Using Music during yoga practice is a widely debated amongst yoga instructors and students.  Traditionally yoga is practiced in silence, without any music; just you, the mat, and your practice.  In recent years yoga has become extremely westernized and has been modified to cultural norms using music as an additive to the practice. 

Through my personal yoga journey, I have concluded that there is a time and place for music.  I personally do not practice with music.  I strictly focus on myself, my thoughts, and the spiritual aspects.  I become distracted when practicing with music, hindering my personal goals and what I can achieve.

Although I don’t listen to music when I am personally practicing, I occasionally turn it on for classes, especially beginner classes.  The music distracts nervous students from their self-doubt and lets their minds stay focused in the class. 

When I am deciding to play music in class there are many factors that go into whether or not I play.  It ultimately depends on the day, the energy, the students, and many other factors.  If the group of students is comfortable, I might choose to practice in silence or with a very minimal soundtrack; if the group is uncomfortable and nervous I might play a soft upbeat mixture of melodies.

Each class gives off different moods every time I teach. It is essential for the success of my students that I pay attention to their emotion to choose if music is right and/or what kind of music.  I have several playlists to fit moods and emotion of my students. 

Here are a few of my favorite songs I play if the mood is right,

1)      “Enter One” by Sol Seppy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypApKTXuOxU

2)       “Like a Child” by Kalpataru

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEiRelN8SDE

3)      “Neurosomatic Circult” by Androcell

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzPf5Xy04Ck

4)      “Temple of De’Light” by Kaminanda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3gehz6vuR0

5)      “Kundalini Fuel” by Adham Shaikh

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PLGBGXwpAU

6)      “Urasvati” by Ishq

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1xTFQKg2ww

7)      “Composition in Teen Tal” by Amjad Ali Khan & Zakir Hussian

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNbXpS1MTZk

8)      “Your Eyes” by Anoushka Shankar

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4RZaszNhB0

9)      “A Walk” By Tycho

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RBSoK4aqTA

10)   Desert Dwellers have many different great options for yoga music.  They are typically about an hour and fifteen minutes long to last throughout the class.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkFmlR7AfUE

Namaste.