the way of each other--because sometimes music that I’m particularly interested in listening to closely can distract from my focus during practice. That said, at my studio the teachers use a variety of music, from traditional Indian to Radiohead to Rachmaninov, but they have the knack of matching the music and volume to the particular sequence, so it’s rarely distracting. But silence can be good too! (How’s that for an equivocal answer?)
Oh this makes complete sense despite the ambiguity! Your teachers also have nice choices. Certain obsessions, I think, are worth keeping totally pure. Thanks for your comment, John.
Hi, Kathleen. Is the comment below really you? If not, I almost fell for it...
Thank you for alerting me as well.
It’s not John. Thank you. Have been impersonated and spammed apparently 🙄 have reported...
Puts me off if the music has lyrics that are really out of context and make me focus on them rather than what yoga is all about in the moment. No question, crazy music is not for yoga.
For me it depends on the style of yoga and also teacher though in terms of what feels best. There are some where the class is so good, you don’t even remember afterwards wether it was with or without music as it didn’t interfere.
Others haven’t mastered the art of holding space yet and whatever they chose, with or without music doesn’t feel right.
Music should take over the main role and be only subtle.
At home I practice 90% without music. Sometimes I need it to get into flow state and be held by something that sets the scene and blocks out outside noise.
Since I play crystal alchemy bowls, I like to end yoga in more restorative postures and add sound of the bowls either as recordings for myself or play for others.
Really love this idea that the music should feel like a seamless part of a class if it’s used.
The bowls are a lovely touch. Much feel very nourishing.
Thanks for these comments, Carmen!
Never thought of music in a session like this. I guess it depends on the feeling of the person. You could go full tilt and play beni-sync at the same time. PS Great indie music taste 😁
J-Pop?? 🤔 and thanks I was hoping someone would like my choices!
My bad hemi sync
I also had to look that one up! Either could be a choice!
I've been teaching yoga since the mid-90s. Krishna Das was huge (still is) back in the early 2000s, and I always incorporated his music into my classes. That led to other "yoga music" from artists like Jai Uttal, Dave Stringer, Steve Gold, Donna De Lory, Tina Malia, Brenda McMorrow, Deva Premal & Mitten, Davin Newman, Rasa, and so many others. What a yoga-music genre we have now in 2023! I'm shocked there isn't a Grammy award category yet. I transitioned online two years ago, closing my studio of 14 years. I've never been happier and have continued to stream music from my vast Spotify library for my students during my classes, while listening on my teaching-end through ear pods. My studio name is "Bhadra Yoga," and one of my "golden oldies" playlists on there is simply titled, "Bhadra." Everything is publicly available under my name: Melanie McLeod.
That’s great, Melanie! I’ll check it out. True there is this genre. I don’t go for it at home but enjoy it in the studio. Your comment about the Grammy is funny but why not? :)
Is that complicated to stream while you teach it online? Hadn’t thought of that.
Thanks for your comment!
There is more out of touch with the individual in any given class than just the music. The nature of groups. So it might just take some searching to find a class that suits from all aspects, including the music/silence.
Personally, music helps me get out of my head...but if it isn’t aligned with my energy at any given moment it is aggravating. Generally I love music in any flow sequence if it matches the movement and my pace. I use Yiruma’s classic piano piece River Flows in You, with my leading hands flow. A favourite with my vinyasa flow is John Williams ‘Across the Stars’ from the Star Wars soundtrack.
As you can probably tell by my fussy comments I prefer my own personal practice than group classes. It is also why I don’t teach groups and prefer one-to-one sessions.
Agree so much with this about the group setting, Kelly. While it's nice to share in community, truly tapping into your own practice requires an authentic approach that one can't find in a group class. However, I guess the group gives you ideas for your own practice and motivation when you're not feeling up to it yourself.
John Williams! What a great idea. I love his music. We used to play a lot of it in concert band in high school :) I think I might flow into that really nicely. Will give it a go.
Thanks so much for your comments Kelly!
That makes sense - I think a lot of it has to do with environment. Now that I think of it...in HK although we were way up high in a studio, there is always TONS of noise - traffic, drilling, etc. - probably this is why my teachers almost all used music there even though they were probably more traditional :)